State’s recycling rate increases - Pollution Prevention …infohouse.p2ric.org/ref/07/06012.pdfState’s recycling rate increases for seventh consecutive year By Richard Chesley

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SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINEDHEC’S OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING

State’s recyclingrate increases

State’s recyclingrate increases

DHEC announces improvementfor seventh straight year

Winter 2000Winter 2000

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WINTER 2000SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINE

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Table of ContentsState’s recycling rate increasesfor seventh consecutive year ...................................... page 3

U.S. Postal Service deliversquality environmental programs .................................. page 4

Darlington County leads the wayin reducing waste, recycling ........................................ page 6

Peeler, Jordan kick offAmerica Recycles Day celebration ............................. page 9

Local, state governments discusscarpet recycling at workshop in Aiken ....................... page 10

“Champions” program recognizesenvironmental achievements of students ...................page 11

York County receives grant to set uphousehold hazardous materials project .................... page 12

Furman University has developedhighly successful recycling program ......................... page 13

S.C. Energy Office offerscomprehensive educational materials ....................... page 14

New ‘Recycle Guys’ cards are available ................... page 17

‘Action’ lessons teachabout conserving energy ........................................... page 18

New book, video availablefrom the Resource Center ......................................... page 18

Finley Road Elementary named best schoolwaste reduction, buying recycled program ............... page 19

City of Greenville honoredwith first “Buy Recycled” award ................................. page 20

“Recycle Guys” win morenational advertising awards ...................................... page 20

Conference, expo plannedfor composting during Year 2000 .............................. Page 21

South Carolina Recycles Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 4, is published quarterlyby DHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling. Funding for this

publication is provided by disposal fees from the Petroleum Fund inaccordance with the S.C. Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991.

Editor: Gregg Glymph; Associate Editors: Richard Chesley, ElizabethRosinski and Tammy Weller; Contributing Writers: Richard Chesley, Renee

Daggerhart, Gregg Glymph, Merritt Kearns, Dottie Landry, Tina Lindler,Elizabeth Rosinski, Holly Storey, Sharon Thompson and Tammy Weller.

Printed on Recycled Paper

South Carolina Lt. Governor Bob Peeler addresses studentsfrom St. Peter’s Catholic School during the America RecyclesDay Kick Off. Worley Taylor (far right), general manager fromBen Satcher Ford in Lexington which provided the state’sgrand prize, also spoke to the children about the importance ofrecycling. See page 9 for details.

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SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINE

Cover Story

State’s recycling rate increasesfor seventh consecutive year

By Richard Chesley

The amount of solid wasterecycled in South Carolinaincreased for the seventhstraight year, according tofigures being compiled for the1999 S.C. Solid Waste AnnualReport. More than 4.3 million tonsof solid waste, or 45 percent of thetotal waste stream which includesresidential, commercial and industrial waste,was recycled in fiscal year 1999 (July 1, 1998 to June30, 1999). That is a 3 percent increase from theprevious fiscal year when 4.2 million tons of solidwaste was recycled.

“Once again, the increase in the recycling rate can beattributed to strong local programs working inpartnership with the state’s technical assistance, grantand education programs,” said Art Braswell, director ofDHEC’s Division of Mining and Solid WasteManagement. The figures were based on reports doneby county governments and compiled for DHEC. Morethan 15 million tons of solid waste has been recycledsince fiscal year 1993, the first year countygovernments began reporting.

“While obviously we are pleased with the increase inthe state’s recycling rate, the fact is much remains tobe done,” Braswell said. “The recycling rate for severalcounties is somewhat inflated with the inclusion ofindustrial pre-consumer recycling in the overallrecycling totals. Industry recycling, however, plays alarge part in the state’s overall recycling rate.

“We can and should improve the recycling of everytypical commodity such as paper, plastic, aluminumand glass as well as yard waste and construction anddemolition debris,” Braswell said. “The department willcontinue to work with and provide assistance to localgovernments to improve residential recycling. Inaddition, there are other areas where recycling can bedramatically improved including hotels and motels,

apartment complexes, restaurants andbars. We certainly want to do what wecan to assist those areas as well.”

In addition to the overallrecycling rate increase, SouthCarolina’s overall wastereduction efforts increased 6percent to 11 percent. Morethan 9.4 million tons of solidwaste was generated in fiscalyear 1999, a decrease of more

than 500,000 tons from theprevious fiscal year when 10.1 million

tons of solid waste was generated. Tencounties have met both the state’s waste

reduction and recycling goals: Anderson, Charleston,Darlington, Florence, Hampton, Lancaster, Laurens,Lee, Oconee and Union.

Richard Chesley is manager of the Education andTechnical Assistance Section of DHEC’s Office ofSolid Waste Reduction and Recycling.

Total Solid WasteRecycling Efforts

by YearSOURCE: 1999 S.C. Solid Waste Annual Report

1993 ....................................... 1.4 percent

1994 ....................................... 7.8 percent

1995 ........................................ 16 percent

1996 ........................................ 27 percent

1997 ........................................ 34 percent

1998 ........................................ 42 percent

1999 ....................................... 45 percent

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Top

Stor

ies U.S. Postal Service delivers

quality environmental programsBy Richard Chesley

Every day, the U.S. Postal Service, USPS, handlesmore than 630 million pieces of mail, provides dailymail service to more than 130 million households andbusinesses and serves 7 million retail customers.Overall, the USPS handles 41 percent of the world’smail and delivers, on average, 24 pieces of mail toevery household every week.

Nationally, the USPS employsmore than 835,000 people,maintains more than 34,000 PostOffices and has an operatingbudget of nearly $60 billion. Theentire operating budget isgenerated internally - that is theUSPS does not receive taxdollars and is not part of thefederal budget. If the USPS werea private company, it would bethe 10th largest in the country.

The USPS, Greater South Carolina Cluster, employsmore than 7,500 people, maintains more than 350Post Offices and has an annual operating budget ofnearly $500 million.

Beyond delivering the mail, the USPS is recognized asa national leader in regards to its overall environmentalprogram. The USPS is committed to provideemployees and customers with a safe and healthyenvironment. In addition, the USPS believes thatenvironmental protection is the responsible thing to doand makes for sound business practices.

In 1993, the USPS began an effort to integrateenvironmental decision making into daily operations.The “Seven Environmental Guiding Principles” (seepage 5) were published and an EnvironmentalStrategic Plan was drafted to carry out the initiativesestablished by the principles.

The USPS, Greater South Carolina Cluster, has beenactively involved in environmental programs andeducational projects, including sponsoring teacherworkshops and America Recycles Day. “SouthCarolina Recycles Magazine” recently had the

opportunity to interview Tim Houston, environmentalcompliance coordinator - Columbia District, with theUSPS Greater South Carolina Cluster.

Q: What programs or activities do you have inplace to reduce waste, recycle and help protectthe environment?

A: The Postal Service is committed nationally toprotecting the environment and reducing waste.Some of the programs we have that support thatcommitment are:

● The CFC Reduction Program designed toeliminate the use of CFCs as a refrigerant inair conditioning systems;

● The Pollution Prevention Program thatidentifies specific waste streams and works toeliminate them at the source;

● The Energy Conservation Program whichhelps reduce energy usage;

● The Alternate Fuel Program in which wepurchase vehicles capable of running onenvironmentally-friendly fuels;

● The Affirmative Procurement Program forall employees with purchasing authority. Theyare encouraged to purchase products withrecycled content. Each employee is alsofurnished with a manual that contains sourcesfor environmentally-friendly products; and

● The Recycling Program , of course.

