Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council
November 17, 2009, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center – Memphis TN
Student Alumni Center, Dining Hall 800 Madison Avenue

The Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council (TREEDC) will hold its first meeting in West Tennessee. University of Tennessee President Emeritus Dr. Joe Johnson is the Chairman of the Advisory Board and will be providing the keynote address about leadership in renewable energy.
The Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), TREEDC and StrataG (www.stratag.org) have partnered to develop an informative session highlighting recent and future activities in biofuels, and biomass related sustainable development. West Tennessee is abundant with renewable feedstocks to help Tennessee to become more energy independent and self reliant. Your input to the advisory board will assist the Council in creating a regional network of local communities that actively provide assistance, share ideas, resources and information about biofuels, solar and wind energy.
Please contact Warren Nevad, MTAS Municipal Management Consultant at (865) 974-9839 or warren.nevad@tennessee.edu if you are interested in attending the meeting. We will provide you with an informational packet, agenda and directions to UTHSC. The registration fee is $20 and includes refreshments and lunch. Payment can be made on-site the day of the meeting. Please RSVP to warren.nevad@tennessee.edu.

We have also attached a link to an article about our first meeting held in East Tennessee. http://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/TREEDC/newsletter_article.pdf

CTAS recently began the administration of a new training certificate program in conjunction with the Solid Waste
Association of North America (SWANA) and the Tennessee Solid Waste Directors Association (TSWDA). The new Solid Waste Professionals Certificate Program (SWPCP) was designed to provide sound principles and practices in the planning, management and operation of an integrated solid waste system.
Participants will reap many benefits from the SWPCP, including having a comprehensive training program with courses specifically designed for their role as a solid waste professional; learning the latest approaches in the solid waste field of study; networking with leaders and innovative colleagues in solid waste management; and becoming recognized by the University of Tennessee as a Certified Solid Waste Professional. The program requires the completion of a combination of both SWANA and CTAS courses, some of which involve the participant to successfully complete a corresponding exam. Once certified, the solid waste professionals must earn 42 hours of approved training credit within a three year cycle to maintain their professional designation.
In October, CTAS presented the first SWPCP certificate to Randy Etheridge, the solid waste director from Hardin County.
For more information on the SWPCP, contact CTAS Training Manager Bob Schettler at bob.schettler@tennessee.edu.
or click here.

–From Chattanooga Times Free Press–
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Bradley County is expanding its extensive recycling program to include electronic equipment.

The county will begin accepting what it’s calling “e-scrap” at its Peerless Road recycling center during usual business hours. Everything from desktop computers, fax machines and keyboards to CD-ROMs, medical equipment and more will be accepted.
The county chose the Peerless Road site because it has a covered area, officials said.
The announcement was made Friday at the Cleveland/Bradley County Keep America Beautiful annual awards breakfast.
KAB Executive Director Joanne Maskew reviewed the group’s accomplishments in the past year, including its first electronic recycling event in December 2008.
Ms. Maskew said KAB recycled more than 106 tons of waste, which she called a “phenomenal figure.”

That included aluminum cans, newspapers, mixed paper, cardboard, glass tires, batteries, white goods, items from the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day and electronics, she said.

She said she hopes the recycle numbers will double for next year.
“Let’s work with our local governments to see how we can expand or reinvent ways to get local citizens to think green and take action,” she said.

The county’s separate e-scrap recycle effort was announced on behalf of County Mayor D. Gary Davis.

See the full article here.

From– Shannon Crawford, Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Programs, SWANA

On September 30, 2009, Senators Boxer and Kerry introduced their climate change legislation, S. 1733, The American Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. This bill includes a program devoted to state recycling programs, Section 154. This section requires EPA to establish a state recycling program and develop analyses and methodologies to optimize reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through recycling. This program provides that funds distributed by States under the Act to carry out recycling programs be allocated in minimum proportions among county and municipal programs, eligible recycling facilities, and eligible manufacturing facilities.

…The localities that qualify under the eligibility requirements set forth by the draft would receive grant monies to improve their programs.

Because of amount of funding potentially available, the program requirements are fairly strict, with the intent of making the biggest impact on the national recycling rate. To be eligible, the programs must have a solid waste management plan that includes education and outreach efforts. Localities also must collect at least five recyclable materials (designated within the program rules) and within three years of receiving the funding have a collection rate either higher than thirty percent OR a ten percent increase from where they started. Localities also must have a curbside collection program, a drop-off program and a materials recycling facility and these operations must show compliance with a quality, environmental, health and safety management system.

The money allocated to county or municipal programs is intended for:
• recycling related technology that
o reduces or avoids GHG emissions
o increases collection efficiency
o improves the quality of the material collected
• energy efficiency projects for transportation fleets and equipment used to collect and sort recyclables
• recycling program related expenses including
o education and job training
o approaches for assuring compliance with recycling requirements
o development or implementation of best practices for MSW reduction programs
• to ensure that materials intended for recycling are not disposed of during fluctuating markets

The funding for this program would come from the “State Programs for Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Climate Adaptation” outlined in Section 211 of Title II - Program Allocations. This program is set up to distribute proceeds of emission allowances for implementation of projects, programs, or measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Ten percent of these funds are allocated towards funding coastal state economic protection programs. Fifty percent of the funding is reserved for transit grant programs.

