Location: Somerville, Somerset County, NJ.
Prepared by Fred Stanger (Hip-Hip Horay for Fred!!!)

Attendees

County

  • Rich Baroch, Bergen County
  • Ken Atkinson*, Gloucester County
  • Fred Stanger*, Middlesex County
  • Carole Tolmachewich*, Middlesex County
  • Greg Hulse, Monmouth County
  • Alain Fortier, Monmouth County
  • Laura Macpherson*, Morris County
  • Larry Gindoff, Morris County
  • Ellie Arnould – Tomb, Passaic County
  • Diana Vigilante, Somerset County
  • John Cannata, Sussex County
  • Marian Swiontkowski, Union County
  • Bill Carner, Warren County

* indicates ANJHHWC officer

State – NJDEP

  • Guy Watson
  • Ralph Davis
  • Sondra Flite

Vendor

  • Mary Jo Kennelly, Clean Venture/Cycle Chem
  • Edith Compton, Radiac Research Corp.
  • Lauren Green, Radiac Research Corp.
  • Mike Adelsberger, Curbside, Inc.
  • George Kerchner, Howrey & Simon/ Capital Environmental

Ken Atkinson began the meeting at approximately 10:00 a.m. with introductions.

Battery Recycling – George Kerchner, Howrey & Simon/Capital Environmental

Mr. Kerchner spoke regarding the NJ Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA) battery collection/recycling program on behalf of the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA).

Common applications for SSLA’s include un-interruptible power supplies, emergency lighting, fire and security alarms, commercial video cameras and medical devices.

The collection program will focus on equipment system manufacturers, dealers, installers and service providers. The program will utilize two toll free numbers for info on where to drop off batteries. Brochures will be disseminated to all 21 NJ counties and trade associations will be contacted.

For more information or copies of the brochure, you can reach George Kerchner by phone at (202) 383-7163. For more info. on the Program you can call 1-800-527-9452, or contact:

Debby Free, Ad Hoc SSLA Group,
c/o PRBA
1000 Parkwood Circle, Suite 430
Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 612-8826

(as is listed in the brochure.)

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) will continue to collect other rechargeable batteries including Ni-Cd’s. The RBRC recently held a board meeting to decide whether or not to start accepting all types of rechargeable batteries. (editors note, they did decide to do so).

ANJHHWC Video Update

We have received 4 video proposals and decided to hire a company based in Florida called American Environmental Review (AER). AER produces videos on various environmental topics which are aired on national public TV stations hosted by Morley Saffer. A sample video was shown at the meeting.

A contract has been signed for $14,500 plus $3,000 for travel expenses. We have budgeted $18,000 total. We need to pay the company before we start filming, so those counties that are able to contribute, please do so ASAP (if you have not done so already).

Fred Stanger will be the main contact person for the video project. We hope to be able to start filming early next year (Feb. or March). The final product will result in two versions, a national one with Morley Saffer and a NJ version (without Saffer) for us to show locally. For the NJ version, it will be helpful to have a logo to incorporate in the video and several ideas were passed out during the meeting.

Media Outreach

In conjunction with the video, Ellie Arnould has suggested to initiate a media campaign, targeting a certain month (i.e. September) as HHW awareness month. Those at the meeting expressed interest in pursuing this idea. Potential media avenues include public TV and local cable, radio PSA’s, newspaper ads, posters, transit signage, direct mail, brochures, shelf talkers, presentations and an 800 number or possibly a hotline number provided by the DEP.

Universal Waste Rule with Sondra Flite, NJDEP

Ms. Flite spoke about the Universal Waste Rule as defined by both the Federal and State definitions.

In summary, the concept of the Universal Waste Rule is to streamline regulatory requirements in order to facilitate the recycling of specific materials that might otherwise require hazardous waste disposal. Universal waste is not exempt from being hazardous, just exempt from certain handling requirements.