We encourage anyone who would like to knowmore about all of our environmental programs tocheck out our web site atwww.usps.com .

Houston

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Top Stories

Q: Tell us about the recycling program in SouthCarolina.

A: We are very proud of our recycling program. Lastyear in South Carolina we recycled more than10,000 tons of various materials including paper,cardboard, used motor oil, steel, aluminum,vehicle batteries, tires, antifreeze and plastic.

Q: The U.S. Postal Service buys more than $160million in recycled content materials everyyear. What are some of the examples of theitems you purchase?

A: We make a real effort to locate and purchaseproducts with recycled content. We use re-refinedmotor oil, refurbished batteries and retreaded tireson our vehicles. All copy paper purchased has 30percent post-consumer content. All postal paperproducts such as stamps and envelopes are madewith recycled content material. The GreenBuildings Program specifies a number of recycledcontent building materials to be used duringconstruction of new facilities. The USPSunderstands the importance of supporting marketsfor recycled products and we also recognize theimpact that we can have on that market with morethan $160 million a year in purchases of recycledcontent products. We feel that our environmentalpurchasing policy is helping to take products withrecycled content from a novelty or specialtymarket into the mainstream where this type ofproduct is the rule rather than the exception.

Q: How does the U.S. Postal Service promoteenvironmental issues in South Carolina?

A: We believe that the Greater South CarolinaCluster has taken a leading role in environmentaleducation in the state, working with DHEC’s Officeof Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling, the S.C.Energy Office, the S.C. Department of Educationand others. We are a member of the state’sAmerica Recycles Day steering committee andsupport the project in many ways, includingplacing tabletop displays in each of the state’s postoffices promoting November 15 and providingcards that challenge South Carolinians to recycleand buy recycled. We’re also a member of aunique partnership, the S.C. Partnership onPlastics Recycling, that is dedicated to improveplastics recycling in the state. We have helped

develop, staff and fund “Energy 2 Learn”statewide summerworkshops for teachers

during the past two summers. In addition, we havebecome a partner in promoting and providing“Action for a cleaner tomorrow: A South CarolinaEnvironmental Curriculum Supplement.” We haveprovided recycled three-ring binders for thecurriculum supplement as well as providedrecycled content items for teacher workshops. Wealso provide collection boxes at no cost forschools that want to recycle aluminum cans.

One of the most exciting projects that we recentlycompleted was placing “Action” on CD-ROM. Nowteachers who are trained on the curriculumsupplement will receive a hard copy of “Action” orthe CD-ROM. “Action” will be placed on thenational web site of the USPS - something thatshould make all South Carolinians quite proud.

Finally, each individual postmaster is encouragedto support any local environmental event in theirtown or city.

Seven EnvironmentalGuiding Principles

1. We will meet or exceed all applicableenvironmental laws and regulations in a cost-effective manner.

2. We will incorporate environmentalconsiderations into our business planningprocesses.

3. We will foster the sustainable use of naturalresources by promoting pollution prevention,reducing waste, recycling and reusingmaterials.

4. We will expect every employee to takeownership and responsibility for ourenvironmental objectives.

5. We will work with customers to addressmutual environmental concerns.

6. We will measure our progress in protecting theenvironment.

7. We will encourage suppliers, vendors andcontractors to comply with similarenvironmental protection policies.

See USPS, page 7

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ies Darlington County leads the way

in reducing waste, recyclingBy Tammy Weller

For six years, DarlingtonCounty has offered recycling toresidents by collecting itemsfrom glass to cooking oil. With12 convenience centers and thecities of Darlington, Hartsvilleand Lamar offering curbsidecollection, the county recycledmore than 3,600 tons ofmaterials in fiscal year 1999.

Currently, Darlington County isthe only area in the state with a fee-based solid wasteprogram, also known as Pay-As-You-Throw. Instead ofresidents paying for solid waste disposal throughtaxation, residents control the amount they pay fordisposal. Residents purchase as many bags as theyneed for disposal. By recycling and reducing theamount of waste generated, residents reduce theamount of trash and the amount of bags theypurchase. This process encourages recycling andwaste reduction.

Gary Diestler, the area’s recycling coordinator, hasbeen with the county for more than a year. Recently,“South Carolina Recycles Magazine” asked Diestlerabout Darlington’s successful waste reduction andrecycling programs:

Q: Why do you feel it is important to collectrecyclables in your county?

A: There are numerous reasons why we collectrecyclables: it conserves resources; it conserveslandfill space; we can directly reuse items at ourdrop and swap program; it controls possibleenvironmental contaminants; it offers a source ofincome from the sale of the recycling commodities;and it reduces each individual resident’s cost ofwaste disposal.

Q: How is your program serving the need ofcounty residents?

A: I have learned there are thousands of people justas concerned about recycling and its benefits as I

am. We try to make it as easy as possible for theresidents to drop off recyclables and to offer asmany programs as we can. I am always open toadding new items to our program. Our recyclingprogram offers the residents large blue bins for alltheir items. All the customer needs to do is dumpthe bin on a sorting table where the attendantsorts out the commodities and places them in thefinal destination container. The customer isencouraged to do this rather than sorting the itemsthemselves. An added benefit of this is that we caneliminate commodity contamination.

Q: Darlington County is currently the only countyin the state implementing the Pay-As-You-Throw program. Describe this program andwhy the county implemented the program forits residents.

A: Like so many other counties, the legislation of1991 resulted in the closing of our landfill. Sincethen we have built a transfer station to facilitatehauling our waste to a regional landfill. It wasdetermined that the most equitable way to spreadthis cost among residents was to initiate a Pay-As-You-Throw “yellow bag” system. All trash is to beplaced in the yellow bag. These bags can bepurchased at 150 different stores and marketsthroughout the county. They are available in 90, 30and 13 gallon sizes. It was felt that our residentsshould be offered the opportunity to control theirwaste disposal costs by encouraging them torecycle as much as possible. Our program iscalled the “Trash Two Step.” The first step is torecycle as much as you can, and the second stepis to yellow bag the rest. It has worked out verywell and our residents have adapted to theprogram enthusiastically.

Q: Darlington County has met the state’srecycling rate for the last several years. Whatdo you attribute to your county’s success?

A: Our Pay-As-You-Throw program goes hand inhand with our great recycling rate.Our yellow bag programencourages residents to recycleas an incentive to save on their

Diestler

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SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINETop Stories

trash disposal costs. The cooperation from ourresidents has been tremendous. Initially, as Iunderstand it, there was some reluctance inaccepting the program, but through intensive andextensive (multi-media) educational efforts, theprogram has grown to what it is today.

Q: What activities or events do you offer toeducate residents about the importance ofrecycling and waste reduction?

A: We have distributed pamphlets, bulletins andnewsletters. We have advertised in thenewspapers and even ran a radio advertisementon recycling tires. We have had information boothsat local festivals and have educated teachers inthe state curriculum guide as well as theclassroom. Yet I feel this is still an area of ourprogram where I have some new ideas I would liketo try.

