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 WasteCap Wisconsin E-mail Bulletin February 2005
Your source for waste reduction and recycling news, information, and ideas.
  
 
NEWS IN THIS ISSUE
For details on the following, please scroll down to sections below.
1.  WasteCap Wisconsin Update
2.  WasteCap Wisconsin Member Update
3.  Legislative / Regulatory Update
4.  Construction & Demolition
5.  Food Waste Recovery / Composting
6.  Computer / Electronics Recycling
7.  Recycled-Content Products
8.  Resources / Reports / Studies
9.  Upcoming Events
10. Materials Available / Wanted
 
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Readers: Plain Text or HTML? If this bulletin appears as a series of sentences with both text and computer codes, please change your e-mail format preferences to “HTML”.
 
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1. WASTECAP WISCONSIN UPDATE
 
Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory for 2005

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is updating the web-based Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory (WRMD) for 2005. This free resource, widely used by the business and recycling communities, lists markets for over 115 different categories of recycled materials. Companies currently listed will be contacted by DNR from late February through early March to update their information. If you know of companies that are not listed in the directory, please have them contact John Hendren at John.Hendren@dnr.state.wi.us. Companies can also fill out a survey online at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/Markets/websurv.htm. The completed form can be sent or faxed to DNR.

WasteCap Needs Your Help!!!
Fill Out Our Online Electronics Recycling Survey

In an effort to better understand electronics recycling in Wisconsin WasteCap has composed a short survey that we would like each and every one of you to fill out. The International Association of Electronics Recyclers estimates that one billion computers will become available for recycling before 2010 and that only about 10% of obsolete computers are currently being recycled. WasteCap is working to address this problem and your participation in our short survey would be greatly appreciated as we gather information.

 
Talk & Tour: The Future of Food Waste Disposal
On Tuesday, April 19, 2005 Ecology LLC will be hosting a WasteCap Wisconsin Earth Day Talk & Tour at Pandl’s restaurant in Bayside. The Talk & Tour will highlight the new Wet Waste Recovery System installed at the restaurant. The Wet Waste Recovery System, which has over 1,000 applications, collects and liquefies organic waste, allowing the waste to be diverted from landfills and utilized as a resource (i.e. energy alternatives and soil regeneration). Used in Europe for over two decades, this system is the first of its kind in the United States. This Talk & Tour is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the recycling of organics. Come and see the Wet Waste Recovery System in action, hear from Ecology LLC and the owner of Pandl’s, network with others, enjoy wine, cheese, and an assortment of hors devours provided by Pandl’s, and learn about how WasteCap can serve as a resource for your organic waste and compost needs.

The Talk & Tour will take place from 4 to 6pm on Tuesday, April 19, 2005. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

 
WasteCap Completes Fluorescent Tube Recycling Grant
Over the past year, WasteCap Wisconsin has been working on behalf of the Southeast Wisconsin Waste Reduction Coalition (SEWWRC) (through funding provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources), to educate businesses in Southeastern Wisconsin about the need to recycle their fluorescent tubes. Using fluorescent lighting is energy efficient. Fluorescent bulbs last 10 times longer, operate at a cooler temperature, and use less energy while providing the same brightness and color as incandescent bulbs. Unfortunately fluorescent bulbs contain potentially harmful substances such as highly toxic heavy metals (mercury, cadmium and lead) which, if ingested, can have negative impacts on human health. Due to this toxicity, businesses in Wisconsin are required to recycle their fluorescent lamps rather than disposing of them in landfills.

To read more about WasteCap’s efforts over the last year to educate Wisconsin’s businesses about the need to recycle their fluorescent tubes, please view the grants final report at:
http://www.wastecapwi.org/documents/tubesgrantfinalreport.doc

Learn more about how you can recycle your fluorescent tubes by visiting:
http://www.wastecapwi.org/documents/tubesgrantfinalreport.doc

 
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2. WASTECAP WISCONSIN MEMBER PROFILE
 
Ecology LLC
WasteCap Wisconsin Member Ecology, LLC is on the cutting edge of food waste disposal in the United States. "American's produce billions of tons of biodegradable food waste every day. Our challenge at Ecology, LLC is developing a solution to recycle that waste while making the process easy, cost effective, and environmentally friendly" says Linda Ivarson, founder of Ecology, LLC. "The technology we offer, the first of its kind in the United States, makes recycling food waste easy."

Ecology, LLC is currently pilot testing their equipment, known as WWRS or Wet Waste Recovery System, at Pandl's restaurant in Bayside, WI with assistance from a WI Department of Natural Resources Demonstration Grant. The WWRS takes food waste from a feeding station via a vacuum (without adding any water), shreds it, and places it in an oxygen-infused, no-odor holding tank. When filled, the tank is emptied using a vacuum truck and the waste is then transported to a compost facility, municipal wastewater treatment plant, agricultural anaerobic digester for biogas production, or for appropriate land application treatment. "We would like to not only divert biodegradable food waste from landfills, but to achieve an economical and environmental solution that provides an incentive for Wisconsin businesses to recycle their biodegradable waste" says Linda Ivarson. Ecology, LLC hopes that their WWRS technology will be a conduit for increasing renewable energy production and regenerating soil for better food and livestock.

