HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/14/1989 SWC MinutesMOUNT PROSPECT RECYCLING COMMISSION
December 14, 1989 Meeting Minutes
PRESENT: Ken Westlake, Joe Kubik, Dick Bachhuber, George Luteri,
Brian Robertson, Steve Polit and Mary Winkler.
Glen Andler and Lisa Angell, Public Works Staff
Ron Otto, Joseph Letry, and Harold Rentschler, Mount Prospect
residents.
ABSENT: Brian Elizabeth Hubert and Paul Hoefert
Chairman Westlake called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Following
approval of the November minutes the Commission moved on to items under
Old Business.
A. BFI Contract Amendment
The amended contract states, effective April 1 through
November 30, 1990 all yard materials collected by BFI must be
disposed of in a permitted compost facility. Chairman Westlake
reviewed the merits of the April 1 start date rather than July 1.
The Commission identified the following schedule of subsequent
needs before April 1.
1) Ordinance(s) - Mandatory use of designated bags for collection
and disposal of yard materials. (For residents choosing this
method of disposal.) BFI's right to refuse to collect
materials not in compliance, ie, unauthorized container for yard
material, comingled materials and brush not meeting standards
for size and weight of bundles.
Mr. Andler will draft ordinance(s) for Commission's review. He
stated the ordinance(s) should go before the Village Board for
approval the first or second meeting in March.
2) Bag RFP - Mr. Andler stated RFPs should be submitted to the
Village Board by the first meeting in February for bid
acceptance.
Ken Westlake questioned whether the RFPs would be sent to wholesalers
or manufacturers. Glen Andler replied they would be sent to both.
Dick Bachhuber questioned if the bags were made from recycled paper.
Although this question could not be answered the Commission agreed that
if the paper bags from recycled fibers are available we should request
them. Mary Winkler suggested a message encouraging residents
to leave grass clippings on their lawns should be printed on the bag.
3) Public Information Pamphlets - Glen Andler stated there was no
money available at this time for pamphlets but he will go
before the Board to request funding. He also stated that BFI
would not be providing any type of financial support for yard
material education. Brian Robertson stated the start date of
April 1 should be emphasized. Mr. Andler replied this could
be accomplished in the flyer, to be directly mailed, to all
single family homes.
It was suggested and unanimously agreed that a subcommittee be formed to
meet with Public Works staff to develop brochures before the January
meeting. The following Commission members volunteered to serve on the
subcommittee; Mary Winkler, Brian Robertson and Steve Polit. The
meeting time will be determined following adjournment.
B. Multi -Family Units
Glen Andler stated a proposal had been submitted requesting funding
through CDBG for 1990. A pilot program for multi -family dwellings
would be implemented at Boxwood, Mount Shire and Hunington Commons
Apartments. BFI recommends service to multi -family units should
be for the collection of glass and aluminum only, and that glass
would need to be source separated. Although the proposal has been
accepted by the Director of Planning and Zoning it still needs to
be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Additional sources of funding to be pursued are; Department of
Energy and Natural Resources and the Glass Institute.
Chairman Westlake indicated he would contact the Glass Institute.
C. Plastics
Mary Winkler informed the Commission of her conversation with the
gentleman coordinating efforts between Waste Management and DuPont.
Although he indicated they (plastics recycling business) intend to
be in this area by spring, details were unclear. He is to write
her with updated details.
Dr. Luteri presented a written report to the Commission on:
1) Basic data on plastics
2) Recycling Processes
3) Contacts with Recycling Companies
4) List of Recycling Companies
5) Article on post -consumer materials
He also mentioned the Eaglebrook processing center in Melrose Park.
Glen Andler gave a brief update on BFI's progress on plastics.
Apparently the curbside densifier is almost ready but the delay
now is developing a processing center and upper management. Mr.
Andler indicated the Village is going to purchase bumper curbs from
Hammer Plastics. Any further discussion on plastics will be on
the agenda for March.
D. Bins in Public Buildings
Recycling bins have been placed on all three floors of Village
Hall, in the Senior Center, and Park District buildings. Schools
wishing to participate will receive bins next month.
E. Response from local newspapers
Chairman Westlake shared the letter from the Daily Herald in regard
to the Commission's letter requesting they at least test recycled
paper. Essentially the response indicated the publication will be
using recycled paper sometime in the future but at this time they
are tied to a long-term contract with their present supplier. The
letter also highlighted the negative aspects of recycled paper.
Use of the recycled paper will probably coincide with mandated
legislature.
There had been no response from the Journal, Chairman Westlake
stated he may call them.
George Luteri discussed further research into the use of recycled paper
for animal bedding, especially in light of another drop in the paper
market.
There being no other old business to discuss the Commission took up the
following topics under New Business.
A. Christmas Tree Recycling
Promotion of the program has been done through; flyers to tree
vendors, Cable TV, all three local newspaper publications, the
the Village Newsletter and the Village marquis. The program will
be available from January 2 through January 15.
B. Large Appliances
Although there is a concern about white goods in the landfills, ie,
PCB applicators, according to BFI it isn't a big issue. As many
retailers will remove old appliances for customers there doesn't
seem to be a need for the Village to establish separate collection
for these items.
C. Collection of Recyclables - Wheeling Program
According to publications Wheeling had about a 10% participation
rate for their program. It was the concensus of the Commission that
public awareness of non-profit organizations acceptance of
household goods would be equally if not more effective. Local
organizations will be contacted so there names can be listed in the
next Newsletter.
D. Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce Expo
Glen Andler informed the Commission of the Chambers request to
have a booth on Recycling at the Expo, March 2,3, & 4; Forest
View High School. Members of the Commission will work out a
schedule among themselves for manning the booth.E. Household
Hazardous Materials
The Commission gave Public Works staff approval to apply for a
household hazardous materials program through the Illinois EPA.
At this point the meeting was opened up for input from the residents in
attendance.
Mr. Letry shared with the Commission his concerns over the yard
material issue. Mr. Letry feels the Commission doesn't take into
consideration public opinion and that the cost of the program is being
unfairly placed on the resident.
Commission members reviewed their policy recommendations and insight
into the situation. Although the yard material policy has already been
adopted the Commission appreciated Mr. Letry`s taking the time to
present his concerns to the Commission and encouraged him to seek
additional information from the Commission on this topic.
Mr. Rentschler stated he supported the policy on yard materials and
also shared a recycling publication with the members.
Mr. Otto stated he supported the Commissions recommendation but at
times it does appear the Commission may not always get public input.
Mr. Otto also stated he is concerned about plastics but realizes it is
a complex issue.
Dr. Luteri suggested that when residents are interested enough to
attend the meetings we should make an effort to let them present their
views earlier in the meeting. All members agreed resident feedback
should follow approval of the minutes.
There being no other business the next meeting date was set for
Thursday, January 18, 7:30 PM at the Public Works Building. The
meeting was adjourned at 10:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Lisa Angell