Q: What do you feel is the greatestaccomplishment Darlington County hasachieved in the recycling program?

A: The fact that we consistently meet the state’srecycling goals and have successfully establisheda Pay-As-You-Throw program that is equitable toall the residents of Darlington County arenoteworthy accomplishments. However, there isstill much more to do.

Darlington County has implemented a way to makedisposal costs equitable to every resident. Through

Q: What are some other examples ofeducational materials concerning recyclingissues available for teachers andeducators? How can they receive thisinformation?

A: We have a variety of materials available toteachers such as brochures and fact sheetsabout postal environmental programs, itemsmade from recycled material and boxes to usefor starting a recycling program. Most of thesecan be requested by writing to Tim Houston,environmental compliance coordinator, U.S.Postal Service, P.O. Box 929110, Columbia,SC 29292-9110 or by e-mail at [email protected] .

Q: What changes are we likely to see at theU.S. Postal Service concerning wastereduction and recycling for the newmillennium?

A: In South Carolina we have plans to expandour paper recycling program to include alloffices in the state. We recently began a newprogram with a different company and it looksvery promising. Once we get the entire clusteroperational we expect to be recycling morethan 65 percent (by weight) of our total wastestream. We’ll continue to work on improvingother environmental projects, includingreducing our energy usage. But most of all, wewill continue to work with our partners toprovide fair, balanced environmental educationprograms and projects for teachers andstudents.

Richard Chesley is manager of the Education andTechnical Assistance Section of DHEC’s Office ofSolid Waste Reduction and Recycling.

USPS, continued from page 5

this program, they have met the recycling goals of thestate over and over again. Through education and thesupport of its residents, Darlington County takes thatextra step to try new and creative programs tocontinue to lead the state in its recycling efforts.

Tammy Weller is the environmental quality managerfor DHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction andRecycling. For more information, please call 1-800-768-7348.

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South Carolina Lt. Governor BobPeeler talks to students about theimportance of recycling during theAmerica Recycles Day Kick Off onNovember 4th.

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Peeler, Jordan kick off 1999America Recycles Day celebration

By Elizabeth Rosinski

Lt. Governor Bob Peeler joinedColumbia Postmaster LarryJordan at the Main Street PostOffice on November 4th toofficially kick off this year’sAmerica Recycles Day effort.

Joined by DHEC’s Office ofSolid Waste Reduction andRecycling mascots Motor OilGuy and Aluminum Can Guyand the U.S. Post Office’s LetterLady, Lt. Governor Peeler spoke toan audience that included members ofthe America Recycles Day steeringcommittee and third-grade students fromSt. Peter’s Catholic School. Peelerencouraged all residents of South Carolina toparticipate in their local recycling program, reducewaste whenever possible and accept the challenge ofAmerica Recycles Day to recycle and buy recycled.

He reminded everyone that while South Carolina isrecycling at a record rate, there is more we can do bypurchasing products made from the items we recyclein our curbside bins or drop off at a recycling center.Peeler also showed the new 30-second television spotfeaturing the Recycle Guys encouraging people tomake the commitment to recycle by visiting their localPost Office to pick up a challenge card. By filling outthe card, participants became eligible for variousprizes, including a one-year lease to a Ford Mustangfrom Ben Satcher Ford in Lexington.

Office announces statewide winners

Rock Hill resident and recycler, R.L. Bagwell, has wonSouth Carolina’s grand prize in the latest AmericaRecycles Day effort. A one-year lease on a FordMustang was awarded to Bagwell after he picked uphis America Recycles Day challenge card at a YorkCounty recycling center, filled it out and mailed it to his

local recycling coordinator.

More than 37,000 residents acceptedthe challenge to recycle and

buy products made from recycledmaterials. America Recycles Day is

held each year on November 15.Challenge cards were collected at

various events andpresentations throughout thestate. They could also bepicked up at any local PostOffice branch, some countyrecycling centers, and throughnewsletters and radiopromotions.

In addition to awarding prizes toindividuals who accepted the

challenge of recycling by filling out acard, essay contests were held to also

encourage schools and families to getinvolved with America Recycles Day and

raise awareness.

Sumter resident Miriam Bridges and her son Tylerwere named the 1999 Recycling Family of the Yearand received a $1,000 savings bond courtesy ofInternational Paper. Bridges wrote in her essay, “Wehave over 20 cloth bags we use for carrying ourshopping goods as well as transporting almostanything that will fit in them…We recycle our aluminumcans, all colors of glass, #1 and #2 plastics,newspaper, cardboard, magazine and loose paper. Allof our food waste is composted in the garden.” Bridgesconcludes her essay by writing, “As you can see byour many ventures, recycling can be the beginning, butis certainly not the end. Through education andparticipation, a way of life evolves incorporating themany facets that create the web that connects all ofhumanity by taking responsibility, volunteering,sharing, caring and building self esteem.” There werealso four runners-up who each received a $250savings bond. They included: Carol G. Dotterer ofCharleston; The Huffman Family of Rock Hill; DerylMcKinney of Greenville; and Susie Robinson ofCharleston.

A second essay contest, also sponsored byInternational Paper, was held to honor a SouthCarolina school for their recycling efforts and

See ARD 1999 on page 22

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WINTER 2000SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINEPa

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ps Local, state governments discusscarpet recycling at workshop in Aiken

By Dottie Landry

The S.C. Recycling Market Development AdvisoryCouncil (RMDAC) held a carpet recycling workshopOctober 28th at the University of South Carolina-Aikento gain an understanding about current carpetrecycling programs and promote recovery of thisemerging recyclable material. The workshop broughttogether local and state government officials, the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency and carpet retailersto hear presentations from a panel of carpetmanufacturers and scrap carpet processors eager to

receive more of this under-recovered fiber. Thepanelists included Allied Signal, Collins & Aikman,DuPont, J & J Industries, Leigh Fibers and Milliken.

Due to carpet’s bulk, weight and the special care tokeep it dry, it has traditionally been a difficult type ofmaterial to collect. Despite this, recycling carpet effortsare increasing as companies are coming on line tocollect it. One such company at the workshop wasReCycLe Solutions in Greenville. They collect all typesof carpet, padding, cardboard and tubes throughoutthe state from counties and large retail dealers.Clients are supplied with an enclosed, locking storagetrailer and stairs. ReCycLe Solutions picks up the fulltrailer and leaves an empty trailer at the client’srequest. Due to their efforts, more than 214,000pounds of nylon 6 and 143,000 pounds of nylon 66have been recycled to date.

Two counties in South Carolina are interested in carpetrecovery and are working with ReCycLe Solutions tocollect carpet. Pickens County is planning to have atrailer set up at the Construction and Demolition landfilland will charge a discounted tipping fee for carpetbrought to the landfill. Since about 75 percent ofrecycled carpet is from residents, Anderson County willplace a trailer at its convenience center for residents torecycle their carpet. A carpet retailer, Hodge Carpets,is working with ReCycLe Solutions and saves morethan $1,000 per month by recycling carpet instead oflandfilling it. If you have further questions or would liketo start a carpet recycling program in your area,contact ReCycLe Solutions at (864) 609-9230.

