source from the
Summer 2003
Vol. 12, No. 3
A Publication of the Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance Division
Georgians keep 74 tons of old computer equipment out of landfills
Two local nonprofits to benefit
by Chuck Boelkins, Resource Recovery Specialist
July 12 was a typical mid-summer day in Atlanta: sweltering hot, very humid, not a breeze to be felt. It was also the last stop on Dell Computer Corp.'s 15-city "No Computer Should Go to Waste" recycling tour.
Between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. about 500 vehicles of every imaginable type came to the Alexander Memorial Coliseum parking lot at Georgia Tech. They brought in almost 150,000 pounds of old computers (would you believe some Kaypros, Commodores, and Tandys?), printers (daisy wheel, dot matrix, inkjet, and laser), keyboards, scanners, mice, speakers, and cables.
Some 70 volunteers labored mightily in the heat to direct traffic and unload the unwanted equipment. They put everything on pallets and wound heavy-duty stretch wrap around the six-foot high stacks to hold them together. It took six tractor-trailers to haul away the 74 tons of materials--the third largest amount collected on the tour.
The computers and accessories were shipped to Texas where Dell will
See eWaste, page 11
P2AD Director Bob Kerr helps a collection participant unload a computer monitor.
P2AD celebrates a decade of environmental leadership
by Kim Ragozzino, Communications Manager
On September 15, P2AD marks its 10th anniversary as a leader in creating a sustainable Georgia. For more than
a decade, P2AD's staff of dedicated specialists and engineers has worked with private and public organizations
throughout the state to accomplish its pollution prevention goals. To mark the occasion, special guest speakers and
environmental leaders Bernie Marcus and Jeff Swanagan of the Georgia Aquarium will join P2AD in its celebration.
The event will highlight successes of the past 10 years, as well as the organization's vision for the decade to
come. Part of P2AD's plan for the future is the launch of a more rigorous Partners program. At 10 a.m. on the
15th prior to the luncheon, P2AD will hold a workshop for current P2AD clients and those who are interested in
becoming a P2AD Partner.
See Anniversary, page 4
inside Director's Column .......... 2 Hike Inn LEED EB ....... 6 Radon GrantAwards ... 10 ConservationTillage ....... 5 Regulatory Relief ........... 7 Calendar ...................... 12
DIRECTOR'S COLUMN
by G. Robert Kerr
In 1993, the Georgia Legislature decided that the answer to Georgia's hazardous waste disposal problems was a new incinerator, but a new program to help industries reduce their wastes at the source. Through this action, P2AD was created in October 1993 as a new, non-regulatory division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and industries had a place to turn for assistance. By working with dozens of companies over the years to assess their operations and educate them about pollution prevention practices, P2AD has helped prevent thousands of tons of hazardous and solid waste from entering Georgia's air, water, and landfills.
Here we are in 2003, celebrat-
ing the successes of the past decade and looking to new approaches to expand those successes in the next 10 years. While our P3 Program in recent years recognized many Georgia companies and institutions and encouraged them to reduce wastes, we feel that in this new decade, we need to better reflect the national/international move beyond waste reduction to the bigger picture of environmental sustainability. Our recognition program also needs to be compatible with EPA's National Performance Track program, to reduce the paperwork burden on companies seeking recognition nationally as well as in Georgia. After many months of preparation and anticipation, it is finally time to unveil the
source from the A Publication of the Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance Division
From the Source is a quarterly publication of the Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (P2AD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). P2AD provides free, confidential, technical assistance in the areas of pollution prevention, resource conservation, waste reduction, by-product reuse, and recycling. Our clients include manufacturers, commercial businesses, institutions, military and government facilities, agricultural operations, consultants, and the citizens of Georgia.
Please contact us with address corrections, inquiries, and opinions. Articles in From the Source may be reprinted with permission from P2AD. Limited hardcopies of this publication are available upon request, and the full version of this edition as well as back issues are available online at www.p2ad.org.
For more information about P2AD's services, contact the Division at (404) 651-5120, (800) 685-2443 (outside Atlanta), or via email at info@p2ad.org.
new P2AD Partnership Program.