To learn more about Ecology, LLC or to contact them directly please visit www.ecologyllc.com.

To learn more about the WWRS please attend WasteCap Wisconsin’s Earth Week Talk & Tour, April 19th at Pandl’s restaurant in Bayside.


Renew Your Membership Or Become A New WasteCap Wisconsin Member Now
To become a member, simply sign up here:

www.wastecapwi.org/memberssignup.htm
 
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3. LEGISLATIVE / REGULATORY UPDATE
Solid Waste And Recycling Legislative Update
Source: John Reindl, Dane County Recycling Manager

The Legislature is now busily introducing proposals for new laws, with over 125 already posted on their web page at http://www.legis.state.wi.us. Three of these deal directly with solid waste issues, although there are plans to introduce additional bills soon. In addition, several rules affecting solid waste continue to move forward. To read more, click here.


 
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4. CONSTRUCTION / DEMOLITION


Menomonee Valley Partners (MVP) Formally Adopts Sustainable Design Guidelines
Source: Menomonee Valley eNews, February 11, 2005
As a part of the development objectives for the Stockyards property, MVP formally adopted the Valley's Sustainable Design Guidelines. Vetted by construction and development professionals for the past two years, the Guidelines are designed to help companies obtain a higher return in their building and site investments and meet regulatory standards more efficiently. MVP will seek guideline compliance on the redevelopment of the Stockyards. You can view the MVP’s Sustainable Design Guidelines at http://design.renewthevalley.org.

 
National Gypsum to Recycle Drywall Waste to Make New Wallboard
Source: WasteNews.com.
National Gypsum Co. will buy drywall waste from new construction sites and incorporate the material into the manufacture of new wallboard.
http://www.wastenews.com/headlines2.html?id=1106070565

 
More on the Cost of Green: Why Green Building is Good Business
Source: natlogic.com
The fact is that a key part of the green building revolution now underway has been the revolution in economics. Two years ago, a LEED "Gold" building might have cost 20% more on a first cost basis. (Still a good deal, given that reduced operating costs would typically provide a 10-20% per year return on investment (ROI) on that incremental investment.) Today, with several years of learning curve behind them, practitioners are finding a different story.
http://www.natlogic.com/resources/nbl/v14/n01.html
 
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5. FOOD WASTE RECOVERY / COMPOSTING

New Technology Uses CO2 to Make Plastic from Orange Peels
Source: Greenbiz.com.
Using just the oil from orange peel and CO2, researchers at Cornell University have found a way to make a high quality, versatile plastic in an environmentally friendly way.
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=27630

 
Sapporo and Partners Generate Hydrogen from Bread Waste
Source: GreenBiz.com.
Sapporo Breweries Ltd., in partnership with Shimadzu Corp. and Hiroshima University, has developed the world's first technology that can efficiently generate hydrogen and methane from bread waste. Their research group has announced that their small-scale experimental system had run successfully for over six months. The National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, an independent administrative institute in Japan commissioned and sponsored this research.
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=27619


 
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6. COMPUTER / ELECTRONICS RECYCLING


eBay Launches PC Reuse and Recycling Initiative
Source: ewire.com.
eBay recently launched a major initiative that brings together leading technology companies, government agencies, environmental groups and millions of eBay users to confront the problem of "e-waste" -- unused or obsolete computers that may pose environmental hazards when disposed of in landfills.
http://www.ewire.com/display.cfm/Wire_ID/2432

Electronics Design Aims To Reduce Hazardous Wastes
Source: Waste Prevention Forum, A project of the National Waste Prevention Coalition
Before the Panasonic SD Video Camera was born, designers planned for its death. When the $400 camera wears out and can no longer record video, play music or take photos, Panasonic engineers want it to do one final thing: be easy to get rid of. (Excerpted from a 1/21/05 article in the Los Angeles Times by Alex Pham).
http://www.nwpcarchive.org/postings/00460.html

Two House members unveil national e-waste recycling bill
Source: WasteNews.com
Two House members have introduced a national electronics recycling bill aimed at preventing obsolete computer equipment and other electronics from going into the nation’s landfills.
http://www.wastenews.com/headlines2.html?id=1106843089

Rechargeable battery group reports 7.7% recycling increase
Source: WasteNews.com
North Americans recycled 7.7 percent more rechargeable batteries last year, according to the industry’s latest data.
http://www.wastenews.com/headlines2.html?id=1108402173

 
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7. RECYCLED CONTENT PRODUCT NEWS

Fujitsu to Use 100% Biodegradable Materials for Packing Tape
Source: Greenbiz.com.
Fujitsu Limited has announced that it will shift completely to the use of biodegradable plant-based materials for the manufacture of its embossed carrier tape.
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=27644

 
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8. RESOURCES / REPORTS / STUDIES

Green Business Database Presented by Wisconsin Partners for SustainAbility
Source: www. wiscpsa.org.
Wisconsin Partners for SustainAbility are pleased to announce that their new online Green Business Database is now functional. The database is meant to help conscientious businesses and consumers link up within the state. Businesses that wish to be listed in this database are asked to visit www.wiscpsa.org, go to the bottom left hand corner of the site, and fill out the green business survey. Upon successful completion of the survey the business is automatically entered into the searchable database.

