Cuyahoga County Enrolling 2017 Master Recycler Class

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District is accepting applications for its 2017 Master Recycler class.

MasterRecyclerLogo

I took this class in 2013, and it was well worth the time and effort.

  • Our class consisted of a group of committed recyclers. Unless you work in the industry (and maybe even if you do), this probably doesn’t happen to you very often.
  • We got to know the Solid Waste Management District staff and the valuable functions they provide for the communities in Cuyahoga County.
  • The lectures and tours (five lectures, alternating weekly with four tours/field trips) explored and clarified many of the confusing aspects of recycling and what determines what goes into the recycling bin.
  • In lecture sessions, we heard from experts in waste management and from many of agencies that reuse, repurpose, or recycle materials that would otherwise go into the landfill.
  • Our tours took us to waste management facilities of various types, explained and demonstrated each facility’s purpose and operations, and gave us ample opportunity to talk with the facility’s representatives.
  • One tour in particular, our visit to the Cleveland Habitat for Humanity ReStore, was particularly joyful for me: I discovered a kitchen appliance that I later purchased. (See my blog post Shopping Recycled: How I Replaced My Jenn-Air Range at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Saved Over $2,000.)

I encourage anyone with a commitment to sustainability, zero waste/waste reduction, waste management, or recycling to consider the Master Recycler program.

What can you expect from the Master Recycler program?

  • You’ll have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of solid waste management issues and practices, including waste reduction, composting, and recycling.
  • You’ll become familiar with the Solid Waste District’s programs and resources.
  • You’ll develop the personal resources to advocate for recycling and sustainability in the community and the workplace.
  • You’ll find opportunities for productive partnerships among your fellow participants.
  • Through service learning and volunteer opportunities, you can become a volunteer educator who can represent the District and its mission, and you’ll have countless opportunities to engage with other leaders in local sustainability efforts.

This year’s classes are held weekly on Thursday evenings, beginning September 14 and continuing through November 9. For application procedures and details about the program’s requirements and activities, program eligibility, and potential topics and tours, see the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District website.

Become a Master Recycler: learn how and why to Keep It Out of the Landfill.

Want to stay in touch with the latest waste reduction/recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page.

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Cuyahoga County Enrolling 2016 Master Recycler Class

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District is accepting applications for its 2016 Master Recycler class.

MasterRecyclerLogo

I took this class in 2013, and it was well worth the time and effort.

  • Our class consisted of a group of committed recyclers. Unless you work in the industry (and maybe even if you do), this probably doesn’t happen to you very often.
  • We got to know the Solid Waste Management District staff and the valuable functions they provide for the communities in Cuyahoga County.
  • The lectures and tours (four lectures, alternating weekly with four tours/field trips) explored and clarified many of the confusing aspects of recycling and what determines what goes into the recycling bin.
  • In lecture sessions, we heard from experts in waste management and from many of agencies that reuse, repurpose, or recycle materials that would otherwise go into the landfill.
  • Our tours took us to waste management facilities of various types, explained and demonstrated each facility’s purpose and operations, and gave us ample opportunity to talk with the facility’s representatives.
  • One tour in particular, our visit to the Cleveland Habitat for Humanity ReStore, was particularly joyful for me: I discovered a kitchen appliance that I later purchased. (See my blog post Shopping Recycled: How I Replaced My Jenn-Air Range at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Saved Over $2,000.)

I encourage anyone with a commitment to zero waste/waste reduction, waste management, or recycling to consider the Master Recycler program. But don’t dally: only a few spots remain for this year’s class.

What can you expect from the Master Recycler program?

  • You’ll have the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of solid waste management issues and practices, including waste reduction, composting, and recycling.
  • You’ll develop the personal resources to advocate for recycling and sustainability in the community and the workplace.
  • You’ll find opportunities for productive partnerships among your fellow participants.
  • Through service learning and volunteer opportunities, you can become a volunteer educator who can represent the District and its mission.

This year’s classes begin Wednesday evening, September 14. For application procedures and details about the program’s requirements and activities, program eligibility, and potential topics and tours, see the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District website.

Become a Master Recycler: learn how and why to Keep It Out of the Landfill.

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page.

Too much stuff? “Pass It On!”

Need to make some room before the gift-giving starts? Donate unwanted clothes, toys, and other items to a local non-profit organization that accepts donations.

Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff

Image courtesy of the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District.

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District publishes a book called “Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff” that lists over 125 local organizations, most of them in Cuyahoga County, that accept donations year-round. (Some of these organizations will pick up donated goods, but may not offer pickups outside the county.)