The P2AD Partnership Program encompasses all that we do at the Division and provides a framework for recognizing our current clients as well as new partners wishing to become better environmental stewards. It requires continual environmental improvement, and for meeting this goal, it rewards Partners with recognition and access to a growing network of sustainable business leaders in Georgia. Partners will also have access to competitive funds for implementation of P2 projects, and for regulated Partners, the program will provide regulatory flexibility through a partnership with EPA and Georgia EPD. We are excited about this new program, and hope that your business or institution will join us as a partner.
In this issue of From the Source, we introduce our readers to the basics of the new P2AD Partnership Program, and highlight some of the larger ongoing projects of the Division. You will read about the success of the computer recycling event we co-sponsored this summer (page 1), and we celebrate another important anniversary five years
Editor: Suzanne Burnes Technical Reviewers: Chuck Boelkins, Bob Donaghue, Susan Hooper, and Iva Walls
See Director, page 10
Page 2
Summer 2003
From the Source
Partnership celebrates five years of military P2 success
by Vanessa Freeman, Information Manager
More than 50 military representatives and environmental leaders gathered in June at the Atlanta Sheraton Hotel to witness the signing of a new charter for the Georgia P2AD/DoD Pollution Prevention (P2) Partnership.
Since forming in 1998, the Partnership has succeeded in its goal of reducing waste from Georgia's military bases.
"The military leaders in Georgia are to be commended for their commitment to the reduction of the amount of waste generated by military installations throughout the state," said Bob Kerr, director of P2AD. "The Partnership has proven effective in helping Georgia's military installations become better stewards for the environment."
The new charter builds on the successes of the first five years of the Partnership while expanding its mission to include the concepts of sustainability and stewardship. As
with the original charter, the Part- Georgia's natural resources. Mr.
nership also seeks to ensure mission Carellas was also honored by Briga-
readiness and the long-term viability dier General (Ret.) Phillip Brown-
of DoD facilities in Georgia.
ing, Jr., U.S. Army, Executive
During
Director of
the meeting,
the Georgia
P2AD pre-
"The military leaders in
Military
sented an
Georgia are to be com-
Affairs
award to the
mended for their commit-
Coordinat-
Partnership
ment to the reduction of
ing Commit-
for "5 Years of Environmental Excellence."
the amount of waste generated by military installations throughout the state."
-Bob Kerr, P2AD Director
tee, for his service to the installations of
George
Georgia.
Carellas,
The
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Partnership also honored Linda
the Army for Installations & Envi- Larson, Robins Air Force Base, and
ronment (ASAIE), accepted the
Bruce Ramo, Dobbins Air Reserve
award on behalf of the Partnership. Base, for their unwavering commit-
The Partnership also donated a ment to the Partnership over the
tree through Trees Atlanta in honor past five years by donating trees to
of George Carellas' instrumental Keep Warner Robins Beautiful
role in the development of the
Crepe Myrtle Beautification Pro-
Partnership, his visionary leadership, gram and Cobb Trees Program,
and devotion to protecting
respectively.
Members of the Georgia P2AD/Department of Defense P2 Partnership gather at the signing of the new Partnership charter.
From the Source
Summer 2003
Page 3
Have you ever thought about recycling...your hair?
by Marci DeSart, Pollution Prevention Specialist
"It will grow back," I told myself. With that thought, I held my ponytail out, took a
deep breath, closed my eyes, and after a few cuts, what took years to grow was now
dangling in my hand--12 inches of hair! Cutting my hair off wasn't nearly as unnerving
as I thought it would be, and the experience gave new meaning to the term "light-
headed!" I was overdue for a change and finding out about Locks of Love provided me
with the motivation I needed to follow through.
Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvan-
taged children under the age of 18 with medical hair loss. These custom-fitted hair prosthetics are provided free of
charge or on a sliding scale to children whose families meet the Locks of Love guidelines.
Since 1997, the organization has helped over 1,100 children, most of whom suffer from an auto-immune
condition called alopecia areata, which causes the hair follicles to shut down and for which there is no known
cause or cure. Others have
Anniversary, continued from page 1
suffered severe burns, undergone radiation treatment, or have
The P2AD Partners Program Partner's Program and provide
dermatological conditions that
is open to any organization that attendees with a description of
resulted in permanent hair loss.
operates in Georgia. Eligible
what is required at each Partner
Donated hair is evaluated
organizations include commercial level. P2AD staff will be on hand for its usefulness according to the
businesses, manufacturers,
to answer questions about the
following guidelines:
service companies, military
program requirements.