Workshop participants also toured the EvergreenNylon Recycling Facility in Augusta, Georgia, a jointventure between Allied Signal and DSM Chemicals ofNorth America. It is designed to process 250 millionpounds of post-consumer carpet per year intocaprolactam and co-product per year. Caprolactam isthe basis for new carpet production and the co-productwill be shipped to a cement manufacturer to producecement.

If you would like more information about thisworkshop, the panelists or other regional carpetworkshops, contact Dottie Landry,assistant manager with RMDAC, at(803) 737-0239 or [email protected] .

WORKSHOP PANELISTS

● Allied Signal , through the Evergreen NylonRecycling Facility, collects nylon 6 carpet thatis converted back into caprolactam to producenew nylon 6 for carpeting and auto parts.

● Collins & Aikman produces commercialmodular and six foot peel-and-stick tiles with alow VOC adhesive. Their ER3 programcontains 100 percent recycled content backingthat is collected through a customer take-backprogram and includes taking competitor’sproducts made from vinyl backing. Theseproducts have a 20-year warranty and has aninfinite life cycle.

● DuPont has more than 80 scrap carpetcollection centers throughout the UnitedStates and Canada. This company accepts alltypes of carpet fiber from their customers, thensorts and processes into a variety of differentproducts. The recycled carpet fiber is madeinto car parts, Reptile Floor Covering, EcoSoft,Hummer Turf, padding, soundproof productsand soil enhancements.

● J & J Industries collect commercial carpet forfiber industries such as Evergreen NylonRecycling and BASF’s 6IX Again Program.

● Leigh Fibers processes and bales industrialscrap carpet and sells it to manufacturers ofyarn and cotton balls.

See Panelists on page 22

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SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINEPartnerships

‘Champions’ program recognizesenvironmental achievements of students

By Merritt Kearns

“Champions of the Environment”is a program that recognizesand rewards students for theiroutstanding environmentalachievements. The“Champions of theEnvironment” MonthlyRecognition ScholarshipProgram is open to studentsin grades K-12. Each monthindividual students, classesor groups of students areselected as “Champions of theEnvironment” based upon theirenvironmental achievements. Theyare awarded a $100 savings bondscholarship, T-shirts, medallions, a featureon the “Champions” web page and star in a 30-secondtelevision spot highlighting their work. At the end of theschool year, all of the monthly “Champions” arereviewed. From that group, yearly “Champions of theEnvironment” are selected and awarded $1,000savings bond scholarships.

The program consists of a partnership betweengovernment, business and media. The partnersinclude: DuPont, International Paper and WIS-TV.These partners provide the resources and expertise toachieve “Champions of the Environment’s” overall goalas well as build relationships. DHEC funding for thisprogram is through the Environmental ProtectionAgency Section 319 grant.

Since its creation in 1992, thousands of students andteachers have been recognized as “Champions of theEnvironment.” More than $50,000 in savings bondscholarships have been awarded to studentsthroughout South Carolina. Schools throughout thestate have participated in “Champions of theEnvironment.” “Champions of the Environment” looksforward to utilizing the partnerships and relationships ithas built to recognize, reward and encourage morestudents to protect and improve the environment. Eachmonth up to three projects are selected as

“Champions of the Environment.” Theapplication deadline is the 25th of eachmonth.

For an application or moreinformation on the program, please

call Merritt Kearns at (803) 898-4394 or e-mail at kearnsms@

columb32.dhec.state.sc.us .You can also download andprint an application from the“Champions” web page atwww. state.sc.us/dhec/eqc/water/html/champion.html .

“Champions” name new program

coodinator

“Champions of the Environment”recently named Merritt Kearns as their

new program coordinator. Merritt joins the“Champions” program after 2 1/2 years with DHEC’sDrinking Water and Recreational Waters Section.Before joining the agency, Kearns was a high schoolscience teacher.

Merritt Kearns is “Champions of the Environment”program coordinator for DHEC’s Bureau of Water. Formore information, call (803) 898-4394 or e-mail [email protected] .

CRA sets annual conference

The Carolina RecyclingAssociation will hold its10th annual conferenceand trade show onMarch 13 through 15,2000. The event will beheld at the Grove ParkInn Resort in Asheville,North Carolina. Formore information aboutthe conference, call(919) 851-8444. Forroom reservations, call1-800-438-0050.

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S York County receives grant to set uphousehold hazardous materials project

By Sharon Thompson

A $50,000 grant to set up a pilot site dedicated to theproper management of household hazardous materialshas been awarded to York County by the S.C.Department of Health and Environmental Control.Household hazardous materials are found ineveryone’s home. Bleach, solvents, pesticides andother household chemicals are leftover products thatare difficult to dispose of properly. The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency estimates that eachhousehold generates more than 20 pounds ofhousehold hazardous materials each year and has anaccumulation of as much as 100 pounds.

“There is not a day that goes by that we do not receivea telephone call asking where to dispose of paint,pesticides, cleaning products and other hard-to-manage materials,” said DHEC CommissionerDouglas E. Bryant. “We’re hoping this grant will be afirst step toward the development of permanentcollection sites throughout South Carolina.”

One-day collection events have been held nationally toincrease awareness of the problems associated withthe accumulation of household hazardous materials.Most experts agree that permanent collection sites aremore cost-effective and provide an ongoing solution ascompared to one-day collection events. States thatcurrently have statewide permanent collectionprograms are Iowa, Florida, Minnesota, Oregon,Washington, North Carolina and Alabama.

York County’s pilot project will be located at anexisting, staffed recycling center operated by thecounty. Funding will cover the cost of a fireproofbuilding, collection containers, operating supplies,educational activities and contractual costs fordisposal or recycling. York County was chosen basedupon need and the ability to provide a suitable site,and operate and promote the center on an ongoingbasis. “We’re very enthusiastic,” said JackWestmoreland, York County’s recycling coordinator.“We’ve had three household hazardous materialscollection days and everyone, from the residents ofYork County and county council, is excited aboutreceiving funding for a permanent collection site.” YorkCounty will provide the land and labor for sitepreparation and operation, training for handling thematerials plus containers and contractor costs for thecenter.

York County will have the second permanenthousehold hazardous collection site in the state.Charleston County took the lead by being the first toset up a permanent site to recycle paint. They haveexpanded the center to collect more difficult materials,including pesticides, solvents and other householdchemicals.

“We know that this grant is not sufficient to serve theneeds of all of South Carolina,” Bryant said. “The goalof this grant for a pilot project is to illustrate to otherlocal governments that the collection and recycling ofhousehold hazardous materials is a manageableproblem.” For additional information on this program,please contact Jana White or Pam Bergstrand at1-800-768-7348.

Sharon Thompson is the grantsadministrator for DHEC’s RecyclingGrants Program.

Office now acceptingcollege, university grant

applications on-lineDHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction andRecycling is now accepting applications for the2000-2001 College and University Recycling GrantProgram. All applications must be received nolater than Monday, March 13, 2000 for fundingconsideration.

For the first time, the application package can bedownloaded from the DHEC web site. The addressis www.state.sc.us/dhec/eqc/lwm/recycle/html/recycle1.html . You may submit your applicationby e-mail to [email protected] by completing the downloaded file usingMicrosoft Word or WordPerfect. For moreinformation, contact Tina Lindler at (803) 896-4235.

