Monroe County Indiana Solid Waste Management District - Recycling, Waste Management, Green Business, Adopt-A-Road, Hazardous Waste, Environmental Education

Get Your Green On With The District
And Plant A Tree!

Get your “Green” on with the “District” and plant a tree! CELEBRATE EARTH DAY on APRIL 22nd, THE DISTRICT’S ENHANCED SERVICES at our five county locations, as well as the upcoming ARBOR DAY April 26 by planting a tree at your home to remind you to be green all year round. Where do you get your tree? On Earth Day April 22nd and April 23rd while supplies last, pick up a FREE TREE SEEDLING at the SOUTH WALNUT RECYCLING CENTER located at 3400 South Walnut Street. Where do you get your tree planting instructions? At the District? Where do you recycle materials from paper to electronics and medicines free of charge? At the District. Also, check out our new road sign and gate signs as well as our ZERO WASTE banners and share your tree stories, green stories, and how you save money using the orange bag trash program on Facebook.

Although Earth Day comes once a year, the District urges you to celebrate Earth Day April 22 and Arbor Day April 26, every day by using the services of the District. Think earth every day. Sustain the world by taking green actions such as reducing waste, reusing what you can, and recycling to create a healthy word. Those who stop by April 22nd at the South Walnut Recycling Center will receive a free tree seedling (one per family)! Seedlings will be donated in collaboration with the Indiana Division of Forestry and THIS YEAR DISTRICT FORESTER RALPH UNVERSAW WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE 22ND TO GIVE A FORESTER’S ADVICE ON TREES.

Recycling and reusing help the earth in many ways and planting trees does too. Studies indicate some of the benefits of planting trees are that trees clean the air by absorbing pollution, increase property values, reduce aggression and violence, reduce energy consumption, reduce pollution, prevent soil erosion, regulate climate, provide a habitat for animals, and provide a better habitat for all living creatures. In Indiana Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. Arbor Day which is now celebrated internationally, was founded in the 1880's in Nebraska due to Nebraska’s lack of trees. During the 1870's, other states began to observe it as well and the tradition began in the schools nationwide in 1882. Along with providing free tree seedlings, on Earth Day, the District will offer tours of its facilities to individuals and groups. Call 349-2020 for tours by appointment. Tours are also offered during the year and additional educational opportunities on environmental education are available throughout the year for the public.

The first Earth Day was held in the spring of 1970. In the words of the Founder of Earth Day, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, “The idea for the special day evolved over a period of seven years starting in 1962. It had troubled me that the state of our environment was simply a non-issue in the politics of the country.” However, as Senator Nelson explained, “If we could tap into the environmental concerns of the general public... we could generate a demonstration that would force this issue onto the political agenda. In 1970 there was a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment. The response was electric.” Senator Nelson says, “Earth Day worked because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level.” “On the first Earth Day as many as 20 million Americans in schools and communities across the country participated in rallies and demonstrations on behalf of Earth. That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.” (Excerpts from earthday.net “All About Earth Day” by Senator Nelson. Earth Day founder Senator Nelson reminds us that the stewardship of the earth’s natural resources is in everyone’s hands every day.

By 1990 Earth Day had become an international event, with more than 200 million people in 141 countries participating according to Earth Day Network, an organization that coordinates Earth Day activities around the world. Earth Day is most often celebrated on April 22, but some people observe it on March 21, the first day of spring. Today more than 1,000 groups and over 500 million people participate in activities and events that draw attention to current local and global environmental problems and to discuss commonsense solutions. At fairs, festivals, and talks, people learn about air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution; the destruction of habitats; the devastation of hundreds of thousands of plant and animal species; and the depletion of nonrenewable resources. They explore how to conserve energy, recycle, reuse, renew natural habitats, and make their lives and others healthier.

Find out what you can do for a goal of ZERO WASTE. Think Earth every day. Stop by the SOUTH WALNUT RECYCLING CENTER APRIL 22nd to celebrate EARTH DAY APRIL 22, pick out a free tree seedling BEGINNING APRIL 22nd, and let us help you think earth and take action! One tree seedling per family April 22nd and 23rd while supplies last and don’t forget to share your tree stories and green stories on Facebook. Get your Green on!