< The donated hair must be at
institutions, schools, universities,
P2AD Partners are also
least 10 inches in length
cities, counties, federal agencies, eligible to participate in an annual
(preferably 12 inches).
non-governmental organizations, awards program recognizing
< It must be bundled in a
environmental groups, and
businesses and organizations that
ponytail or braid.
community groups.
demonstrate outstanding leader-
< It must be free of hair
There are four levels of
ship and commitment to Georgia's
damaged by chemical
P2AD Partnership Blue Ribbon, environment through innovative
processing.
Red Ribbon, Yellow Ribbon and pollution prevention efforts.
< The hair must be clean, dry,
White Ribbon. The White level is Formerly known as the Governor's
and placed in a plastic bag.
open to non-governmental agen- Awards, this recognition program
If your hair meets these
cies, environmental groups, and is being revised and will be for-
requirements and you would like
others that provide services and mally re-launched in 2004.
to donate it, mail it in a padded
support to the other levels as they
If you or a representative of envelope to:
work toward their pollution
your company is interested in
Locks of Love
prevention goals. Each level
attending the Partners workshop or 2925 10th Ave. North, Suite 102
provides Partners with incentives learning more about the Partners
Lake Worth, FL 33461.
to improve their performance and Program, please call us at (404)
For more information on Locks
advance through the Partnership 651-5120 or visit us on the web at of Love, visit www.locksoflove.org,
levels.
www.p2ad.org.
call 1-888-896-1588.
During the upcoming work-
shop, P2AD will discuss the
Page 4
Summer 2003
From the Source
Team Conservation Tillage highlights P2 successes at
Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition
by Julia Gaskin, Land Application Specialist
It's Sunbelt time again. This annual exposition in Moultrie has become one of the largest farm shows in the country, and provides the Agricultural Pollution Prevention (Ag P2) Program an opportunity to educate Georgia's farmers about the latest ways to conserve
Conservation tillage helps farmers become
more profitable
while being a good environmental steward.
resources and prevent pollution in the field.
On October 14-16, the Ag P2 Program, sponsored by P2AD at the University of Georgia (UGA), will participate in Sunbelt as a part of Team Conservation Tillage.
Conservation tillage is a crop production system that minimizes soil disturbance. This means farm-
ers don't plow or harrow the soil, but plant seeds or seedlings directly into a cover crop. Research has shown that conservation tillage systems reduce soil erosion, save energy by reducing the number of trips over the field with farm equipment, improve water use efficiency, and improve water quality. These systems help farmers become more profitable while being a good environmental steward.
The Ag P2 Program has partnered with all the major players in conservation tillage research and education to develop the Team Conservation Tillage exhibit. These partners include the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Georgia Conservation Tillage Alliance (a farmer-led group), Auburn University, the Agricultural Research Service, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division of DNR, and the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension
Service. These groups are planning displays that describe the impact of conservation tillage systems on wildlife, soil quality, profitability, irrigation, and quality of life. The displays will also instruct farmers on how to get started with implementing a conservation tillage system. The displays will include interactive educational opportunities for children, as well as information on conservation tillage equipment from various manufacturers.
Team Conservation Tillage is a wonderful example of how collaboration can leverage funds and create unique opportunities for education and the Ag P2 Program is proud to be a part of the team.
For more information about Ag
P2 or conservation tillage,contact Dr.
Gary Hawkins, Crop Pollution Preven-
tion Specialist at ghawkins@
tifton.uga.edu or (229) 386-3377, or Julia Gaskin, Land Application Specialist at jgaskin@engr.uga.edu or (706)
542-1401.
From the Source
Summer 2003
Page 5
Hike Inn steps out as a national leader in green building
by David Freedman, P.E., Georgia DNR Parks and Historic Sites Division
What do the Hike Inn, Emory place, include
University, Hines Interests, and the odorless
General Services Administration all composting
have in common? As the only
toilets, solar
Georgia participants in the LEEDTM energy panels,
Existing Buildings (EB) Pilot
and rainwater
Program, they are all working to
collection
"green" the operations of existing barrels. Nearly
buildings.
all food and
The U.S. Green Building
waste is
Council, a national coalition of
composted
leaders from the building industry, with red
developed the Leadership in Energy worms (called
and Environmental Design
vermiculture).