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Furman University has developedhighly successful recycling program

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Grants workshop plannedfor recycling coordinatorsA recycling grants workshop is planned forrecycling coordinators and grant administrators onFebruary 1, 2000. The workshop will be held atLynlee Hall in Columbia and will begin at 10 a.m.Application procedures for fiscal year 2001 SolidWaste Grants, Waste Tire Grants and Used OilGrants will be reviewed and discussed. Forregistration information, contact Sharon Thompsonat (803) 896-4227.

By Tina Lindler

Furman University, located in Greenville County, haswhat many consider to be a picture-postcard perfectcampus - tree-lined driveways, beautiful buildings andneat, not-a-thing-out-of-place grounds. Furman alsohas what many outside the campus may not know - ahighly successful recycling program. Furman began itsrecycling program during the 1993-94 school year withthe collection of office paper, aluminum and cardboard.Since then, the university has increased awarenessefforts and provided more recycling opportunitiesthroughout the campus to improve and expand theprogram.

“We are very proud of our recycling program,” said PhilLewis of the university’s facility services. “It is just notour efforts here at Furman. The availability of statefunds through the grants program is a big incentive.We also have the support and assistance of the countyprogram. That has made a tremendous difference ineverything we do.”

But much of the credit belongs to Lewis, too, accordingto Jana White, manager of DHEC’s Recycling GrantsProgram. “Phil Lewis has done a great jobcoordinating the entire program and making it betterevery year,” White said. The university providesrollcarts to collect recyclables near every wastereceptacle on campus - and in the past three years thenumber of rollcarts has increased from 40 to 79.“Every student who takes the trash out has theopportunity to recycle,” Lewis said.

Currently, there are two types of recycling containerson campus: commingled and paper products. Itemsthat can be placed in the commingled containers arealuminum and plastics such as soft drink anddetergent bottles. The other container is for paper andcardboard packaging. Classrooms have both paperand commingled containers. All copy machine areashave a bin for paper and drink machine areas havecommingled bins. In addition, students are alsoencouraged to recycle used oil and tires at the nearbyBlackberry Transfer Station.

Furman also has expanded its recyclingprogram to include a housing complexfor students. North Village Housing

was completed about two years ago with the latestaddition being opened this past August. All dumpsterareas in this complex have paper and commingled binslocated nearby for students to recycle. When the landwas cleared for the construction of the dormitories, theuniversity rented a tub grinder to grind the trees formulch around the campus. Lewis also said he isfortunate to work with proactive students, faculty andstaff. The university has an Environmental AdvisoryCouncil as well as a student-run Environmental ActionGroup.

The Environmental Action Group strives to educateothers about the impact that each person has on theworld around them. The group is involved in a varietyof projects, such as the “Loaves and Fishes” program,which allows leftover food from the dining hall to begiven to the Greenville Rescue Mission. In addition, thegroup celebrates Earth Day with a series of events,such as theme dinners, environmental speakers andactivities designed to teach environmentalresponsibility.

There are other environmental issues as well. Walkingand riding bicycles is strongly encouraged. There arebike and walking trails throughout the campus. Long-range plans call for some existing streets on campus tobe closed to automobiles and used only for pedestrianor bicycle traffic. And the university is exploringalternative methods of transportation on campus, such

See Furman , page 23

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comprehensive educational materialsBy Richard Chesley

“Energy 2 Learn,” a partnership between the S.C.Energy Office and DHEC’s Office of Solid WasteReduction and Recycling, offers teachers and studentsa comprehensive energy education program.

“We have been working on expanding and improvingour educational programs and outreach in the past fewyears,” said Renee Daggerhart, public informationcoordinator of the S.C. Energy Office. “‘Energy 2

Learn,’ with its programs and materials,provides teachers withone of the mostcomprehensive

energy educationprograms available.”

“Energy 2 Learn”includes classroom

lessons, an awards programand other materials including,“The Energy FactBook: AResource for South Carolina”and “The Science Fair ProjectGuidebook: A Resource forStudents and Parents.” Allprogram materials are availableat no cost to teachers, schools

and students. Teachers are welcomed andencouraged to use any or all of the programs offered.

“Energy 2 Learn” offers balanced, objective and multi-sided information and materials and provides SouthCarolina’s teachers and students with one of thenation’s top energy education programs. Please readthe synopsis of each of the following programs offered.If you have any questions, call DHEC’s Office of SolidWaste Reduction and Recycling at 1-800-768-7348 orvisit our web site at www.state.sc.us/dhec/eqc/lwm/recycle/html/recycle1.html for more information.

“Energy 2 Learn” is comprised of:

● “Action for a cleaner tomorrow: A SouthCarolina Environmental CurriculumSupplement:” The kindergarten through 12thgrade curriculum supplement includes 10 energylessons that provide not only a global and national

perspective on energybut South Carolina-specific information aswell. Teachers canreceive a copy of“Action” following amandatory three-hourworkshop. Both thecurriculum andworkshop are providedat no cost.

● Palmetto Energy Awards Program: ThePalmetto Energy Awards Program, PEAP, is aspecial program for K-6 students, helping themlearn about energy and how it affects theireveryday lives. By completing teacher-approvedprojects on energy conservation and energysources, students will earn points towardachieving different awards. The program can bedone in individual classrooms or the entire school.For more information about PEAP, see page 15.

● South Carolina/NationalEnergy EducationDevelopment Project:The National EnergyEducation DevelopmentProject, NEED, is anationally recognizedenergy education programdedicated to developinginnovative educationmaterials and trainingprograms for teachers andstudents. NEED is now part of South Carolina’s“Energy 2 Learn” program for grades 7-12.

● “Energy 2 Learn: The Summer Workshop:”Every summer a statewide workshop is offered toteachers or educators with the latest informationon energy and other environmental issues,including air, recycling and water. Admission isfree, but limited. Participants receive a copy of“Action for a cleaner tomorrow” and otherclassroom materials, promotionalitems and fabulous door prizes.Sponsors include the S.C. EnergyOffice, DHEC’s Office of Solid

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Waste Reduction and Recycling and the U.S.Postal Service, Greater South Carolina Cluster.

Other “Energy 2 Learn” projects and materials include:

● “The Science Fair Project Guidebook: AResource for Students and Parents” is availableat no cost. The hands-on guidebook covers thebasics from how tochoose a science fairtopic to the final exhibit.How much - or littleshould parents help?Where can you findsupplies for the project?Just what is ahypothesis? These andother questions areanswered. Theguidebook, which is applicable for students andparents of all ages, also contains 10 science fairproject ideas on energy. Call the S.C. EnergyOffice at 1-800-851-8899 for more information.

● “Energy 2 Learn Science Fair Project Awards”will be given to the top school science fair projectsrelating to energy in the state’s seven regions.

● “The Energy FactBook: A Resource for SouthCarolina” is available at no cost to teachers andstudents. The bookprovides an overview ofenergy with chapters onenergy basics, fossilfuels, nuclear energy,electricity and solarenergy along withenergy conservationand efficiency. Inaddition, web sites ofinterest are included.Call 1-800-851-8899 formore information.