If your mailing address is in Cuyahoga County, you can order a copy of the book by calling (216) 698-2265 or online from the Solid Waste District’s website.

If you’re outside Cuyahoga County, or if you prefer the less wasteful online version, you can view it online as a PDF on the District’s website or use their searchable database, which may have more current information than the book, which was published in July 2014. (Scroll down to “Items to Donate.”)

Make this holiday season a little greener: use “Pass It On” to find destinations for your unwanted belongings.

(My thanks to the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District for permission to quote part of this material from their online newsletter, Talking Trash.)

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page.

Business Recycling Roundtable at Solid Waste District, Thursday, Nov. 5

Businesses that have attended the “Waste and Recycling $ense for Your Business” seminar at the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District are invited to return to the District to participate in the first peer-to-peer business recycling discussion group. (Click here for a flyer describing the event.)

Meet with commercial, industrial, institutional, and other businesses who have attended the seminar. Talk about the seminar and your experiences with workplace programs for waste reduction and recycling.

  • Talk about what worked — and what didn’t
  • Learn how others overcame challenges.
  • Did you take photos — before/after, candid shots of people recycling, grip-and-grin awards ceremonies, kickoff events, celebration events? Bring them along!

Doreen Schreiber, the District’s Business Recycling Specialist, will facilitate the roundtable.

The roundtable will be held at the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District (click here for address and map), Thursday, Nov. 5, 2–4 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required (click here to register). For more information, contact Doreen Schreiber at 216-443-3732, or dschreiber@cuyahogacounty.us.

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page.

Last 2015 Workplace Recycling/Waste Contracting Workshop Sep. 24

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District will present its popular workshop, “Waste and Recycling $ense for Your Business,” on Thursday, September 24, for the final time in 2015.

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District conducts Waste and Recycling $ense for Your Business workshops

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District conducts Waste and Recycling $ense for Your Business workshops

What the workshop covers

In this half-day workshop, businesses and non-profits can learn how to start or improve a workplace recycling program and how to contract for waste hauling or recycling. The Solid Waste District’s Recycling Specialist walks participants through the steps to launch or expand a successful workplace waste reduction and recycling program. The workshop covers:

  • Starting a recycling program or improving an existing program
  • Recognizing different recyclable commodities
  • Commercial composting
  • Waste sorting (aka “dumpster diving”) and analysis
  • Choosing proper indoor recycling containers and selecting appropriate signage
  • Making the recycling program sustainable
  • Educating employees, students and visitors on the program
  • Choosing a waste hauling and recycling company
  • Terms and conditions of waste and recycling service contracts
  • Types of contracts, fees, and how to structure an agreement to best suit a business

Who should attend

Any business with an interest in effective management of waste and recycling can benefit from these workshops. Previous attendees — large employers, small businesses, startups — have included:

  • Public venues
  • Hotel chains
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Universities and schools
  • National parks
  • Places of worship
  • Non-profits
  • Local government
  • Property management and real estate development firms
  • Hospitals

Curious about how the workshops might help your organization? Check out the feedback from previous participants (click here and scroll down to “What are attendees saying about the program?”). One recent attendee saved over $26,000 from the information she learned at one of the seminars.

Where and when the workshop is held

The workshop, which will be held at the Solid Waste District offices at 4750 East 131 Street in Garfield Heights (map) (for driving directions, click here), consists of two sessions:

  • Session 1, Successful Recycling in Your Workplace: 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m.
  • Session 2, Contracting for Waste and Recycling Services: 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Participants may attend either or both sessions.

The workshops are free, but registration is required. Online registration (click here and scroll down to “Upcoming Seminars”) is available through the Solid Waste District’s website, as is the Solid Waste District’s flyer for the seminars.

More information is available from Business Recycling Specialist Doreen Schreiber at (216) 443-3732 or dschreiber@cuyahogacounty.us.

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page, or subscribe to my Examiner.com page.

Local executives named SWANA Ohio Executives of the Year

The Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the Solid Waste District Association of North America (SWANA) has named two local sustainability managers 2014 executives of the year.

SWANA Ohio Executives of the Year 2014

SWANA Ohio Executives of the Year 2014

 

Diane Bickett, Executive Director , Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District: 2014 Professional of the Year

A member of the Solid Waste District since its formation in 1995, Deputy Director of the Solid Waste District 1998–2009, and Executive Director since 2009, Diane Bickett numbers among her accomplishments:

  • Her role in the formation of the Cuyahoga County Paper Marketing Cooperative.
  • Her leadership in establishing the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection, now Ohio’s largest HHW collection.
  • Opening of the District’s Special Waste Convenience Center, in 2011, providing Cuyahoga County communities a 5 days/week drop-off for HHW, and earning recognition for the District in 2012 as Solid Waste Operator of the Year.