(LEEDTM) program to promote and The
The Hike Inn's design reflects the building's connection with the beautiful North Georgia mountaintop where it is located.
certify buildings that are environ- vermicomposting has resulted in an developed. It is therefore a natural
mentally responsible, profitable, and average of 74 pounds of waste per fit for the Hike Inn to participate in
healthy places to live and work.
month being diverted from landfills. the LEEDTM EB pilot program.
Until recently, the LEEDTM Green
There are more than 70 build-
Participation in LEEDTM EB
Building Rating System was geared ings nationwide in the LEEDTM EB requires a significant amount of
towards development of new high program, including the Hike Inn. documentation. In order to accom-
performance sus-
The system ad-
plish this a team of professionals
tainable buildings.
dresses such items from varying backgrounds met at
With the addition of the EB Pilot Program, LEEDTM also sets performance standards for the sustainable operation of exist-
LEEDTM EB sets new performance standards for the sustainable operation of existing buildings.
as whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues including chemical use, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, water
the Hike Inn to study the facility. This team included the author; Jack Weeks, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Landscape Architect; Joe Martin, National Parks Service Architect; Teresa Shiflett and Suzanne Burnes with
ing buildings.
efficiency, recycling P2AD; and Dagmar Epsten and
The Hike Inn
programs and
Sandra Estrada with The Epsten
is owned by the
facilities, exterior Group, architects and LEEDTM
Georgia State Parks and Historic maintenance programs, and systems consultants.
Sites Division of DNR, and is a
upgrades to meet green building
The LEEDTM EB team worked
unique facility in many respects.
energy, water, indoor air quality and very closely with and received
Located in the north Georgia
lighting performance standards. As tremendous support from Heather
mountains near Dawsonville, the can be seen from the list of criteria, McKee, Meredith Hill, and Eric
inn is accessible only by foot.
the designers and operators of the Graves of the Hike Inn staff. Teresa
Environmental features, designed Hike Inn had these considerations Shiflett, sustainable building spe-
before the LEEDTM program was in in mind before LEEDTM was even
See Hike Inn, page 9
Page 6
Summer 2003
From the Source
New Clean Air Act rule amendment recognizes value of P2
Regulatory relief provided for alternative approaches to reducing hazardous air pollutant emissions
Reprinted from an EPA Press Release, May 15, 2003
On May 15, 2003, EPA announced proposed Clean Air Act rule amendments that are designed to encourage and promote pollution prevention (P2). The proposed amendments would provide regulatory relief to facilities that use P2 to achieve air emission reductions. These amendments are proposed in direct response to the perception that the current rule discourages the development and implementation of P2 measures after a maximum achievable control technology (MACT) level of control has gone into effect, by mandating that a facility must continue to comply with specific source MACT requirements.
Reducing hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions to the MACT level of control or a better level, required under applicable National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), qualifies under this proposal.
The proposed amendments offer two options as alternatives:
1. If a facility uses P2 to completely eliminate all HAP emissions from all sources regulated by the NESHAP, it could request to no longer be subject to that NESHAP.
2. If a facility uses P2 to reduce HAP emissions either to the level required by the NESHAP or below, it could request "P2 alternative compliance requirements."
These " P2 alternative compliance requirements" would include monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting and/or other requirements that match the P2 measures implemented by the facility. If approved, the "P2 alternative compliance requirements" would replace specific requirements in the NESHAP.
EPA proposes these amendments to encourage and promote P2, and reduce HAP emissions with alternative approaches that achieve results in innovative and sustainable ways. EPA is also proposing additional incentives specifically designed for, and only available to, facilities that are members of the National Environmental Performance Track program. The Performance Track program recognizes and encourages top environmental performers; those who go beyond compliance with regulatory requirements to attain levels of environmental performance and management that provide greater benefit to people, communities, and the environment.