GOING GREEN IN 2013
The District Expands Rural Recycling Centers
Click here to download the full press release

The best way to start the New Year is with positive action and, positive action that will affect the entire community! The “District”…where green living begins, announces expansion of its recycling services. Starting January 7th to better serve Monroe County, the District will provide:

• FREE DISPOSAL OF ELECTRONICS AT ALL DISTRICT RECYCLING CENTERS
• FREE BULKY ITEM DISPOSAL AT ALL RURAL CENTERS on a rotating basis and
• EXPANDED DAYS FOR RURAL CENTERS.

RURAL RECYCLING CENTERS WILL BE OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK—
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 7 am-6 pm.
The District reminds the public to be part of the nation’s sustainability effort and to spread the word.

District Executive Director Larry D. Barker states, “The New Year is a time to commit or renew your commitment to positive action. This is a time to recycle all you can. Barker says, “Recycling is critical for a clean, green, and healthy Monroe County and a clean, green and healthy universe.” A continued partnership with an electronics recycler now allows the District to accept electronics for free. Two years ago the District implemented the “Just A Dollar” Electronics recycling program but now the recycling will be free for all electronic items and continue to be properly recycled. Media & Education Director Elisa Pokral reminds the public that “Electronics are hazardous material that should be kept out of the trash and other hazardous material collection will remain at the Hazardous Materials Facility at The South Walnut Recycling Center which accepts year-round such materials as pharmaceutical, medical aids, paints and cleaners, among others.”

Another key expansion is in providing disposal of bulky items from a twice a year collection to weekly. Also beginning January 7th for each full week of the month, bulky item containers will be located at the four Rural Recycling Centers. Starting the first full week of the month: 1st week of month Ellettsville, 2nd week of month The Westside, 3rd week of month The Southside, 4th week of month Northwest. Monroe County residents may bring unusable disposable items for FREE disposal at rural centers and rural centers will be open 5 days a week for the community’s convenience. Pokral says, “That means now residents don’t have to wait for the semi-annual bulky item days event to dispose of their bulky items. In addition, since rural centers will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 7 am to 6 pm, residents will have more days in which to drop off recyclables and trash which saves them money.

The District now contracts with Electronic Recyclers International (ERI). ERI is the largest
electronics recycler in North America. It is based in California and has locations in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, California, and Washington State, and Indiana. “Both the District and ERI specialize in the environmentally safe and socially responsible recycling of electronic waste.” Executive Director Larry D. Barker explains that the District serves as a collection hub for South Central Indiana so this is just one district program that enables the district to contribute to the greening of a large part of Indiana.”

ERI has the highest capacity and most technologically advanced E-Waste shredding system in the world. All electronics sent to ERI are 100% recycled into three main commodities: metals, plastic, and glass. Electronics are stripped down, wires melted, and valuable metal is saved. Barker states, “Many electronics contain harmful substances that can leach into the environment if thrown in a landfill. That action not only pollutes soil, air, and water but is a waste of our precious natural resources.” Barker states, “The public can be assured that all electronic devices are properly recycled. No electronics are placed in landfills and nothing is illegally exported to other nations.”

The District reminds the public to repair the electronic item first or, if the device still works, give the item to someone who can use it, sell it, or donate it to an agency. The District urges the public to be one of the billions of people worldwide who keep electronic waste out of landfills. Barker urges the public to join the district in leading Indiana to a green economy.

Barker says, “In 2013 the District honors those in the community who have been reducing waste and we urge the Monroe County community to teach others to reduce waste, reuse as much as possible, and recycle a variety of materials. Working towards “Zero Waste” in reducing pollution, saving energy, and conserving resources is what the District does in the community.” The District also reminds people to purchase items with recycled content to keep the recycling market flowing and the District challenges you to add one more material to what you are recycling now. Find out Monroe County. Let’s do our part.

For more information, call 349-2020 or visit gogreendistrict.com. Remember starting January 7ththe District will provide FREE DISPOSAL OF ELECTRONICS AND BULKY ITEMS AT ALL RECYCLING CENTERS. RURAL RECYCLING CENTERS WILL BE OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 7 am to 6 pm. The South Walnut Recycling Center is located at 3400 South Walnut Street. The four Rural Centers are: The Ellettsville Recycling Center, 6200 North Matthews Drive; The Westside Recycling Center, 341 North Oard Road, (off St. Rd. 48, west of 37); The Southside Recycling Center, 400 West Dillman Road, (1/8 mile west of 37) and The Northwest Recycling Center in New Unionville on East Bethel Lane. All District Recycling Centers have detailed brochures on what can be recycled as well as other earth care information.

