Implementing Recycling Systems

Implementing Recycling Systems

The Need For Recycling Systems in San Bernardino

County’s Apartment and Condo Complexes

By Patricia Miller

The Need For Recycling Systems in San Bernardino

County’s Apartment and Condo Complexes

By Patricia Miller

Implement RecyclingImplement Recycling

San Bernardino’s Solid Waste Management Department should implement recycling bins in every multi-family living spaces such as apartment and condo complex within the county.

San Bernardino’s Solid Waste Management Department should implement recycling bins in every multi-family living spaces such as apartment and condo complex within the county.

MSW StudyMSW Study

• 54.5 of waste in 2010 was made up of recycled material

• 54.5 of waste in 2010 was made up of recycled material

Recycling Impacts The EnvironmentRecycling Impacts The EnvironmentIn 1996 130 million

cubic feet of recycled material was kept out of landfills

• Equivalent to 64 disposal sites

• Annual use of Detroit Michigan and Dallas, Texas combined

In 1996 130 million cubic feet of recycled material was kept out of landfills

• Equivalent to 64 disposal sites

• Annual use of Detroit Michigan and Dallas, Texas combined

• 1 cubic yard recycled material = 1 cubic yard of landfills gone

• 1 cubic yard recycled material = 1 cubic yard of landfills gone

Population Population

California = 10% of nation’s populationCalifornia = 10% of nation’s population

Benefits of RecyclingBenefits of Recycling

• Less deforestation, mining, fresh water use

• 1 ton recycled paper = saves 17 trees– 7,000 gal of water

• Metal recycling = saves trees

• Less deforestation, mining, fresh water use

• 1 ton recycled paper = saves 17 trees– 7,000 gal of water

• Metal recycling = saves trees

PopulationPopulation

• San Bernardino County = over 2 million people– 5th most populous

county in CA – 12th in U.S.

• San Bernardino County = over 2 million people– 5th most populous

county in CA – 12th in U.S.

SolutionSolution

• Make recycling available for apartments/condos

• Make recycling available for apartments/condos

ConsiderationsConsiderations

• What type of containers? – easily identifiable

• Where they should be located?– easily accessible

• What type of containers? – easily identifiable

• Where they should be located?– easily accessible

Educate on RecyclingEducate on Recycling• Informing the residents

of availability and guidelines

• Where receptacles are located

• What is acceptable for recycling

• Importance of cleanliness of recycling

• Informing the residents of availability and guidelines

• Where receptacles are located

• What is acceptable for recycling

• Importance of cleanliness of recycling

Survey/Interview ResearchSurvey/Interview Research

• I found out first hand what the San Bernardino apartment residents' view on recycling is.– door-to-door survey-like interview– 20 individuals responded– apartments from San Bernardino to Colton

and all the way to Summit

• I found out first hand what the San Bernardino apartment residents' view on recycling is.– door-to-door survey-like interview– 20 individuals responded– apartments from San Bernardino to Colton

and all the way to Summit

Survey/Interview ResultsSurvey/Interview Results

Survey/Interview ResultsSurvey/Interview Results

Survey/Interview Survey/Interview

• "I feel like recycling has a great impact for our society. By recycling we're helping reduce all kinds of pollution that is caused by excess waste. It would definitely be nice if bins were provided for us and for every other resident in our apartment complex. It would remind all of us to recycle. It would also be nice to receive a list of what is recyclable, just incase I'm forgetting anything.” - Khadija Khan– Ms. Kan lives with one other person at Mountain

Side Village apartments in San Bernardino

• "I feel like recycling has a great impact for our society. By recycling we're helping reduce all kinds of pollution that is caused by excess waste. It would definitely be nice if bins were provided for us and for every other resident in our apartment complex. It would remind all of us to recycle. It would also be nice to receive a list of what is recyclable, just incase I'm forgetting anything.” - Khadija Khan– Ms. Kan lives with one other person at Mountain

Side Village apartments in San Bernardino

CostsCosts

• Cheaper than disposing regular mixed waste• 30% less material dumped = 30% less pick-

ups needed

• Cheaper than disposing regular mixed waste• 30% less material dumped = 30% less pick-

ups needed

Michigan StudyMichigan Study

1996 Ann Arbor, Michigan study

• Trash collection/disposal cost = $86 per ton

• Recycling/composting cost = $71 per ton

• 17% savings

1996 Ann Arbor, Michigan study

• Trash collection/disposal cost = $86 per ton

• Recycling/composting cost = $71 per ton

• 17% savings

Own StudyOwn Study

• Choose apartment complex

• Determine annual waste disposal cost

• Determine annual recycling cost

• Calculate difference

• Choose apartment complex

• Determine annual waste disposal cost

• Determine annual recycling cost

• Calculate difference

BankruptcyBankruptcy

Aug 1, 2012 San Bernardino filed bankruptcy = Need for financial help

Aug 1, 2012 San Bernardino filed bankruptcy = Need for financial help

State LawState Law

• 2012 California state law AB341– Mandates commercial recycling

• 2012 California state law AB341– Mandates commercial recycling

ConclusionConclusion

Apartments and condominiums need recycling systems

• Benefits San Bernardino• Benefits our environment• Preserves natural resources• Creates healthier communities• Provides for future generations

Apartments and condominiums need recycling systems

• Benefits San Bernardino• Benefits our environment• Preserves natural resources• Creates healthier communities• Provides for future generations