Public comment was received on the proposed amendments through July 14, 2003. According to an EPA representative, comments received were overall supportive of the new rules. EPA will be working with the Natural Resources Defense Council in the coming months to address their concerns about the proposed amendments impacting the role of
public participation in the permitting process. EPA also intends to address more fully how the new rules will interface with the Title V process.
The full text of the proposed amendments can be found in the Federal Register (68FR26249) online at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. EPA anticipates promulgation of the new rules by Summer 2004.
Look for additional guidance from P2AD on how your business may
benefit from this regulatory flexibility
at that time. For further information,
please contact Steve Fruh, EPA Office
of Air Quality Planning and Standards
at (919) 541-2837 or Paul Matthai,
EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and
Toxics at (202) 564-8839.
From the Source
Summer 2003
Page 7
Interagency cooperation results in 3-ton landfill diversion
by Alec Smith, Georgia Building Authority
Earlier this summer, the
rating fabric, it
Georgia Building Authority (GBA) seemed they
was called on to oversee a renova- might be
tion in the state Department of
candidates for
Transportation (DOT) building and reuse. Chuck
seized yet another opportunity to Boelkins,
divert materials otherwise headed resource
for the landfill.
recovery
Early in the design phase of specialist of
the renovation project, GBA recog- P2AD worked
nized that asbestos-containing floor with GBA to
tiles currently in the building would locate a buyer/
Chairs being disassembled by AFROM staff.
need to be removed. GBA con-
recycler for the
tacted the Agency for Removal of material. However, when a taker for the chairs eventually, GBA
Hazardous Material (AFROM), the was not found quickly enough to decided to surplus the chairs with
entity that is routinely used by state meet the tight schedule, GBA
DOAS.
agencies for removal of asbestos- turned to the Department of Ad-
Having decided what to do
containing materials. Mike Denny, ministrative Services (DOAS) for a with them, the tough job that
AFROM Supervisor, suggested his solution.
remained was removing the chairs
staff could perform other demoli-
DOAS stores surplus materials and transporting them to the storage
tion of non-hazardous materials to in a GBA-owned warehouse, where facility. This is when true inter-
speed the project, which was on a they are held for use by other
agency cooperation kicked in.
fast-track for completion.
government agencies and occasion- AFROM and GBA provided labor
Auditorium seating in the new ally offered to the public by auction. to load the chairs, AFROM and
board room of the DOT building Steven Ekin manages disbursement DOAS supplied the trucks, and all
was selected for removal by
of surplus equipment and materials pulled together to unload. DOAS
AFROM. Though old, with deterio- for DOAS. When first told of these put the materials up for auction less
chairs, Mr. Ekin than one month after they were
commented,
received, and they sold for $200.
"When I first This sale will help fund additional
started here, I'd DOAS surplus operations.
have told you to
GBA would like to thank
dump them.
DOT Project Manager Gordon Jett,
Given the stuff without whose cooperation the
I've seen move project would not have been pos-
through here
sible.
since then, I say
For more information on GBA's
bring them on." other recycling and reuse efforts,
Optimistic that contact Alec Smith at Alec.Smith
Mike Denny of AFROM helps unload the DOT surplus chairs at the DOAS warehouse for short-term storage.
another home @gw.gba.state.ga.us. could be found
Page 8
Summer 2003
From the Source
Hike Inn, continued from page 6
Hike Inn LEEDTM EB ProjectTeam discusses criteria over a hearty meal during the site visit.
cialist with P2AD, who also serves on the LEEDTM EB committee, will be producing the final documentation to send to the U.S. Green Building Council. Adrienne Thorpe, civil engineering student at Southern Polytechnic State University, will provide assistance to the project team during the development of the final documentation.
The LEEDTM EB program consists of a scorecard where points are earned in different
categories. The categories include sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and accredited professional points. Based on the point total, different levels of certification can be achieved from the minimum certification to the highest level of platinum. The Hike Inn is expected to fall into the gold category, slightly below platinum.
The benefits of this program
are many. It gives the Hike Inn national recognition and demonstrates DNR's commitment to sustainability, conservation, and resource protection. It also provides the Hike Inn an opportunity to further its environmental education and outreach program by setting an example with respect to sustainability. Most importantly it sets standards and guidelines for the environmentally responsible operation and maintenance of the facility for years to come. Thanks to all those that have contributed to this process.