RECYCLING PUTS MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET

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How many dollars are you throwing in your trash by not recycling? AMERICA RECYCLES DAY NOVEMBER 15TH is a day to honor those who recycle and who reduce waste in their communities. The “District”…where Green living begins, reminds the public that reducing waste benefits those who live in rural areas, metropolitan areas and areas in-between. Recycling puts money back in our pockets and into the economy by creating jobs, reducing healthcare costs, saving natural resources, and protecting our environment from degradation. On America Recycles Day the District urges the public to do their part during the holiday season as well as to reduce the waste stream on a daily basis by being part of Monroe County’s continued sutstainability effort.

Media & Education Director Elisa Pokral says, “If you are looking to save money, the District’s Orange Bag Trash program is one program that puts money back in your pocket. Rural recycling center patrons do exactly that by separating the recyclables out of their trash, putting the remainder which is trash into an orange bag and then bringing both the recyclables and trash to a Rural Recycling Center. Taking the recyclables out of the small amount of trash you have will save you a tremendous amount of money.” Orange bags are available in two sizes—33 gallon roll of 10 bags for $12.50, 15 gallon roll of 20 bags for $10.00. Orange bags may be purchased at most Monroe County grocery and hardware stores. Bags are also available to low income residents through the South Central Community Action program. Pokral says, “A family of four spends $2.50 per month for trash disposal versus the cost of anywhere from $12 to $20 per month for weekly trash/recycling pickup from a contracted trash hauler.” So, by recycling, Pokral says you reduce your cost of trash disposal and, since studies indicate 70% of your waste or more can be recycled, that’s putting money back into your pocket.

Pokral says, “In honor of America Recycling, the month of November is a time to pledge to yourself to save money by reducing the waste stream through recycling. Recycling is crucial to saving you money, maintain a healthy Monroe County, and a healthy world. Items used daily from electronics to paper, plastic, metal and glass can be recycled at District Recycling Centers which are conveniently located for Monroe County residents.”

The South Walnut Recycling Center at 3400 South Walnut Street is the headquarters of the Adopt-A-Road Program, the Materials for the Arts, and the Education program. Adults and children age 12 on up can volunteer to help clean our roads. The public and businesses can donate materials to the Arts for not for profit organizations to use. The public can request their school to call Pokral to schedule a series of Citizen Science sessions in school classrooms or a tour and program at The South Walnut Recycling Center. The four Rural Centers are: The Ellettsville Recycling Center, 6200 North Matthews Drive; The Westside Recycling Center, 341 North Oard Road, (off St. Rd. 48, west of 37); The Southside Recycling Center, 400 West Dillman Road, (1/8 mile west of 37) and The Northeast Recycling Center in New Unionville on East Bethel Lane. All District Recycling Centers have detailed brochures on what can be recycled as well as other earth care information. Customers are always encouraged to ask the Recycling Center attendant if you are unsure of what is placed where or what materials are accepted.

Pokral says 70% of items in your trash shouldn’t be there such as plastics 1-7s, glass bottles, newspaper, magazines, junk mail, plastic bags. Electronics are hazardous material that if thrown in the trash can pollute our air, water, and soil with the chemicals they contain and valuable metals are wasted. Over 250 tons of hazardous materials collected annually by the District are regularly collected Tuesday through Saturday at the Hazardous Materials facility at The South Walnut Recycling Center. Among the hazardous materials are pharmaceutical, medical aids, paints and cleaners, among many other substances, some of which are commonly found in your household or business.

On America Recycles Day the District recognizes the many residents who reduce, reuse, and recycle. “Let’s all do our part. Happy America Recycles Day everyone! See you at the recycling bins.” For more information, days and hours of operation, call 349-2020 or visit gogreendistrict.com.