The full text of Diane’s award recognition can be found on the SWANA Ohio Buckeye Chapter website.

Nancy Hughes, Cleveland Metroparks Sustainability Manager: Solid Waste Operator of the Year

As Sustainability Manager of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Nancy Hughes is responsible for:

  • Management of the zoo’s on-site composting program, which processes the facility’s annual production of 4,000 cubic yards of manure from elephants and other large herbivores and incorporates other vegetative material to produce sweet-smelling compost used throughout the zoo’s many gardens.
  • Management of recycling programs used for zoo operations and supporting vendors, including computer equipment, aluminum cans, pallets, paper and cardboard, florescent bulbs, inkjet cartridges, cell phones, etc.
  • Development and management of the zoo’s comprehensive education and awareness program for schools, businesses, organizations, and other zoos.

Through Nancy’s influence, the zoo’s Master Plan includes a sustainability goal, and, as a founding member of ZeroWaste NEO, she continues to promote the principles of Zero Waste throughout the community.

The full text of Nancy’s award recognition can be found on the SWANA Ohio Buckeye Chapter website.

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page, or subscribe to my Examiner.com page.

Free Binders for School, Home, Business: Just Come Pick Them Up

Teachers, students, community groups, churches, day care operators, anyone: the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District has lots of binders left over from Zero Landfill Cleveland’s operations this past summer.

Free binders at the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District

Free binders at the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District (photo credit: Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District)

  • What: binders of various sizes, colors, capacities, perfect for organizing and displaying information and materials.
  • Where they came from: surplus materials donated to Zero Landfill Cleveland by the local graphic design, interior design and architectural community.
  • Who: free to anyone who will pick them up.
  • Where: Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District’s Garfield Heights facility, 4750 E 131st Street in Garfield Heights (map).
  • More information: call (216) 443-3749.

Zero Landfill Cleveland kept these binders out of the landfill. Now they’re looking for some good homes.

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page, or subscribe to my Examiner.com page.

Free Half-Day Workplace Recycling/Waste Contracting Workshop: Last Chance for 2014

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District will present its popular workshop “Waste and Recycling $ense for Your Business,” for the final time in 2014, on Tuesday, September 23.

Recycle Logo

Learn how to use recycling to improve the environment and help your bottom line: it makes $ense.

What the workshop covers

In this half-day workshop, businesses and non-profits can learn how to start or improve a workplace recycling program and how to contract for waste hauling or recycling. The staff of the Solid Waste District walks participants through the steps to launch or expand a successful workplace waste reduction and recycling program. The workshop covers:

  • Starting a recycling program or improving an existing program
  • Recognizing different recyclable commodities
  • Commercial composting
  • Waste sorting (aka “dumpster diving”) and analysis
  • Choosing proper indoor recycling containers and selecting appropriate signage
  • Making the recycling program sustainable
  • Educating employees, students and visitors on the program
  • Choosing a waste hauling and recycling company
  • Terms and conditions of waste and recycling service contracts
  • Types of contracts, fees, and how to structure an agreement to best suit a business

Who should attend

Any business with an interest in effective management of waste and recycling can benefit from this workshop. Previous attendees — large employers, small businesses, startups — have included:

  • Public venues
  • Hotel chains
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Universities and schools
  • National parks
  • Places of worship
  • Non-profits
  • Local government
  • Property management and real estate development firms
  • Hospitals

Curious about how the workshop might help your organization? Check out the feedback from previous participants (click here and scroll down to “What are attendees saying about the program?”).

Where and when the workshop is held

The workshop is held at the Solid Waste District offices at 4750 East 131 Street in Garfield Heights (map). Driving directions are available here.

The workshop consists of two sessions:

  • Session 1, Successful Recycling in Your Workplace: 9 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
  • Session 2, Contracting for Waste and Recycling Services: 11 a.m.–noon.

Participants may attend either or both sessions.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. Online registration (click here and scroll down to “Upcoming Seminars”) is available through the Solid Waste District’s website, as is the Solid Waste District’s flyer for the seminar.

More information is available from Business Recycling Specialist Doreen Schreiber at (216) 443-3732 or dschreiber@cuyahogacounty.us.

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page, or subscribe to my Examiner.com page.

