221006_Approved Minutes (BWRC) CITY OF BEVERLY
WASTE REDUCTION COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 6:30 PM
VIRTUAL
Call to order: 6:31 p.m.
Committee members present: Sandy Burgess, Bonnie Dean, Nancy Dillon,Amy Henderson,
Joyce Herman, Lisa Willwerth; Susan Higgins (Chair)
Committee members absent: John Swain
Invited participants and guests: Erina Keefe, Tyler Finnegan, Dean Berg; Gerry Rathe
Review minutes for September 8, 2022 meeting—VOTE to approve
Dillon moved to approve the September 2022 minutes, as amended with Keefe to forward edits
to Spang; Willwerth seconded. The motion carried by roll call: Dillon-yes; Burgess-yes;
Henderson-yes; Willwerth-yes; Herman-yes; Higgins-yes (6-0).
Introduction to Republic Services (Tyler Finnegan)
Higgins introduced the BWRC and each member introduced herself. Finnegan shared that he's
worked for Republic for about 10 years, he is currently the Municipal Sales Manager(new role)
and point person to liaise with towns and help with community outreach. Finnegan recognized
Beverly's interest in sustainability, and Republic is trying to improve upon JRM's practices.
Finnegan welcomed committee members to visit the GreenWorks facility. Republic acquired 24
municipal contracts through JRM, as well as many university, hospital and commercial accounts.
Gretchen Carey is another resource for towns with her expertise in recycling, and towns can
apply to Republic's Community Grant Program where they offer $100425,000 project grants.
Finnegan and Republic look forward to partnering with Beverly.
Higgins shared that the BWRC is trying to promote more sustainable events citywide, and while
many organizations lack the knowledge and expertise for it, BWRC volunteers staff and support
a few events including Lobster Fest. She welcomes the opportunity to partner with Republic to
help with outreach, and to provide some support with sustainable events including possible
grants.
Higgins recognized Keefe's point that residents have requested single stream recycling for a long
time, and asked whether Republic has noticed as recycling facilities have improved over the
years the end product quality has improved as well. Finnegan confirmed that dual stream
recycling is economically advantageous for towns with in-house paper recycling facilities, to
save some money by not paying to recycle paper through another vendor. When all recyclable
materials go to the same facility, it all is collected and dumped into the same pile and then sorted
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on the floor or with conveyor belts, etc. Eastern Mass lacks separate paper recycling facilities,
but if that changed then it may make sense to return to dual stream recycling.
Higgins requested information on the improvements Republic made to the GreenWorks facility,
and shared her last visit when JRM operated GreenWorks she noticed a very large residue pile
that contained traditional recyclable materials. Finnegan confirmed a lot of improvements were
needed at acquisition to bring it up to Republic standards. He has not been personally involved
at the facility but Gretchen Carey may have more details.
Finnegan shared that Republic will open its first polymer center in Las Vegas in 2023, to take
bales of plastic and process them down to food-grade flakes, that are then sold to bottle
manufacturers. Coke and Pepsi have committed to using 50%recyclable materials in their
plastic bottles, and Republic wants to take it from the curb back to the bottles. Republic's plan is
to then open 3 more polymer centers, including one for the Northeast Region in Pennsylvania.
There is a webinar to discuss the process that he can share with municipalities as well.
Currently, Republic does not know what happens to the recyclable materials after they're sold to
brokers. Keefe shared that residents and skeptics often inquire what happens to recyclable
materials, and she requested more information on whether Republic can find out what happens
after the materials are sold to brokers, and what the brokers do with them.
Dilllon requested any educational materials Republic may have to confirm single stream is still
just for recycling—Finnegan said Republic has materials emphasizing all recyclables should be
emptied of waste and dried. Republic abides by Mass DEP guidelines and has a poster and
educational materials for that as well. Burgess asked whether paper/cardboard that's rained upon
at the curb is still recycled, and Finnegan explained after turning in the piles it should dry out at
their facility and —90% of it is still recycled. Burgess asked whether paperback books are
considered paper, and Higgins confirmed paperback books are paper recycling but for hard
bound books you need to remove the bindings and covers to recycle paper inside. Northeastern
students are working to develop a book de-binder to drop covers in one tote, papers in another
tote, and glue binding in a third tote. Burgess confirmed spiral bound should not be recycled,
Finnegan confirmed magazines are paper recycling too.
Keefe asked about glass, sharing that in JRM's March 2021 recycling audit there was not a
reliable long-term solution for processing glass (it was crushed and used as landfill cover).
Finnegan has been to conferences where people inquired about glass, some vendors have asked
after it, or grants to use glass to fill potholes, but it's not very valuable and is hard to manage
where it breaks up into all different colors. There are no great glass solutions now. Keefe asked
what happens to the glass currently, and Finnegan will find out. Higgins asked about a
composition analysis, Keefe confirmed they requested it from JRM in the past but never received
that information, so she asked if Republic could have that information available before the next
audit. Finnegan explained Carey is more directly involved at GreenWorks, and he will try to find
out more information.
Berg asked about the polymer center in Las Vegas, and whether Republic anticipates processing
in-house will be more profitable than selling to brokers—Finnegan confirmed that is the hope.