 
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9. UPCOMING EVENTS

Talk & Tour: The Future of Food Waste Disposal
On Tuesday, April 19, 2005 Ecology LLC will be hosting a WasteCap Wisconsin Earth Day Talk & Tour at Pandl’s restaurant in Bayside. For more information or to register for the event visit www.wastecapwi.org/events.

LEEDing The Way To A Greener Future
Join Wisconsin Green Building Alliance and the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Institute of Constructors as they present a half day symposium on "LEEDing The Way To A Greener Future" on Thursday, February 24 from 2:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Klemmer's Conference Center, 10401 W. Oklahoma Avenue, in Milwaukee. For More information or to register visit:
http://www.wgba.org/artman/publish/article_221.shtml

FET Presents: ENVIRONMENT ‘05
20th Anniversary Conference, March 7-9, 2005
Milwaukee Hilton City Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This year topics will include air regulatory updates including an afternoon devoted to NR445; MMSD water quality initiative and project management training. On Monday, March 7, there will be an 8-Hour HazWoper seminar, an Environmental, Health & Safety Primer, a Storm Water Permitting workshop, and new this year, a Train the Environmental Trainer seminar.
For more information please visit www.fetinc.org.

WGBA Breakfast Club, Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Join WGBA (Wisconsin Green Building Alliance) members and friends on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at the Milwaukee Athletic Club from 7 - 9 a.m. for breakfast and an informative green building program. Jim Van der Kloot, USEPA Region V, will describe USEPA's efforts to promote green building and sustainable development practices. For more information please call the WGBA office at (414)224-9422 or email connielindholm@wgba.org by noon, Friday, February 18, 2005. WGBA’s web address is www.wgba.org.

LEED-EB Technical Review Workshop, Friday, March 11th, 2005
8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Johnson Controls - Brengel Technology Center
Hosted by the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, Sponsored by Johnson Controls This session for building owners, facility managers and design teams will cover the technical requirements and the process for achieving certification under the newly released LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System.
For more information please visit http://www.wgba.org/artman/publish/article_216.shtml
 
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10. MATERIALS AVAILABLE / WANTED

Source: Business Materials Exchange of Wisconsin (BMEx)

Materials Available
Screened Foundry Sand - NR538, Catagory 2, byproduct of steel casing process – Code: BA-2492

HPL Laminate Sheets and Cut Offs - Laminate used in the manufacture of counter tops and office furniture. – Code: BA-2578

Fiber board - High volume of scrap joint fiber boards available, various sizes – Code: BA-2563

Hardwood Cut-Offs - Wood cut-offs from truss company in Edgerton, WI. Pieces are strapped on pallets – Code: BA-2561

Materials Wanted
Scrap Asphalt Shingles - Large quantity of scrap shingles wanted. To be moved in bulk quantity daily or weekly to northern Illinois facility – Code: BW-2560

Wood Pallets - 48x40 or close – Code: BW-2569

LDPE Scrap - Clear LDPE scraps. Non-coextruded/alloyed. CCIC required. 200-300 metric tons per month, ongoing demand – Code: BW-2575

If you are interested in any of these materials, or for a complete list of other materials available and materials wanted, please visit the Business Materials Exchange of Wisconsin (BMEx) at www.bmex.org, (800) 364-3233, or e-mail bmex@ticon.net.

 
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 WasteCap Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide waste reduction and recycling assistance through business-to-business peer exchange, demonstration, and education for the benefit of businesses and the environment. To further this mission, we have developed these e-mail bulletins to provide you with information about the latest resources, recycling technologies, case studies, legislation, and other matters helping us transform waste into resources. The bulletin also serves as a platform for you to ask questions of other business professionals about waste reduction and recycling issues your company might face.

WasteCap is supported through grants, sponsorships, memberships, and volunteer contributions of time and expertise. Find out how you can take an active role in this innovative nonprofit organization at http://www.wastecapwi.org/memberssignup.htm or visit our website at http://www.wastecapwi.org

 
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WasteCap Wisconsin thanks its sources for the news, information, and ideas in this issue, with special thanks to John Reindl, Dane County Recycling Manager and Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin Legislative Committee Member.

You can view a collection of WasteCap Wisconsin's archived bulletins at www.wastecapwi.org/bulletinarchive.htm

To unsubscribe, send an email to bulletin@wastecapwi.org with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. If you have been forwarded this email and would like to subscribe directly, send an email to bulletin@wastecapwi.org with "subscribe" in the subject line.

 
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Amber Zuhlke, Outreach Specialist & WasteCap Wisconsin Bulletin Editor
Megan Helt-Baldwin, Communications Specialist Intern
Kimberly Rauwald, Research Assistant
WasteCap Wisconsin
www.wastecapwi.org
azuhlke@wastecapwi.org

 
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