● “Energy 2 Learn Teacher of the Year” will beawarded every May. The winner will receive an“Energy 2 Learn” certificate of recognition,recognition at the “Energy 2 Learn: The SummerWorkshop,” a $500 gift certificate for classroomsupplies and a NEED membership. Teachers canbe nominated by their peers, principal, parents of

students or students. For a nominationform, call 1-800-768-7348.

The Palmetto EnergyAwards Program

The Palmetto Energy Awards Program is a specialprogram for students (K-6) who want to learn aboutenergy and how it affects their everyday lives and theirfutures. By completing projects on energyconservation and energy sources, students will earnpoints toward achieving the different awards.

How do students earn the Palmetto EnergyAwards? Students must complete projects to earnpoints. Each project must be selected from a differentsubject category. Projects listed in each category areonly examples. Any teacher-approved project willqualify students to participate in the awards program.

Students have six categories from which to choose:Art/Home Economics/Shop, English/Language Arts,Library/Home Study, Miscellaneous, Science/Mathematics or Social Studies/History. Each projectmust be approved by a teacher who agrees to gradethe project when completed. Teachers should use thisscoring system, A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1 .

Students earning 9 to 12 points will receive an energybookmark. Students earning 13 to 17 points willreceive the bookmark and a certificate of recognition.Students earning 18 points or more will receive thebookmark, certificate and an “Energy 2 Learn” T-shirt.Please call DHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reductionand Recycling at 1-800-768-7348 for more information.

Art/Home Economics/Shop

Choose one from below or complete a teacher-approved project (maximum points: four).

● Design a poster promoting energy conservation orthe use of a renewable energy source.

● Design and draw plans for a solar building (house,barn, school, greenhouse, etc.).

● Design and make an insulated window covering.

● Produce a display or bulletin board showing howto conserve energy in your home or school.

● Conduct an energy inventory of your householdappliances and automobiles. How much energy dothey use annually and how much does it cost?

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● Build a model of a solar building.

● Build a solar hot dog cooker.

English/Language Arts


● Write an essay on energy use in your school,home or community.

● Write a research paper, with footnotes and abibliography, on a form of energy.

● Write reports on five newspaper or magazinearticles discussing energy topics in SouthCarolina.

● Write three poems or two stories in which energyis the main theme.

● Present a 5- to 10-minute speech to your class onhow to reduce energy costs in your home.

Library/Home Study


● Do a book report on an energy subject.

● Compile a bibliography or reference list on threedifferent energy topics using materials available inyour school or local library.

● Watch three television programs or videos onenergy and write reviews of them.

● Keep a diary of energy topics in the news(television or newspaper) for two weeks.

● Do an energy audit of your home. Indicate whereand how energy is wasted or saved.

● Prepare a questionnaire and conduct a survey ofyour school or neighborhood to identify attitudes orpractices regarding energy conservation.

● Compile a listing of 10 web sites on energy andbriefly describe the contents of each site.

Miscellaneous


● Write a story for your school newspaper on anenergy topic.

● Design an energy education game.

● Implement an energy conservation project in yourschool or club.

● Construct an energy crossword puzzle using atleast 30 energy terms.

● Design a brochure to teach people how toconserve energy.

● Design a display showing the effects differentsources of lighting (incandescent, fluorescent,candlelight, etc.) have on dark-colored walls.

Science/Mathematics


● Write a report on producing power from arenewable source (sun, wind, water, wood,garbage, farm crops, etc.).

● Design and demonstrate to your science class twoexperiments on energy.

● Prepare three graphs on energy topics, such asenergy production or consumption in SouthCarolina, U.S. dependence on oil imports orgasoline usage in different countries.

● Write a simple explanation of a utility bill. Explainthe units of measurement and how the bill iscomputed.

● Determine how much energy (measured in BTUs)is used annually in your school. How does energyuse per student compare with your energy use athome per family member?

● Prepare a chart illustrating units ofenergy measurement andconservation formulas.

See PEAP, page 23

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New ‘Recycle Guys’ cards are availableBy Gregg Glymph

Forget about those “Pokémon” trading cards. The hotnew collectibles for the next millennium are sure to bethe set of four new “Recycle Guys” trading cards fromDHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction andRecycling. The new set of cards feature new recyclingcharacters, new information and more recycling tips.The original set of 12 cards has also been reprinted tomeet the demand from teachers across the state.

“The cards are colorful and a cool way to provide anenvironmental education message to elementaryschool students,” said Jay Hicks, executive vice-president of the South Carolina Soft Drink Associationand one of the sponsors of the card set along with theU.S. Postal Service - Greater South Carolina Clusterand International Paper.

The original set of “Recycle Guys” trading cards werefirst made available last year. “They have been verysuccessful and in high demand,” said Holly Storey withthe Office’s Resource Center. “School teachersrealized that they were an invaluable teaching tool andenjoy giving them to students for their outstandingrecycling efforts.”

Each card includes a recycling fact and recycling tipabout the commodity featured on the front of the card.

Information about products made from recycled sodabottles or the amount of time needed to recyclealuminum cans into new beverage containers aresome of the facts presented on the cards. Somerecycling tips encourage students to use both sides oftheir paper and then recycle it, or urge their parents torecycle used motor oil at their local recycling center.The four new cards include tips for conserving energy,recycling plastics, buying recycled products andconserving paper.

In addition to each of the “Recycle Guys,” the originalset of 12 cards includes “Compost Guy,” “Motor OilGuy” and mascots from the U.S. Postal Service,“Letter Lady” and “Box Guy.” Four new characters arefeatured on the new cards including: “Paper Guy”sponsored by International Paper; “E2,” GoodwillAmbassador from the S.C. Energy Office; “BackpackGuy,” mascot for DHEC’s “Buy Recycled” campaign;and the “Plastic Guys” from the South CarolinaPartnership on Plastics Recycling.

If you would like a complete set of all 16 “RecycleGuys” trading cards, contact Holly Storey with theOffice’s Resource Center at 1-800-768-7348.

Gregg Glymph is the editor of “South CarolinaRecycles Magazine.”

Pictured are four newcards recently includedin the educational“Recycle Guys” tradingcard set.

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about conserving energy

By Renee Daggerhart

One of the goals of “Action for a cleaner tomorrow:A South Carolina Environmental CurriculumSupplement” is to educate students on theimportance of energy, its production and itsconservation. “Conserving Energy” is a greatlesson that teachers can use to make studentsaware of their energy usage.

“Conserving Energy” is a lesson for fourth and fifthgrades. Students learn how to distinguish betweenelectrical necessities (washing machines) andelectrical luxuries (more than one television perhousehold), to survey their homes for energyefficiency, compare the insulation values of variousmaterials and recognize the importance ofinsulation as an energy saver.

In addition to the lesson, students are challengedto take the handout, “Home Energy ConservationChecklist,” and investigate different components oftheir home. By working with their families to makebehavioral changes such as lowering thethermostat, using ceiling fans and washing clothesin cold water, they will lower their energyconsumption as well as utility bills. This makes thestudents active participants in home energymanagement and helps them to appreciate theenergy we take for granted.