Cuyahoga County Enrolling 2014 Master Recycler Class

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District is accepting applications for its 2014 Master Recycler class.

MasterRecyclerLogo

I took this class last year, and it was well worth the time and effort.

  • Our class consisted of a group of committed recyclers. Unless you work in the industry (and maybe even if you do), this probably doesn’t happen to you very often.
  • We got to know the Solid Waste Management District staff and the valuable functions they provide for the communities in Cuyahoga County.
  • The lectures and tours (four lectures, alternating weekly with four tours/field trips) explored and clarified many of the confusing aspects of recycling and what determines what goes into the recycling bin.
  • In lecture sessions, we heard from experts in waste management and from many of agencies that reuse, repurpose, or recycle materials that would otherwise go into the landfill.
  • Our tours took us to waste management facilities of various types, explained and demonstrated each facility’s purpose and operations, and gave us ample opportunity to talk with the facility’s representatives.
  • One tour in particular, our visit to the Cleveland Habitat for Humanity ReStore, was particularly joyful for me: I discovered a kitchen appliance that I later purchased. (See my blog post Shopping Recycled: How I Replaced My Jenn-Air Range at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Saved Over $2,000.)

I encourage anyone with a commitment to waste management, waste reduction, or recycling to consider the Master Recycler program. But don’t dally: only a few spots remain for this year’s class.

What can you expect from the Master Recycler program?

  • You’ll have the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of solid waste management issues and practices, including waste reduction, composting, and recycling.
  • You’ll develop the personal resources to advocate for recycling and sustainability in the community and the workplace.
  • You’ll find opportunities for productive partnerships among your fellow participants.
  • Through service learning and volunteer opportunities, you can become a volunteer educator who can represent the District and its mission.

For application procedures and details about the program’s requirements and activities, program eligibility, and potential topics and tours, see the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District website.

Become a Master Recycler: learn how and why to Keep It Out of the Landfill.

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page, or subscribe to my Examiner.com page.

Free Half-Day Workplace Recycling/Waste Contracting Workshops Begin March 13

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District will again present its popular workshops, “Waste and Recycling $ense for Your Business,” in 2014:

Recycle Logo

Learn how to use recycling to improve the environment and help your bottom line: it makes $ense.

  • Thursday, March 13
  • Thursday, April 3
  • Wednesday, June 25
  • Tuesday, September 23

What the workshops cover

In these half-day workshops, businesses and non-profits can learn how to start or improve a workplace recycling program and how to contract for waste hauling or recycling. The staff of the Solid Waste District walks participants through the steps to launch or expand a successful workplace waste reduction and recycling program. The workshops cover:

  • Starting a recycling program or improving an existing program
  • Recognizing different recyclable commodities
  • Commercial composting
  • Waste sorting (aka “dumpster diving”) and analysis
  • Choosing proper indoor recycling containers and selecting appropriate signage
  • Making the recycling program sustainable
  • Educating employees, students and visitors on the program
  • Choosing a waste hauling and recycling company
  • Terms and conditions of waste and recycling service contracts
  • Types of contracts, fees, and how to structure an agreement to best suit a business

Who should attend

Any business with an interest in effective management of waste and recycling can benefit from these workshops. Previous attendees — large employers, small businesses, startups — have included:

  • Public venues
  • Hotel chains
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Universities and schools
  • National parks
  • Places of worship
  • Non-profits
  • Local government
  • Property management and real estate development firms
  • Hospitals

Curious about how the workshops might help your organization? Check out the feedback from previous participants (click here and scroll down to “What are attendees saying about the program?”).

Where and when the workshops are held

All workshops except for the April 3 event are held at the Solid Waste District offices at 4750 East 131 Street in Garfield Heights (map). Driving directions are available here.

The April 3 workshop will be held at the Bedford Heights Community Center, Room 2, 5615 Perkins Road in Bedford Heights (map).

The workshops consist of two sessions:

  • Session 1, Successful Recycling in Your Workplace: 9 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
  • Session 2, Contracting for Waste and Recycling Services: 11 a.m.–noon.

Participants may attend either or both sessions.

The workshops are free, but registration is required. Online registration (click here and scroll down to “Upcoming Seminars”) is available through the Solid Waste District’s website, as is the Solid Waste District’s flyer for the seminars.

More information is available from Business Recycling Specialist Doreen Schreiber at (216) 443-3732 or dschreiber@cuyahogacounty.us.

Want to stay in touch with the latest recycling news in the Cleveland area? Just click on the Follow button at the bottom of my blog Home page, or subscribe to my Examiner.com page.