The Federal definition originally included batteries, thermostats and spent pesticides. New Jersey has drafted its rule to add fluorescent lamps (recently adopted at the Federal level), cathode ray tubes (CRT’s), mercury containing devices, consumer electronics and oil paints and finishes.

In NJ, in order for a facility to process Universal Waste, the facility must possess a Class D recycling facility permit from the State, but the facility will be assessed Class B fees ($6,000 per year).

For questions concerning the Universal Waste Rule you can contact Sondra at the NJ DEP, Bureau of Recycling and Planning at (609) 984-3438.

Also, The DEP is in the process of receiving comments regarding the re-adoption of the solid and hazardous waste regulations. Laura Macpherson and Alain Fortier will be meeting to formulate comments regarding the rules. If you have any input, please contact either Laura or Alain.

HHW Funding Issues with Guy Watson, NJDEP

Those counties utilizing Solid Waste Services Tax (SWST) funds may be concerned with the wording regarding the restriction to fund the disposal of HHW. There is a stipulation that requires all materials generated at an HHW event being funded by SWST grants are to be shipped to a TSD facility. Guy alleviated fears that latex paint, for example, will not be required to go to a TSD. The DEP is waiting to hear from the DAG regarding the current wording.

Guy also mentioned that the Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association (NEWMOA) has put together a draft on model legislation geared toward reduction/elimination of mercury in the waste stream. Two meetings have been held recently, one of which Robin Heston (NJ DEP) attended. You can learn more regarding the model legislation by visiting http://www.newmoa.org/ or by contacting Fred Stanger. Guy said that New Jersey used to be a member of NEWMOA, and is considering renewing ties with them.

Vendor Chat

  • Mary Jo Kennelly reported that in August Clean Venture/Cycle Chem purchased the Remtech TSD. Also, the Camden facility under the CVCC name is seeking approval from Camden County to accept HHW. Mary Jo also mentioned that someone from DEP enforcement visited the last HHW event held in Camden County.
  • Mike Adelsberger reported that Curbside Inc. has a new CESQG program. For a brochure, please contact Mike at (757) 824-0744 or madelsberger@safety-kleen.com He also stated that the average cost to service a household at the ‘curb’ is $95.00 and that Curbside Inc. has handled over 1 million pounds of material generated by the 4 County program in PA. In addition, Curbside Inc. received over 600 calls from Hudson County residents, double the amount of anticipated calls, this past fall.

Other Notes

Fred Stanger will become the regional reporter for the Waste Watch Center. The regions include NJ, PA and NY. Don’t be surprised if he bugs you four times a year for up to date info. on your program.

The 1800Cleanup hotline and web site, www.1800cleanup.org ,will be utilizing a user interface for data entry. What does this mean? Anyone who overseas a region, county, municipality, etc. will eventually be able to obtain a user name and password and go directly to the web site to update the info pertinent to your area. So when your HHW dates change, or recycling markets change, you will be able to update it. Contact Anne Reichman at Areichman@cleanup.org or call her at (602) 224-5444 (AZ).

Special Thanks

  • A special thanks to Laura Macpherson for designing and printing the terrific looking meeting brochures for each and every meeting. Otherwise you would be getting some drab black and white ‘come to the next ANJHHWC meeting’ which you might mistake for junk mail.
  • A special thanks to Diana Vigilante for arranging the more than her share of meetings at her location. It seemed to work out well, and I hope we can continue??
  • A special thanks to Carole Tolmachewich for spending time organizing the video committee and soliciting proposals and being largely (no pun intended) responsible for getting us to the point where we are now.
  • Thanks Ken Atkinson for taking over as President and running the meetings, and usually driving about 3 hours total to get there.
  • Thanks Larry for continuing to provide updates to our well complimented web site.

And of course thanks to all of the paying member for their support and attendance.

A note from Carole, your 2000 memberships are due. Call (732) 745-4170 or e-mail mcdswm@superlink.net if you need a membership form.