For more information on the Hike Inn, visit www.hike-inn.com. For information on the LEEDTM EB Program, contact David Freedman at (404) 656-6531 or DavidF@ dnr.state.ga.us. David is a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Green Building Council Atlanta
Chapter.
GW&PCA creates new award for industrial water
conservation and reuse; solicits abstracts for conference
The Georgia Water and Pollution Control Association (GW&PCA) is now accepting nominations for its 2003 Industrial Awards. Categories include:
Pollution Prevention Wastewater Treatment Groundwater Remediation Land Application. GW&PCA is adding a new award this year for Water Conservation and Reuse. The nomination
deadline is December 31, 2003. GW&PCA is also currently
accepting abstracts for its 2004 Industrial Conference to be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, March 10-11, 2004. This conference is one of the largest of its type in the country, and typically attracts more than 500 attendees. Conference sessions will include a wide range of topics including waste reduction, environmental manage-
ment systems, wastewater treatment, energy and water efficiency, and health and safety. Abstract submittals are due October 31. Only a few sentence description is required.
For more information about
GW&PCA's Industrial Awards, email
George Patrick at gcpatric@
bellsouth.net. For information about
the awards or conference, visit
www.gwpca.org.
From the Source
Summer 2003
Page 9
Six local governments receive $7,500 radon grants for 2003
by Marci De Sart, Pollution Prevention Specialist
As part of its on-going effort DeKalb counties will use the grant
to increase Georgia citizens' aware- funds to maintain and build upon
ness and understanding of the
already established and successful
potential health threats associated radon programs. The other four
with radon exposure and encourage grantees are first-time recipients
radon testing, P2AD has established who will use the funding to get
the Radon Grant Program. This
radon programs up and running in
program provides six $7500 one-to- their communities.
one matching grants to governments
Karin Zarin, executive director
and community-based organizations of KSSNFB, is enthusiastic about
to establish and maintain local
adding a new dimension to her
program. "We are
looking forward to
Quick Radon
educating our
Web Links
citizens about radon and provid-
www.p2ad.org/radon
ing them with
www.epa.gov/iaq/radon www.southface.org www.fcs.uga.edu/extension/housing
radon test kits," she said.
In general, grantees will be
conducting various
programs addressing radon. Any radon outreach and educational
local government entity, university, activities targeted at homeowners in
institution or nonprofit in Georgia their communities, providing a limited
that responds to inquiries or distrib- number of short-term radon test kits
utes materials to the public on
and as necessary, serving as a resource
matters relating to public health
for homeowners needing more
and/or the environment is eligible information about radon testing and
to apply.
mitigation.
P2AD is pleased to announce
"Because Gwinnett County lies
the Radon Grant recipients for
within the EPA's radon `Zone 1'
2003: Cobb County Board of
designation, its citizens are subject
Health, DeKalb County Board of to the highest potential for exposure
Health, Douglas County Board of to this potentially harmful, colorless
Health, Gwinnett County Division gas," said Ferrell Curlee, manager of
of Environmental Health, Keep
Gwinnett County's Division of
Sandy Springs/North Fulton Beauti- Environmental Health. "We are
ful (KSSNFB), and Thomas County happy to participate in a program
Board of Commissioners. Cobb and that helps homeowners determine if
remedial measures are needed to lower radon concentrations in their residences to acceptable levels."
Applications for the next round of grants will be available in March 2004.
For more information about
P2AD's Radon Program, contact Marci
De Sart at (404) 657-5204, or
marci_desart@p2ad.org.
Director, continued from page 2
of our P2 partnership with Georgia's military (page 3). We also highlight two multi-agency successes in this issue: Team Conservation Tillage (page 5), and the latest Georgia Building Authority material reuse project (page 8).
Finally, on page 7 we review a recently-proposed Clean Air Act amendment that provides regulatory relief for P2. Note that some of the proposed incentives provided by EPA will only be available to members of its National Performance Track program, who will be admitted into the new P2AD Partners Program. We hope that by closely aligning these programs, our Partners will benefit from the synergy.
We thank all of our past clients for their commitment to preventing pollution in Georgia, and invite all of our readers to join us in partnership as we forge an environmentally- and economically-sustainable Georgia.