Renee Daggerhart is the public informationcoordinator for the S.C. Energy Office. For moreinformation about programs and events, call1-800-851-8899.

New book, video available

from the Resource Center

By Holly Storey

Two new educational materials listed below are nowavailable for loan from DHEC’s Office of Solid WasteReduction and Recycling:

“The Worm Café: Mid-scaleVermicomposting of Lunchroom Wastes”

By Binet Payne

This book is designed to encourage school districts tostart and maintain mid-scale vermicompostingprojects. The book contains information on how todetermine your composting needs by conducting aschool-wide waste audit. Also included is informationabout the bins needed and the costs involved. Thisbook is a good resource for teachers and schools thatare interested in starting a vermicomposting programor those that already have the program in place. Thebook can be checked out by visiting the ResourceCenter or by calling the Recycling Hot Line at 1-800-768-7348.

“History of Garbage” VideoModern Marvels: Garbage, 50-minute documentary

A new addition to the Resource Center’s VideoLibrary is the History Channel’s “Modern Marvels”documentary on the “History of Garbage.” Thisaddition is excellent for teachers to use in theclassroom to show students a unique historicalperspective on garbage. The video shows how alandfill is constructed and how during World War II,everyone recycled because scrap metal was neededto build rifles for soldiers at war. Also highlighted is theMobro 4000, the New York barge of trash that floatedup and down the East Coast looking for a place todump its garbage. Finally the video talks about the firstEarth Day and the birth of the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency. Teachers can come by theResource Center or call the Recycling Hot Line at1-800-768-7348 to check out the video.

Holly Storey is the Resource Center coordinator andwebmaster for DHEC’s Office of Solid WasteReduction and Recycling.

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innersFinley Road Elementary named best schoolwaste reduction, buying recycled program

By Tammy Weller

Through a grant from the U.S.Environmental ProtectionAgency, the S.C. BuyRecycled statewide campaignreceived applications fromschools throughout the statethat are implementing orbeginning impressiveprograms. Finley RoadElementary in Rock Hill begana waste reduction programeight years ago andcompleted the loop byadopting a buy recycledprogram in 1997. They usereusable cups at staff meetings, use both sides ofpaper in the copy machine, make crayons from oldones, compost, use recycled inkjet cartridges, buyfurniture from a used furniture store and receive oldoffice supplies from businesses. “Our school works asa team to make recycling part of our daily lives,” saidLinda Crute, assistant principal. “Students learn aboutwaste reduction in the curriculum and put it intopractice by making the school and community acleaner place.” For their efforts to take the lead, FinleyRoad Elementary will be awarded a $5,000 giftcertificate to purchase recycled content picnic tables,benches, playground equipment or other schoolaccessories.

Stiles Point Elementary in Charleston was awardedsecond place for the waste reduction and buy recycledprogram they implemented. Stiles Point has madevarious efforts including: buying in bulk, reusing scrappaper, purchasing recycled toner cartridges, re-inkingprinter ribbons and buying recycled computer disks.They will receive 5,000 recycled content pencils madefrom reclaimed currency, denim and recycled lunchtrays.

Two Columbia area Wal-Marts, the Supercenter onForest Drive and the Wal-Mart on Two Notch Roadsupported a contest to promote buying recycledcontent school supplies during the weeks preceding

the start of school. North SpringsElementary returned Wal-Mart receiptsindicating recycled school supplies

purchased by staff, studentsand parents and won 5,000recycled content pencils. “Iam not just teaching it; it issomething I believe in,” saidMarie Bloise, a teacher atNorth Springs. “Our resourcesare limited and if we do notcut back and recycle, reduceand buy recycled products thechildren of tomorrow will havesome very hard decisions tomake.”

Congratulations to all thewinners and those schoolsand teachers making the

effort to educate students on protecting SouthCarolina’s environment. This is just the beginning ofthe statewide buy recycled campaign. For Year 2000,buy recycled workshops and another waste reductionand buy recycled contest is planned.

If you have questions, contact Tammy Weller at 1-800-768-7348 or e-mail [email protected] .

Tammy Weller is project manager for DHEC’s “BuyRecycled” campaign.

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By Richard Chesley

The City of Greenville won the first “Buy Recycled andWaste Reduction Award” presented recently at theS.C. Association of Government Purchasing Officials(SCAGPO) annual conference. Earlier this year,Greenville developed a buy recycled policy for all of itscity departments. The policy was established by abroad-based committee of city officials, including arepresentative from public works, purchasing, the city

attorney’s office and building services. “The City ofGreenville has excellent quality services with aproactive recycling committee made up of cityemployees who are very interested in waste reductionissues as well as buying recycled,” said Steven T.Thompson, city manager.

“The city established the policy in recognition of theneed to make more efficient use of natural resources,create markets for the materials collected in recyclingprograms and reduce disposal costs,” said WandaDixon, president of SCAGPO. “What Greenville hasdone should serve as a model for others - not only inthe Greenville area but throughout South Carolina,”Dixon said. “This is a very proactive approach and thecity should be congratulated for doing this. It is ourhope others will look at this and see what can bereplicated.”

Currently, Greenville spends about 10 percent of itstotal purchasing budget on recycled content productseach year. The city also has an extremely active wastereduction and recycling program. “The City ofGreenville welcomes questions and looks forward toworking with any local governments interested indeveloping a buy recycled policy,” Thompson said. Formore information about the City of Greenville’s wastereduction and recycling program, contact VickiWilliams at (864) 467-8300.

The evaluation criteria of the award, which will begiven annually at the conference, includes: theestimated percentage of recycled content productspurchased; the waste reduction practices of theorganization; the materials that are being recycled andlength of time the program has been in place; howwaste reduction and recycling information iscommunicated to staff; and unusual materials that arereused and recycled. The applications were judged bya panel from the S.C. Department of Commerce andthe U.S. Postal Service, Greater South CarolinaCluster.

Richard Chesley is manager of the Education andTechnical Assistance Section of DHEC’sOffice of Solid Waste Reduction andRecycling.

‘Recycle Guys’ win morenational advertising awards

By Elizabeth Rosinski

Following on the footsteps of the original “RecycleGuys” campaign, public service announcementsfeaturing Motor Oil Guy have won an additionalthree national TELLY awards. DHEC’s Office ofSolid Waste Reduction and Recycling has nowreceived six of these awards for its animatedpublic awareness campaign. The second phase ofthe campaign features Motor Oil Guy, along withFilter Guy and other famous members of the“Recycle Guys,” sharing the used oil recyclingmessage to the tune of “Mustang Sally.” The firstof the three oil spots was released in August 1998and the last spot premiered on Earth Day this pastyear.

As with the earlier campaign, the spots weredeveloped by Kevin Fisher of FisherCommunications. “The Office continues to bepleased by the responses we get after the PSA’sair and are thrilled that each of the six animatedspots have received national recognition,” saidWilliam Culler, division director for the Office.“When you are in a winners’ circle with companieslike American Express, Microsoft and others, ittruly is an honor to receive these awards.” TheOffice has plans to continue the campaign over thenext five years, releasing approximately threespots per year.