State Recycling Programs would be one of six programs receiving the remaining forty percent of the funds. These other programs include: grants to fund water systems mitigation and adaptation partnerships; flood control and response; adverse impacts on agriculture and ranching activities; and programs addressing air pollution and air quality. States that receive this funding source are required to submit Climate Change Response Plan reports biannually.

The total amount of money available has not yet been established.

Attached are copies of the sections referenced.

Sincerely,
Shannon

Shannon Crawford
Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Programs
240-494-2241 - direct

SWANA - Solid Waste Association of North America
1100 Wayne Ave., Suite 700
Silver Spring, MD 20910
1-800-GO SWANA

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Landfill bans went into action today in North Carolina.  The enacting legislation and materials banned are found here.

http://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_130a/gs_130a-309.10.html

October 8 - Cosby, TN

The Tennessee Recycling Coalition is hosting a one-day workshop on recycling and the tourism industry.

TRC members can attend for no cost - there’s a $25 fee for non-members. Click here for more info.
Agenda Items Include:
• Welcome and Introductions, Elizabeth Reed, Keep Cocke County Beautiful & Bettye Carver, Cocke County Mayor’s Office
• Rafting Industry Recycling Program
• Theme Park Recycling -Mike Teske, Dollywood
• The Litter Law and Tourism - Judge Larry Potter, Shelby County Environmental Court
• Successful Community Recycling, Marian Bracknell, Sevierville 2008 Government Recycler of the Year
• Industrial Recycling - Patrick McGuffin, Tidi Waste
• Lunch with Keynote Presentation - Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
• Recycling at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Networking Session - Hard to Recycle Items

Early bird registration discount ends today

SERDC’s Southeastern workshop will take place Nov 3-4 in Lexington, KY. Click here for more info and to register.

Topics:

• Recycling’s impact on climate concerns: A plenary session will explore carbon credits.
• Economics of the region: Recycling’s impact on a fiscal level.
• Electronics collection: Specifics for municipalities and industrial settings.
• Into the Bin and Back Again: Plastic specific recycling information from the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers.
• Markets round table: Get the specific on commodities from recycling experts.
• Facility tour: Visit the Lexington/Fayette MRF.
• Networking: Meet potential partners at more than one event.

I had a great time attending the Claiborne County Recycling Center Open House this month. The program has received funding for recycling equipment through the Tennessee Department of Conservation to pay for costs associated with initial equipment purchases. Having dedicated equipment and storage for recyclables allows the County to move forward on their waste reduction goals while saving money that other wise would be required for landfill tipping fees and waste hauling. Great Job, Claiborne!

Read the full article below:

–From The Claiborne County Progress, September 16th, 2009– Recycling expanded in Claiborne County
Ashley Collingsworth; Staff Writer Published: September 16, 2009

Claiborne County can now bail all of its recyclables thanks to a grant from TDEC. The county will no longer have to transport them outside of county to outside contractors. Cardboard, newspaper, plastic and magazines will all be bailed at the landfill and then stored until 20 tons have been accumulated. Once they reach 20 tons they will be sold to the highest bidder. The county also accepts oil, batteries, E-Waste and paint. These items can be dropped off at two convenient centers. Sunnyside on Highway 63 and Tazewell across from the Road Department will accept the items. There are plans in the future to expand to some smaller centers. If you are unsure as to where to deliver your recyclables, you can ask the center personnel and they will direct you to the location. The process of placing your recyclables in proper containers will cut down on labor costs.

Mike Russell, Director of Solid Waste, would like to than the County Commission for their cooperation and support in the extra funding to make this project possible. He would also thank County Mayor Joe Tyler Duncan, Ms. Erlinda McMeel, Director of Economic and Community Development, Ms. Kim Raia, CTAS and special thanks to Claiborne County Solid Waste Authority Board for working side by side with him in making this recycling project possible. For information on which center accepts your recyclables, you can call the landfill at 423-626-2080 or 423-851-1928.

Register for the 2009 TCAPWA Annual Joint Public Works Conference and Exposition October 24-27 in Kingsport.  Conference will be held at Marriott Meadow view Convention Center and Resort.
This year’s conference will feature an Equipment Exposition with exhibitors from all over the Southeast displaying equipment and vehicles. TCAPWA will join forces with SWANA Volunteer Chapter and the Tennessee Stormwater Association to host over 24 educational sessions highlighting public works hot topics and trends.
See the Chapter Website for further registration information:
http://tennessee.apwa.net/events/5082/

Anyone out there have an East Tennessee solution for recycling shrink wrap? Also wondering about #4 Plastic Bags? Both are clean materials..
If you know about something, leave us a comment in the blog comment box or drop an email to Kim.Raia@tennessee.edu