Nonmetallics

Eugene, Ore., has implemented a new program aimed at collecting individual sized PET (iPET) plastic bottles at special events, schools and businesses. The Eugene Solid Waste and Recycling Program has used grant money for a trial run of the program. About 100 free “PETE’s Big Bins” were placed throughout the city. Availability of bins was publicized through newspaper advertisements, and the bins have been placed in a variety of locations and venues.

Collection locations include:

• Cuthbert Amphitheater: The facility has 25 bins placed next to trash cans. Water bottles are the predominant container recycled.

• Festivals: Eight bins were placed at the Kern’s Art and Vineyard Festival, where more than 400 pounds of iPET were collected at the six-day event.

• Retail settings: Bins were also placed at fitness centers, which often sell large amounts of iPET containers. Trials of bins placed at a convenience store failed because of high trash contamination.

• Autzen Stadium: 20 bins were placed at the stadium and were fairly well used, although most iPET was left in the stands.

• Bins were also placed at venues where people would most likely consume beverages in iPET bottles, such as street fairs and other special events.

Oil

California Stores Accept Oil for Recycling

As part of the Used Oil Recycling Program run by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), Sacramento, all Pep Boys stores in California are accepting used oil for recycling.

“Since Pep Boys first began involvement with the program in 1997, we’ve been pleased to provide safe and convenient locations for motorists to drop off their used lubricating oil for recycling,” Bill Furtkevic, director of marketing communications for Pep Boys, Philadelphia, says.

Those who wish to recycle their oil should bring it to the store and let personnel know they have uncontaminated used oil to drop off. Containers must be no larger than five gallons and there is a 20-gallon per person, per day limit. Consumers will receive 16 cents per gallon of oil recycled.