Workplace Waste Reduction


77

Commercial Recycling Pilot Tracks Wastes and Recycling
One hundred and twenty local businesses are participating in a year-long recycling
pilot study with the City of Ann Arbor, Recycle Ann Arbor, Mr. Rubbish and Resource
Recycling Systems. During the first phase of the pilot, every business received a site visit and
and interview covering current waste-handling practices. On October 11, the refuse from all
120 locations was collected and given a " waste sort," to measure the types and amounts of
materials being discarded. By November, the pilot businesses will begin receiving recycling
collection. Various types of recycling sorting and collection systems will be tested and
evaluated for efficiency, cost and convenience and reported back to the City. A final " waste
sort" will also help guage the success of the pilot program.


Workplace Waste Reduction Kit Available
The City has compiled a series of fact sheets to encourage workplace waste reduction
and recycling. Call the Solid Waste Department at 994-2807 for a free set of fact sheets.



Business Members Sought for City's Solid Waste Committees
Business participants are also being sought tojointhe City's Solid Waste Commission's
subcommittees, which usually meet monthly. A reuse/repair representative is needed for the
Reuse Subcommittee; a public relations or advertising representative is needed for the
Education Subcommittee; membership slots are also open for the Collection Committee (to
advise on the refuse, composting and recycling collection); the Facilities Committee (to
review the current and proposed landfill, composting and recycling processing facilities); and
the Finance Committee (to review current and future budgets). For more information, please
call Bryan Weinert at City Hall, 994-2807.


Survey of Commercial Waste Reuse Opportunities Underway
The City of Ann Arbor is mailing a waste reduction survey to all City-based
commercial establishments this winter. Area businesses and nonprofits are being asked to
respond to their current and potential future use of repair and resale outlets.

Chamber and City Team Up To Encourage Recycling
The Chamber's Solid Waste Task Force is meeting with the Ann Arbor Solid Waste
Department to explore potential joint projects to encourage recycling and waste reduction in
the commercial sector. Possible action areas for the Solid Waste Task Force include offering
presentations, round-table discussions and site tours of local business recycling programs and
cooperating on the publication of a local Reuse/Repair Directory. To participate on this
Chamber Task Force, please call Judy Jones at 665-4433.
Ann Arbor Waste Watcher Fall/Winter 1991/92 page 13