Municipal Recycling

Task Force Releases Findings

The Solid Waste Task Force in New Hampshire, a 27-member group established in 1999 by Governor Jeanne Shaheen, has released a report addressing several concerns, including:

• An increased cost for disposal of solid wastes

• Potential competitive disadvantages to independent waste haulers from consolidation

• Impact on New Hampshire’s disposal capacity from importing solid waste.

The report had several key findings related to the concerns of constituencies, both municipal and business. These findings include observing that consolidation is an industry-wide trend, both regional and national. There is also adequate disposal capacity in the state until 2010, and the cost of solid waste disposal in New Hampshire compared to other states is on the high end, but not by much. Disposal costs at incinerators were tracked at being below inflation while costs at landfills were above inflation. 

The task force made 26 recommendations to address these concerns and findings, most of which are directed at state agencies. The task force did note the responsibility of implementing these recommendations does fall on both the public and private sectors.

Some findings include:

• Both public and private groups should increase source reduction, recycling and composting.

• Legislation should consider establishing financial incentives to establish new facilities for recycling and waste diversion.

• Continue to promote “pay-as-you-throw programs.

• New Hampshire Congressional Delegation should consult with a variety of citizens and solid waste and other professionals before endorsing or rejecting federal legislation about the importing or exporting of waste.

For the complete report released by the Solid Waste Task Force, visit www.des.state.nh.us .

NRC Reschedules Its Congress

Responding to the uncertain status of the travel industry following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the National Recycling Coalition (NRC), Alexandria, Va., has rescheduled its 2001 Annual Congress.

The event had been scheduled to start September 30 in Seattle, but the organization chose instead to reschedule the Congress for January 13-16, 2002.

The organization has posted information on its Web site [www.nrc-recycle.org ] explaining changes to exhibitors and attendees.

“Because of both the emotional reactions and logistical problems resulting from the terrorist attacks, a significant number of moderators, speakers, and exhibitors [were] either unable or unwilling to participate in an event September 30-October 3,” text on the site reads.

The NRC says it will “transfer all registrations and exhibitions to the January dates.”

The new dates were chosen in part because the same facilities slated to be used in September and October were available. “NRC has confirmed with the convention center and the Sheraton that they will accommodate us from January 13-16, 2002,” the statement on the Web site notes.

The NRC is still accepting pre-registrations for the rescheduled Congress at its Web site.