Page 10
Summer 2003
From the Source
Staples begins toner cartridge recycling program
by Chuck Boelkins, Resource Recovery Specialist
Staples -- which recently partnered with Collective Good to provide in-store battery and personal electronics recycling to customers -- has started another partnership to encourage printer cartridge recycling at its 1,100 stores.
On July 22 at the Georgia State Capitol, Staples announced the beginning of the Georgia "Staples Recycles for Education" program that will raise money for Georgia educators by recycling used inkjet and laser toner cartridges. Staples will donate $1 for every eligible cartridge returned to any of its 33 Georgia stores. The Georgia Association of Educators will use the money to fund scholarship grants to veteran and aspiring
teachers. Nationwide, Staples' goal is to raise $5 million for public education.
Staples recycled 534,000 cartridges in 2002, and is "closing the loop" by also selling its own remanufactured cartridges. The company notes the difficulty in keeping up with consumer demand for recycled printer cartridges. With an estimated 80 percent of used ink cartridges not being recycled, there is still potential to increase recycling rates to meet this growing demand.
In announcing its program, Staples has made a serious commitment to the environment by keeping millions of reusable products from becoming waste. The company is
demonstrating a new level of corporate stewardship that we hope will be an example for other retailers to follow.
For more information on Staples' recycling program and its other
environmental commitments, visit www.staples.com/products/centers/ recycle/hsr.asp.
eWaste, continued from page 1
determine which can be reused. Computers meeting select performance standards will be sent back to the Atlanta area and given to the local Boys & Girls Club of Brookhaven and the Tools for Life ReBoot program both partners in the National Cristina Foundation (NCF). Each group will receive a donation of five complete computer systems.
NCF provides computer technology and solutions to give people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvan-
taged persons the opportunity, through training, to lead more independent and productive lives (see www.cristina.org).
P2AD was well represented among the volunteers. Ten of us, including Director Bob Kerr and Assistant Director Bob Donaghue, helped make the event a success.
Other local community partners for Atlanta's recycling event included Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory Recycles, City of Atlanta, Georgia Recycling Coalition, U.S. EPA-Region Four, Georgia
Soft Drink Association, Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), GCI Group, Matlock Public Relations and Advertising, and 100 Black Men of Georgia.
For more information on how your business can recycle old electronic equipment, visit www.p2ad.org, or contact Chuck Boelkins at (404) 651-5585. Individual consumers can also find computer recycling information at DCA's website, www.dca.state.ga.us/
environmental/electronicrec.html.
From the Source
Summer 2003
Page 11
Calendar of Events 2003
Sept. 18 Sept. 23-25 Oct. 5-8 Oct. 19-22
Oct. 22-23 Nov. 4-5
POLLUTION PREVENTION ASSISTANCE DIVISION Suite 450 7 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. SW Atlanta, Georgia 30334-9004 (404) 651-5120 (800) 685-2443 (outside metro Atlanta)
Georgia Tech EDI hosts Understanding ISO 14001, an eight-hour course examining the ISO standard in detail. For more information on this and all EDI environmental management courses, visit www.industry.gatech.edu/environment/environment_training.html.
Southern States Environmental Conference & Exhibition will be held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, MS. For more information, visit www.ssec.msstate.edu or contact Tamra Swann at (662) 325-8877.
13th National Radon Meeting will be held in Nashville,TN. For more information, visit www.crcpd.org or contact Denise Southgate at dsouthgate@crcpd.org.
The American Institute of Hydrology presents the 2004 Annual Fall Conference, Achieving Sustainable Water Resources in Areas Experiencing Rapid Population Growth at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Atlanta. For a full agenda and registration information, visit dnrnet.dnr.state.ga.us/aih or call (651) 484-8169.
E-Scrap 2003 North American Conference, will be held in Orlando, FL. The focus of the conference will be environmentally-responsible management of obsolete electronics. For a full agenda and registration information, visit www.resource-recycling.com.
Industrial Byproducts Beneficial Reuse Summit will be presented by U.S. EPA and the Southern Waste Information eXchange Inc., at the Wyndham Atlanta Hotel. This workshop will bring together regulators and generators of large-volume, non-hazardous wastes to discuss barriers to beneficial uses. For more information, visit swix.ws/upload/Brochure.pdf.