Outside, the sky was gray, the wind was howling, and the rain was falling, while inside, all Rotarians and guests were met with a smile and a hearty handshake by greeters, Maria Goldberg and Ray Jones.
President Keith called the meeting to order in a timely fashion and led everyone in the Four Way Test. Randy Johnson then led the group in the prayer and pledge.
President Keith reminded all in attendance of the need for bell ringers during the holiday season and that on Monday, November 3, Military Appreciation Day would be celebrated. Consequently, there will be no luncheon on Tuesday, November 4. The $48 raffle was won by our visiting Rotarian, Pam Smith.
Bob Hart then came to the podium to present sunshine to all in attendance. He first introduced our military guests, both of whom are Navy pilots and graduates of the United States Naval Academy. He then introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians and recounted the “gorilla in the tree” story. We then celebrated with song our birthdays accompanied by John Appleyard on the piano.
President Keith then introduced Grover Robinson who introduced our two speakers for the day. Our program focused on solid waste recycling in Escambia County, and our speakers were DeeDee Green and Jim Howes, both with the Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management.
Jim Howes spoke first and provided a history of recycling efforts in Escambia County. From 1990 through 1996, recycling constituted “dirty recycling” whereby recyclable materials were included with all other solid waste. At that time, individuals sorted through the solid waste and separated out a portion of the recyclable materials. This not only was inefficient, collecting only a small percentage of recyclable materials, but also was a dirty and sometimes hazardous job.
In 1996, the Regional Drop Off Program began. A variety of sites exist around Escambia County whereby recyclable materials, including newspapers, cardboard, certain plastics and certain glass items, can be dropped off for recycling. There are 21 sites throughout Escambia County for drop off of these types of recyclable materials. Further information about recycling and drop-off sites can be found at “escambiarecycles.com.”
In addition, the Regional Roundup was instituted. This provides for drop-off sites on a periodic basis for certain types of hazardous wastes, including paints, solvents and other materials. The Regional Roundup has been very useful in avoiding having these types of hazardous materials in the landfill.
In addition, “landfill mining” has become a very effective tool for recycling. In landfill mining, old landfill refuse is dug up or mined, and recyclable materials extracted. Certain types of recyclable materials, including metals, have become more valuable over the years. This also makes additional space in the landfill for new materials to be deposited. There is a commitment not to further expand the size of the landfill but rather to utilize the existing landfill location to its maximum extent.
In July of 2008, a Curbside Recycling Program was begun as a pilot program in East Hill. Of the 365 customers available for curbside recycling, there was a 50% active participation on a weekly basis with a much higher percentage participating every two to three weeks.
Jim Howes then introduced DeeDee Green, also with the Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management, who focuses on education outreach at our local schools. DeeDee provided additional information about other specific programs relating to recycling, including the Shoe Reuse and Recycling Program whereby new or gently used shoes are obtained for victims of disasters and others in need. This has been accomplished in part through “Soles 4 Souls.” Thousands of pairs of good shoes have been distributed in this manner.
DeeDee also focused on the Shopping Bag Program whereby plastic bags (which catch the wind like parachutes and seem to fly all along our roadways) can be avoided. DeeDee indicated that a large stack of shopping bags and related materials were available for pickup as our members departed the meeting. DeeDee also focused on the recycling of office materials which at this time does not include glass, as well as recycling of waste tires which have been used as ground cover (after being shredded) and fuel. One notable project that is becoming more and more useful is the reblending of used paint which is then used for homes by Habitat Humanity and for other charitable groups. In addition, methane created by the landfill is being sold to International Paper to use as fuel in its boilers.
Both Jim and DeeDee provided very useful information about the status of the recycling programs in our county and the future hopes for further improving these programs. They then invited questions from all in attendance. Their responses to numerous questions confirmed that old propane tanks and similar tanks holding fuels could be recycled and were desirable for recycling because of the value of metal. Our speakers, as well as our host, Grover Robinson, commented on the potential usefulness of consolidating trash pickup and recycling by the city and the county. Grover reminded all of us that recycling does not benefit the collector but benefits the landfill. Consequently, both the entity collecting and the landfill owner/operator must cooperate for consolidation of pickup and recycling efforts to work for all involved.
Our speakers also confirmed that the revenue stream from recycling totaled in excess of $400,000 last year but at this time does not quite cover all of the costs involved in recycling. They are continuing to work on increasing revenue, decreasing costs, and improving efficiencies. They noted that the landfill is an enterprise fund and does not receive funds from the general funds of the county.
Grover thanked both of our speakers for a most informative presentation as well as for good answers to the numerous questions from our attendees.
President Keith gave thanks to all involved and adjourned at approximately 1:10 p.m., reminding all to “Make Dreams Real.”
Dale Knee and his Hospice associates are moving full speed on the addition to the Joyce Goldenberg treatment center, near UWF.
Hear tell that Collier Merrill’s phone rang off the hook as folks sought tickets to hear Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
Sandy Cesarett and staff had a big day October 4th. The WSRE Amos Center was the site for orientation of the 102 WWII vets to make the second Honor Flight trip to Washington October 15th. The vets, family members, the 33 Guardians, medical aids and all gathered to be sure all was ready for the adventure.
Brooks Champlin, October 14, Ft. Jackson, SC, 24 years
Bill Maloy, October 15, Des Moines, IA, 22 years
Jack Lowrey, October 16, Mobile, AL, 13 years
Audrey Young, October 17, Yuma, AZ, less than 1 year
Morris Eaddy, October 20, Bushnell, FL, 29 years