NW Product Stewardship Council Associates Update

This is a great organization and very important to the future of waste prevention and recycling!


Northwest Product Stewardship Council Associates Update -- September 2009

September 2009

LEGISLATION
Oregon Moves Forward With Implementation of Paint Producer Responsibility Law
Oregon is moving forward with the plan to implement the Oregon Paint Product Stewardship Law. Stakeholder meeting dates have been set for September 24, 2009, November 5, 2009, and December 10, 2009. Meetings with the National Paint & Coating Association (NPCA) and Product Care to finalize implementation details are scheduled to begin in early 2010.

Two Electronics Manufacturer Groups Submit Independent Plans to Collect Electronics in Washington
Two groups of manufacturers have designed and submitted independent plans to the Department of Ecology for participation in the E-Cycle Washington program in 2010. The two entities are the Manufacturer Interstate Takeback System (MITS), made up of Sony and Viewsonic; and the Manufacturers Independent Plan (MIP), whose members include Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba, and Samsung. If approved, these two additional plans would be required to provide electronics collection service in all cities and counties of the state with populations greater than 10,000. The Department of Ecology is reviewing the plans and will release more details soon.

New York City E-Waste Law Faces Lawsuit from Manufacturers
New York City passed a producer responsibility e-waste ordinance in 2008, similar to the Minnesota e-waste law. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) recently filed a lawsuit on July 24 to prevent New York City from implementing this new e-waste recycling program. The lawsuit challenges aspects of the New York City program which it calls "onerous" - particularly the regulations that require companies to collect products weighing over 15 lbs directly from residences. The lawsuit also claims that it is unconstitutional for states/local government to establish any new manufacturer responsibilities for their products that were sold prior to enactment of the law. The Electronics TakeBack Coalition is helping educate and coordinate states and local governments on this issue. Please contact Barbara Kyle at bkyle@etakeback.org for more information.

NWPSC ACTIVITIES
NWPSC Subcommittees
Pharmaceuticals
Members of the Pharmaceutical subcommittee participated in the National Drug Strategy Roundtable hosted by the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske, and U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee. The roundtable was held in Shoreline, Washington in July 2009. Discussion around the table was focused primarily on how to reduce the abuse of pharmaceuticals. Director Kerlikowske and U.S. Rep. Inslee were very interested in the results of the medicine return program in Washington (over 25,000 pounds of medicines collected) and the barriers to collecting controlled substances that were encountered. Director Kerlikowske said he was in discussions with the Drug Enforcement Administration on these issues.

Packaging
The packaging subcommittee is reviewing product stewardship programs from Canada and Europe that focus on packaging to see how those programs operate and if there are any program elements that would be feasible in the United States.

Mercury Lighting Policy
Subcommittee members have been tracking and analyzing 2009 mercury lighting recycling legislative initiatives around the country, especially Maine's new producer responsibility law. Washington members are preparing to participate in a stakeholder meeting to be convened on September 16th in Seattle by the Department of Ecology. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider recommendations for a statewide mercury lighting recycling program. Ecology's recommendations are due to the State Legislature by December 1, 2009 per a budget proviso passed in the 2009 session.

PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP IN THE NEWS
Oregon Paint Program Featured
Oregon’s new Paint Product Stewardship Program was recently featured in the Oregonian. The article discusses the vast amount of paint that is generated in Oregon and reviews how the new program will set up a system to provide residents with convenient recycling solutions for their used paint.

Push for Take-Back of Pharmaceuticals featured in Tacoma News Tribune
Pharmaceutical take-back programs were recently the focus of a Tacoma News Tribune editorial. The article pushes for the establishment of a safe, convenient take-back system for pharmaceuticals to keep dangerous drugs out of the hands of children and teens.

EVENTS
WASTECON 2009 to feature an Introduction to Product Stewardship
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) will feature a workshop on An Introduction to Product Stewardship at their Wastecon 2009 Conference, held September 21 – 24 in Long Beach, CA. The workshop will be lead by Heidi Sanborn, Outreach Director of the Product Policy Institute, and Susan Collins, Executive Director of the Container Recycling Institute, and will focus on the important basics of product stewardship and the key elements to an end-of-life system. The workshop will take place on September 21, 2009 from 9:00AM – 4PM.


WHO IS THE NWPSC?
The Northwest Product Stewardship Council (NWPSC) is a coalition of local government agencies related to solid waste, recycling, resource conservation, environmental protection, water quality and other issues. Together with non-government agencies (NGOs), individuals, and businesses across Washington and Oregon, they form a network supporting product stewardship and extended producer responsibility (EPR). For more information, contact info@productstewardship.net.

First ever class on how to research, start, run and maintain a Recycling, Composting & Waste Prevention Program in your area!

This new course will provide students with an in depth look into the Recycling & Composting Industries and the growing movement of Waste Prevention & Sustainability. The goals of the course are many. Do any of these describe you, your agency or business? Are you:

· Interested in setting up a new program(s) in your region, or improving an existing program(s)?
· A manufacturer, or packing industry professional, wanting to learn more about what qualifies products as recyclable or compostable?
· Interested in working in the Recycling, Composting or Waste Prevention/Sustainability Industry?
· Interested in learning about new trends and technologies in the industry?

There are several different types of recycling/composting programs and technologies to learn about and choose from and each region, and business, has specific needs. The course will provide students with the information they need to determine whether setting up a recycling and/or a composting program is feasible in their areas and if so what program works best for your region. Industry and Technology experts will be speaking throughout the year and will be integral to the program content.