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Conference, expo plannedfor composting during Year 2000

The “Y2K Composting in theSoutheast” Conference & Expo isscheduled for October 9th through the11th, 2000 in Charlottesville, Virginia.Information for submitting abstracts,attendance and other important datais provided below:

The Fifth “Composting in theSoutheast” Conference & Expo(formerly “Composting in theCarolinas”) is a biennial eventproviding individuals andentities involved in thecomposting industry withpractical information onthe science ofcomposting, facilityplanning and design,operations, regulations, economics, marketing andutilization and other relevant and timely issues. Theconference is a collaborative event planned byuniversities, industries, and federal, state and localgovernments. It represents both public and privateinterests in the composting industry, along with a tradeshow, exhibit hall and facility tours.

Abstracts are requested in these areas:

● Planning and Developing Composting Programs● Composting Technology Development● Compost Processing Techniques/Optimization● Compost Utilization● Odors Management● Regulatory Issues● Compost Facility Operations, Training and Safety● Compost Marketing and Distribution● Composting Facility Economics● Research and Development● On-site (Backyard) Composting Programs● Case Studies

Abstracts may be submitted for papers to bepresented during the Conference or for posters to be

displayed in the Exhibit Hall during theConference.

Abstracts

All paper and poster abstractsshould be postmarked, faxed ore-mailed by February 1, 2000 .Abstracts should be 500 wordsor less, typed in standard-size

text (i.e. Arial or Times New Roman, 12font). Please include author’s name(s), acontact person’s name, address,telephone and fax numbers, e-mailaddress and preference for either a paper

or a poster. Abstractsshould reflect original,current work.

Abstracts should be sentto: Craig Coker, NCDPPEA, 1639 Mail

Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1639, phone (919)715-6524, fax (919) 715-6794, e-mail [email protected] .

Selected Papers and Posters

Authors of selected papers and posters will be notifiedby April 1, 2000. Authors will be required to payconference registration fees and their own travelexpenses. Final paper and poster guidelines will beprovided to authors for electronic copy (Conferenceproceedings will be published on CD-ROMs with papercopies available for a fee). Electronic media (floppy orzip disks) will be due by July 1, 2000.

For More Information

If you are interested in exhibiting at the Conference &Expo, please contact Mike Schroder, Division ofContinuing Education, Virginia Tech, 820 UniversityCity Blvd., 2nd Fl., Mail Code 0364, Blacksburg, VA24061-0364, or e-mail [email protected] .

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encouraged teachers to write an essay on why theirschool should be chosen. Ebinport Elementary of RockHill was awarded the 1999 Recycling School of theYear award and received 25,000 sheets of GreatWhite recycled content paper. The essay wassubmitted by Sarah Harkey, a fifth-grade teacher, whowrote “Ebinport is educating students about theimportance of recycling through literature readings,through classroom and after-school activities andencouraging participation from students, staff andcommunity in the hands-on programs that are currentlybeing implemented. We feel that if studentsunderstand the importance of recycling at an earlyage, they may be motivated to participate moreactively as they grow older.” The contest also honoredthree runners-up including Kingstree Elementary,McCormick Elementary and Sumter High School. Theyeach received 15,000 sheets of Great White recycledcontent paper.

In addition, more than 160 events were held acrossthe state to raise awareness about America RecyclesDay including several fairs and workshops at HomeDepots in Rock Hill and Bluffton, a Reuse & RecycleFair at Wannamaker Park in North Charleston, alongwith various efforts at schools and businessesaround the state. One unique school event was“EnviroJeopardy” held at Saluda Trails Middle Schoolin Rock Hill. Jane Hayes, of Rock Hill Clean andGreen, hosted the America Recycles Day event.Students and teachers were chosen from theassembly to answer various questions about recyclingand buying recycled. When the participants answeredincorrectly or not at all, “trash” was dumped on them.Prizes made from recycled materials were given awayto the person with the least amount of trash after fivequestions. The presentation was shown to sixth,seventh and eighth graders.

For the third year in a row, America Recycles Day wasorganized by a statewide steering committee, made upof local governments, private business, trade and non-profit associations. It is a national effort to increaserecycling efforts and encourage people to buyproducts made from the very items they recycled atthe curb or dropped off at a recycling center. Thecommittee is dedicated to continue promoting AmericaRecycles Day in 2000. If you would like to be a part ofthis year’s America Recycles Day efforts, pleasecontact Holly Storey at 1-800-768-7348 or e-mail,[email protected] .

Elizabeth Rosinski is the used oil program andAmerica Recycles Day coordinator for DHEC’s Officeof Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling.

ARD 1999, continued from page 9

● Milliken produces a modular carpet calledEarth Square (E2), a 36-inch carpet tile madefrom used carpet, that is cleaned, texturerestored and dye injected into custom colordesigns. This process renews older carpet,saves 45 percent of new carpet and eliminatesPVC usage in carpet.

The South Carolina

SOFT DRINKAssociation

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RECYCLINGin South Carolina!

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Furman , continued from page 13

PEAP, continued from page 16

Rutherford to speakat ‘Recycle Guys’awards program

George Rutherford, nationalcoordinator for AmericaRecycles Day, will be thefeatured speaker at thefifth annual “RecycleGuys” AwardsProgram. Theprogram, sponsoredby DHEC’s Office ofSolid Waste Reductionand Recycling,recognizes and honorsthe top recyclingprograms and individualsin the state. The awardsceremony is scheduledfor January 27, 2000 atSeawell’s Restaurant inColumbia.

For more information about the event, pleasecontact Richard Chesley or Sharon Thompson at1-800-768-7348.

Social Studies/History


● Write a biography on a person who has made acontribution in the field of energy.

● Do a report on the advantages and disadvantagesof an energy source (e.g., coal, nuclear, solar,etc.).

● Do a report on the environmental impact of energyuse or production.

● Write a report or give a speech on energy use inthe United States during the past 100 years.

● Do a survey of fellow students’ attitudes onconserving energy. Summarize the results.

● Write a report contrasting the energy policies ofPresidents Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton.

● Draw maps illustrating state, U.S. and worldenergy resources.

● Present a report comparing energy used in yourlife-style with energy used in another country orculture.

● Write a report on the likelihood of a future energycrisis or shortage and what we should do toprevent a shortage.

as bicycles being placed around campus for studentsto use.

Lewis, who grew up in the area and has watched itgrow, is pleased with all of the environmentalprograms and projects. “With all the growth in thiscounty, there needs to be some checks and balances,”Lewis said. “Furman University has the opportunity tomake a positive impact. And that’s what we’re trying todo - to do the right thing and make an impact.”

Tina Lindler is an environmental quality manager withDHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and

Recycling’s Grants Program. For moreinformation, call 1-800-768-7348.

RECYCLING...What a Great Idea!

proudly supports

RECYCLINGin South Carolina!

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DHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling2600 Bull StreetColumbia, SC 29201

Bulk RateUS Postage

P A I DColumbia, SCPermit #1183

Letter Lady (center), a new mascot for the U.S. Post Office, Greater South Carolina Cluster, made her debut this pastNovember at the America Recycles Day Kick Off press conference. She was welcomed by Motor Oil Guy andAluminum Can Guy.

Documents

State’s recycling rate increases - Pollution Prevention …infohouse.p2ric.org/ref/07/06012.pdfState’s recycling rate increases for seventh consecutive year By Richard Chesley