Presented by: Pechanga Environmental Department Designing and Managing a Recycling Program Source Reduction Strategies for Tribal Solid Waste Programs San Diego, CA January 25-27, 2011

What is Recycling? The process by which discarded materials are collected, sorted, processed and converted in to raw materials which are then used in the production of new products. Source: Education for Sustainable Development

Overview What is Recycling Benefits of Recycling Elements of a Successful Program The Planning Process Leadership Approval Post Implementation

Benefits of Recycling Decreases emissions of greenhouse gases by reducing the need for landfilling and incineration. Prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials Saves energy. Conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals. Creates jobs. Cost savings and potential for revenue. Helps sustain the environment for future generations. Source: U.S. E.P.A.

Total MSW Generation, 2008: 250 Million tons (before recycling) Source: U.S. E.P.A.

Elements of a Successful Program It all starts with planning… Planning is the first step towards building a successful recycling program. Elements of a Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP) can be incorporated into Recycling Program Design. Engage Leadership early in the process. Include all stakeholders and potential partners in the planning process.

The Planning Process The importance of planning… A collaborative planning effort includes input from all stakeholders; Considers factors such as economic feasibility, infrastructure, communication, service area, materials, responsibilities and risks; Assists in determining the most appropriate option and to plan a suitable course of action specific to the Tribe’s needs.

Define Service Area Program must be designed to the service area and consider who it will be serving: Tribal Community, Residential Service Office Buildings, Administrative Centers Educational Facilities, Schools, Recreation Areas, Clinics Commercial Operations, Casino, Other Tribal Enterprises General Public

Engage Leadership Engage Leadership early in the process. Obtaining support from Leadership sets a precedence that the program and involvement of others is important. Prepare “pre-planning” documents which clearly identify the purpose, goals, actions, economics and timeline. Provide updates accordingly.

Stakeholders Stakeholders = Planning Team Chose members for the Planning Team appropriately, depending on determined Service Area. Obtaining “buy-in” and consensus from everyone involved will contribute to the long- term success of the program. Invaluable “on the ground” insight and suggestions may come from Team Members.

The Waste Stream Depending on the defined Service area, an evaluation will need to be made as to what types of materials are recyclable. Perform a waste stream characterization Evaluate procurement records, what is being purchased and used onsite which may be recyclable? What can be reduced? Evaluate for product or procurement changes

Characterizing Waste What types of waste are present? Recyclable Materials Non-Recyclables White Goods Electronics Organics

Current State What Recycling efforts are already underway? Are there any Recycling Facilities located nearby? What materials are present in the waste stream in the designated service area? Create a current state summary to demonstrate measureable success during the planning and implementation process.

Recycling Feasibility After characterizing the waste stream, begin to determine feasibility. What material is found in the largest numbers? What material is found the least? What are the market conditions for this waste? Are there opportunities for changing procurement to materials which are recyclable?

Who’s in Charge? After organizing a Planning Team and determining feasibility, determine strategies for long-term program management. Existing Staff or New Staff? Contractors or Vendors? Evaluate and compare different options based upon projected program size. Funding will also be a key factor. Identify key team “positions” and responsibilities after implementation.

External Infrastructure What is the existing solid waste infrastructure? Opportunity for curb-side pickup of recyclables? Transfer Station Drop-Off Locations Buy-Back Centers

Internal Operations How will materials be consolidated? How often? Will a storage facility be on-site or is material transportation necessary? Who will ensure implementation?

Measuring Success Pre-planning assessments may provide baseline information to guide decisions made by the Planning Team. What do Tribal Community Members know about recycling? How important is Recycling to Tribal Employees? Do Tribal Enterprise employees consider recycling to be important?

Education & Outreach Identify education and outreach opportunities during the planning process. Education is key for long term program success.

Education & Outreach, Continued The approach will vary with audience Community Members Children and Schools Training for Employees

Codes & Ordinances Evaluate existing Codes & Ordinances Review other Tribal examples of Solid Waste and Recycling Codes & Ordinances Management and regulation of “disposal of solid waste in order to protect the Tribal environment, its natural resources, and the health, welfare, political integrity and economic security of the Tribe, its members, and residents living on the Reservation.” – ITCA Model Tribal Solid Waste Code

Funding and Sustainability Funding is necessary for a successful program Incorporate funding possibilities in the Planning Process. Implementation of ongoing program will require constant funding/resources evaluation. Long Term Management of program must be sustainable.

Leadership Approval Upon completion of the Planning Process, a comprehensive Program Plan should be produced for Leadership Approval. The plan must identify how the program will be administered and sustainable. Highlight economic as well as environmental benefits to a recycling program. Articulate direct, measurable environmental impacts including reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, economic security, etc.

Obstacles Funding Leadership Support Staff for Long Term Management Community Acceptance and Participation Infrastructure Constraints Reservation Location Materials Market Availability

Post-Implementation Actively monitor program progress. Identify additional areas for waste reduction Seek additional funding sources Document measureable success Focus efforts on strategies that are working- think positive!

Resources U.S.EPA - Wastes, Resource Conservation U.S. EPA Waste Management in Indian Country U.S. EPA Grants and Funding WasteWise Program- Waste Reduction Resources CalRecycle Waste Reduction

Questions?