Fall Quarter will cover the latest in organics diversion programs and composting technology in both urban and rural areas. Winter Quarter will cover the programs, technologies, processes and marketing opportunities for both urban and rural recycling programs. Spring Quarter will cover Waste Prevention and Sustainability Programs – because just moving materials from the garbage container to the compost/recycling container is not a long term sustainable solution – overall waste reduction is the key to long term Sustainability.

The non-credit tuition for the new University of Washington Certification Program on The Practice & Policy of Composting, Recycling & Waste Prevention has been reduced to $995.00 per quarter.

The course has also now been approved for credit for Civil &Environmental Engineering Masters Degree Candidates. For those taking the class for credit the tuition is $1,650.00 per quarter.

An informational webinar for the course will be held on Wednesday, September 9, at Noon. For more information, or to sign up for the webinar please visit: http://extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/ppc/ppc_gen.asp
Please join us for our information webinar at Noon on Sept 9, 2009.

For more information contact:

Kim Ducote’
(206) 551-4850
Resource Stewards, LLC
kim@resourcestewards.com
or
Susan Thoman
Corporate Business Development Director
Cedar Grove Composting,Inc./Emerald Services, Inc.
206-755-8309 Cellular Phone

Or

Richard Lewis
(206)685-6375
Assistant Director
University of Washington
Educational Outreach

Fall Sustainability Workshop Series Announced by The Natural Step Network

The Natural Step is a great program - new classes being offered now! Check out the information and link below. Details on workshops: http://www.naturalstepusa.org/SSFL

Portland, Oregon - The Natural Step Network-USA (TNS-USA) has announced a series of workshops to help participants thrive within naturally sustainable systems. The workshops focus on The Natural Step Framework, a proven, science-based method for achieving strategic sustainability.

“Green initiatives are a good start, but not enough,” according to TNS-USA Executive Director, Regina Hauser. “We use a comprehensive framework that helps people develop a vision and strategies for long term sustainability, building on short term successes.”

The Natural Step’s approach addresses the triple bottom line to create a systems view of the problems and their solutions. By integrating the basic principles of sustainability into the visioning process, leaders create more innovative strategies, actions and indicators to achieve real, lasting change.

The Natural Step Framework has been tested and improved over the past 20 years. It is the foundation for sustainable decision making for companies as large as Nike and as small as Hot Lips Pizza. It has also guided the evolution of sustainable cities, sustainable agriculture and the trend toward green buildings.

“Sustainability Using The Natural Step Framework” is an introductory course focusing on the basic principles of sustainability and the backcasting process. “Strategic Sustainability for Leaders” is a more intensive, hands-on examination of the skills and tools needed to elevate sustainable strategies within your organization or community.

The Natural Step Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon. It is the U.S. affiliate of The Natural Step International. TNS-USA is unique in its ability to integrate science with training and network collaboration, helping people accelerate change toward strategic sustainability.

Details on workshops: http://www.naturalstepusa.org/SSFL

Free Small Business Fair in Renton - September 12, 2009

Last year more than 400 businesses attended the Washington Small Business Fair. This year will mark the 13th annual fair of providing resources to help small business owners.

When: Saturday, September 12, 2009 Times: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Renton Technical College (3000 NE 4th Street, Renton, Washington)
Cost: Free Registration: None required. Just show up. For more information: Visit www.bizfair.org.

What: The Small Business Fair is designed to provide practical information on how to start or expand a small business. There will be a number of seminars and exhibitors present with valuable information for small businesses.Seminar topics include:
How to Get Government Contracts
Business Law Essentials
Navigating the IRS and State of Washington Web Sites
Developing a Business Plan
Using Social Media to Market Your Business
Drive Traffic to Your Web Site
Taxes and the Small Business Owner
More...

Free Sustainability Movie Night in Issaaquah

The City of Issaquah’s Resource Conservation Office is hosting the 3rd Sustainability Movie Night – on Wednesday, July 22 from 6-9pm, and it is free! We will be showing the movie King Corn.

Event details:
What: Movie: King Corn 6:30-9:00p.m. July 22 (come early at 6 p.m. to talk with exhibitors and get a good seat)
Where: King County Library Service Center* Community Room
960 Newport Way N.W., Issaquah (*This is not the downtown library!)

In “King Corn,” two friends move to Iowa to learn where their food comes from. Using genetically-modified seeds and powerful herbicides, they grow their own corn. As they then try to follow their corn into the food system, what they learn sparks many questions and concerns.

The event aims to educate the community about our nation’s food system and the production of corn in the United States. After the movie, a panel of experts will lead a discussion on our food system, agriculture and organic farming. Informational tables, as well as refreshments provided by PCC Natural Markets, will also be available to attendees. In addition, door prizes will be given away after the movie. For questions or more information please call the City of Issaquah's Resource Conservation Office at: 425-837-3400.

NW Recycling race is on - Seattle vs. Portland

Who will win this race? The environment! Yay!
http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_033109_lifestyle_portland_wasteful.8c531133.html

Details on Seattle's new Recycling & Food Waste Program

Check out this interesting article on the City of Seattle's new recycling and food waste collection program:
http://www.mnn.com/the-home/recycling/blogs/take-out-the-paper-and-the-compostable-trash

Economic Stimulus Projects WA State Dept of Ecology

Department of Ecology Economic Stimulus ProjectsEcology News Release: The Washington State Department of Ecology is playing a role in the economic recovery packages. Ecology estimates that they will create almost 7,500 jobs. Assisting job-producing projects in the environmental field by giving out grants and loans is just one way that they will achieve this. Visit www.ecy.wa.gov/recovery/ for more information and a complete list of Ecology’s federal stimulus projects.

What is Sustainability?

We read a lot in the news today about sustainability. So exactly what is it?

Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a great website on sustainability. For more information, visit their website by clicking here.