Free Environmental Education to Help Achieve
IDOE Green Ribbon Schools Initiative

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The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced its participation for the first time in the FEDERAL GREEN RIBBON SCHOOLS AWARD PROGRAM, to recognize schools in their efforts to go GREEN. The District announces its availability to help schools achieve the award with the FREE Environmental Education programs that it offers. The recognition award honors exemplary achievement in reducing environmental impact and costs; improving health and wellness; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education. This award is now known as the first comprehensive federal program addressing the environmental impact, health and education of our schools and a major milestone in the Green Schools Movement. Deadline to apply is November 30, 2012. Applications are on the IDOE web site.

Schools with environmental education programs score higher on standardized tests in math, reading, writing, and listening. The District’s Media & Education Director Elisa K. Pokral states, “Exposure to environment based education significantly increases student performance on tests of their critical thinking skills and, connection to nature makes you nicer! It enhances social interactions and community bonding.” Schools can contact Pokral at the District to book free environmental education in-school presentations for K-12. Presentations are being booked now for the academic year. Visit gogreendistrict.com to select presentations or call 349-2866/2020. Teachers and students may also ask environmental questions on Facebook and Twitter.

Pokral says, “The District’s free environmental education presentations are designed to help integrate environmental literacy into every classroom. The District is here to help you strengthen environmental literacy which can involve all subject areas. District services include advice on opportunities each school has for modeling green communities and citizen science.” Each year the District provides in-school programs for over 6,500 students in the MCCSC and RBBCSC school districts as well as Lighthouse Christian Academy. The free environmental education presentations for K-12 are designed to help integrate environmental literacy and citizen science into every classroom in accordance with IDOE standards. Session descriptions and standards are listed on the web site. The District’s instructional programs and activities build skills, abilities, and knowledge that meet state mandated standards in many subject areas. Pokral says, “Studies indicate that linking education and the environment can result in dramatic improvements in the effectiveness of education overall, including standardized testing. It also boosts enthusiasm for learning and pride in accomplishments, and decreases discipline and attendance problems.” The District is a multifaceted agency that works to promote environmental literacy in Monroe County. Its innovative curriculum is based on science but is interdisciplinary.

The IDOE memo states and associated studies concur that: “Green schools are critical to schools’ fiscal health and our nation’s economy. Improvements to K-12 school facilities save schools money, strengthen the nation’s energy security and conserve natural resources. Healthy behaviors, environmental education and green facilities
are as vital to individual students as they are to the nation. High standards for facilities, nutrition and fitness improve student and staff health, attendance and achievement. Finally, environmental and sustainability education prepares students to be good citizens and enhances achievement and engagement in all subjects.” The Green Ribbon Schools Award Application is posted on the IDOE website and 2012 applications will be due November 30, 2012. The District is booking academic sessions now through the academic year. Sessions are 1 hour and are FREE. Most teachers prefer to book a series of sessions. Visit gogreendistrict.com, click on Education/classroom presentations to see session descriptions and IDOE standards. Pokral says, “We hope that more teachers join teachers around the world who have discovered this vital link to the environment in classroom visits and on-site programs.” Book now for the academic year. Call 349-2866/2020 or click here to schedule your programs now!

GET YOUR GREEN ON WITH THE DISTRICT . . .
WHERE GREEN LIVING BEGINS
Earth Day Every Day

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Get your “Green” on with the “District”… Where Green Living Begins (MCSWMD). The District will celebrate Earth Day on April 19th and April 20th this year due to the official Earth day falling on Sunday April 22.

However, the District urges you to celebrate Earth Day April 22 and Arbor Day April 27, every day by using the services of the District. Think earth every day. Sustain the world by taking green actions such as reducing waste, reusing what you can, and recycling. Those who STOP BY APRIL 19th at the CENTRAL RECYCLING AND REUSE FACILITY of the District will receive a FREE TREE SEEDLING and some colorful advice along the way! The seedlings will be available starting on the 19th, while supplies last so stop by Central Recycling and Reuse at 3400 South Walnut Street. Seedlings will be donated in collaboration with the Indiana Division of Forestry.

Find out what you can do to think earth today and every day. Stop by the CENTRAL RECYCLING AND REUSE FACILITY of the District (MCSWMD) APRIL 19th to celebrate EARTH DAY APRIL 22, pick out a free tree seedling BEGINNING APRIL 19th, and let us help you think earth and take action! Seedlings will be available dependent upon supply. One tree seedling per family. Seedlings available April 19th and 20th while supplies last.
Get your Green on.

EARTH HOUR:
GOING BEYOND THE HOUR

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Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce climate change and, to change the world. Every individual has the power to change the world. Earth Hour is a symbol of that opportunity and going beyond the hour to make the world a healthier place. On Saturday March 31st Earth Hour 2012, hundreds of millions of people all over the world will be turning off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Larry D. Barker Executive Director of “The District,” the Monroe County Waste Management District and staff are urging Monroe County residents to turn off nonessential lights on Earth Hour. Barker says, “This event is a call to action to increase awareness about climate change and to demonstrate that people from all over the world care about the issue and are taking action in their daily lives.” Barker says, “Monroe County residents can also take action by picking up free earth care information available in Green bins at any of the District’s four rural sites when they recycle or at Central Recycling.” In addition, Barker says, “Residents can join the Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) that works on special environmental stewardship projects and advises the District and the District Board.”

Last year more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights. This is part of an initiative started by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). District Media & Education Director Elisa K. Pokral says, “There are many ways to make changes in our energy use and influence others to do the same.” Pokral says, “The free earth care information available helps individuals and businesses in earth care stewardship.” At each of the four rural sites, the District urges residents to look for green bins that contain information that instruct the public on how to take action on a variety of environmental stewardship opportunities. The free information covers such topics as: Steps to Reduce Global Climate Change, how to compost, naturalizing lawns, what to do with yard waste, how to protect the water supply, creating rain gardens, grading your home for greenness and of course detailed brochures on what can be recycled at all District sites, and what can be brought to the Hazardous Materials Facility at Central Recycling & Reuse. Pokral says, “One person has the power to make change. One single action represents the start of your personal journey of commitment to a more sustainable earth. Earth Hour is the beginning of a greener world.”

“When people change the type of lights they use in their house, they reduce carbon emissions
and changing frequently used lights to compact fluorescents also saves you money.” states Pokral. For frequently used lights, you reduce energy use and the bulbs last longer. “So, turning off the lights March 31st from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, and switching to compact fluorescents or LED lights is a way to not only show your concern about climate change but demonstrate your commitment to finding solutions.”

WWF reports that Earth Hour continues to be the largest demonstration of public concern about climate change in history. Pokral states, “We hope that individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations in Monroe County join the world in turning off nonessential lights. Climate change jeopardizes fifty years of conservation successes and it jeopardizes every ecosystem. Daily activities such as reducing waste by being careful of what you purchase, using organic alternatives to hazardous waste, reusing as much as possible to keep items out of the landfill, and recycling all help reduce climate change.” The Environmental Protection Agency reports that municipal solid waste landfills are the largest source of human related methane emissions in the U.S. contributing to smog and climate change and is more harmful than carbon dioxide emissions. Pokral says, “It is everyone’s responsibility to reduce the emissions that are harmful to the earth. Climate change endangers all life on our planet and simple actions make a difference.”

The number one issue of the 21st century is climate change and the United States is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases, with nearly five times the world average in carbon emissions. However, it is possible for people to slow climate change before it becomes too dangerous to manage. Pokral says “We can do this by moving individuals, businesses, and leaders towards responsible energy and environmental choices. This will help the ecosystems to resist and recover from the environmental stresses of climate change.”

The District reminds residents that the CAC of the District always welcomes new members. CAC is composed of concerned citizens in a variety of occupations who work on specific environmental issues and recommend policy for the District. Pokral says, “CAC is an opportunity to act locally and Earth Hour is an opportunity for the public to join a global movement, learn more about environmental issues, get outside to appreciate the natural world, and, take action.” Contact CAC Co-Chair Steve Akers at ingreenakers@gmail.com or call him at 855-1905 if you would like to join the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. For more information on other earth care action steps, look for the green bins at the District’s four rural sites or request the information from the Administration Building of Central Recycling. Call 349-2020 or visit gogreendistrict.com. Remember, it’s Earth Hour Saturday March 31st. Recycling is one of the easiest way to reduce climate change. Find out other ways by picking up basic earth care information at District sites. Turn off your lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm March 31st, recycle, and let your neighborhood know what actions you’re taking to reduce climate change.