Berg emphasized that will incentivize Republic to lower contamination and lower the residue
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pile to ensure recyclable materials will go to the polymer center. Higgins is interested in talking
to someone on the manufacturing end at some point, to show the full circular loop. Finnegan has
a video to share about that and showed Republic Services' video about the plastics recycling
stream and Las Vegasivmer Center.
Henderson asked about black plastics and whether that sorting issue is resolved—Finnegan
confirmed not yet. Keefe asked about whether there are educational materials to help educate
people transitioning from dual stream to single stream—no specific materials, but general flyers
and posters to explain about single stream. Higgins requested Finnegan share any materials
describing single stream recycling, to help BWRC and the city educate residents.
Higgins asked about the Standley Street compost facility and shared that JRM suffered
difficulties in collecting timely yard waste over the past few years, so it is a community concern.
Finnegan realized yard waste is a large issue for municipalities especially because all 24 JRM
communities want to collect yard waste simultaneously. Republic hired over 48 new drivers
over the past 3-4 months, and a lot of them will start on the yard waste routes. There may be
some hiccups with new drivers learning the routes, and it's a lot of extra runs during those
weeks. Finnegan believes it's the same person working at the Standley Street facility and is open
to taking a tour together with BWRC members. Herman greatly appreciates having the facility
to bring your garden waste. She's found it easy to access on weekends, during the week, and
only suggests not going when it's wet outside.
Willwerth asked about the trucks, whether Republic plans to rebrand them and will automated
trucks move to this region? Finnegan said they'd prefer to bring every town to automated trucks,
but it requires uniform containers in order to do that. Republic wants to convert everything to
automated side-load, as a safety benefit for workers and to help with longevity of the trucks.
Republic Services is committing to an electric fleet in this region in the next 10 years, and
actively looking to be one of the first areas in the country to have a fully electric fleet. They
have one in Boise, ID and a few in SC—Finnegan thinks the Northeast could be prime for it, and
those trucks are all the automated side-load trucks. This change would likely help with driver
retention as well—greater safety, and newer trucks with reliable climate control inside. It will
take about 2-3 years to work with corporate to have the first electric trucks in this area. Battery
technology also needs to catch up, currently limited to outdoor temperatures between 10-90°F.
Keefe is researching potential grants and other funding sources to help transition Beverly to
standard, uniform trash toters.
Regarding the upcoming mattress ban, Keefe shared that Republic's mattress recycling proposal
was high at$150 per unit, compared to the state expectation of$30 per unit, and asked why.
Republic is not looking to get into the mattress collecting business, they're bulky, hard to
manage, and it increases risk for drivers. So, Republic will do it if communities want to pay a
premium but is not looking to expand its business into mattresses. Higgins asked whether
mattresses unsuitable for recycling or bedbug-infested would be picked up curbside? Finnegan
confirmed due to the Mass DEP ban, Republic would not collect any mattresses. Higgins noted
that as a city, Beverly will need an approach to manage mattresses that are both recyclable and
unrecyclable.
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Keefe also asked whether any other locations can weigh trucks, or is it only at GreenWorks.
Finnegan said Republic's transfer station is right behind GreenWorks and anyone has access to
the transfer station in Peabody behind Red's Tavern. Higgins thanked Finnegan for building this
partnership with the city and appreciated being able to share information from Republic with the
greater community. (Finnegan left the meeting).
Beverly waste and recycling compliance (Gerry Rathe, invited)
Higgins welcomed Rathe to share his experience and appreciated the work he does for the city.
Rathe shared that his time is split between waste and recycling compliance (typically in the
mornings) and stormwater management or other issues (typically in the afternoons). In the
morning, he often meets drivers and haulers before Sam, bringing a tablet and blank
letters/stickers for residents (bulk items, white goods, etc.). All materials include links to the city
website, and he takes photos to document everything into the Central Square database (photos,
notes, deadlines, etc.). Waste and recycling compliance is usually accomplished through
education—worst case scenario he leaves a letter with a deadline, and it's generally a positive
process collaborating with residents. Higgins requested he share an example of the letters and
stickers with the BWRC so members know what it looks like.
Dillon thanked him for educating people and riding on the trucks and asked whether he's noticed
changes in areas where he has worked and left materials. Yes, Rathe notices the changes and
most people are receptive and appreciate the education. A major issue is move-outs in some
areas.
Higgins asked whether Rathe has done any auditing or examining totes at City Hall or public
schools, and Rathe confirms there are other issues with the schools and dumpster collection
there. The city is still working to have an accurate and consistent collection schedule from
Republic for the schools. Higgins shared she's having a similar problem with scheduling at
Northeastern. Higgins has seen Republic trying to straighten out the issues and is hopeful they
will be resolved.
Higgins asked if letters are left citing type of materials, or quality of materials. Rathe shared that
he focuses on bigger issues—comparing the GPS mark to see how many collection units per
household to determine overage on number of bins or bulk items. He commonly sees bulk item
overloads, or items with freon, or items that are too heavy, etc. In the beginning, he focused on
dual stream recycling contamination and then backed off on that as it became clear Republic
would support the city switching to single stream recycling. Volume is the biggest issues he
sees; contaminated recycling will usually go into the trash for someone who is not trying to
recycle. Majority of recycling is paper and cardboard, not seeing a lot of glass or cans curbside.
Henderson asked whether it's possible to coordinate with colleges to have some education before
move-outs. Rathe said Trowt Movers has done work at Endicott collecting furniture in the past,
and Higgins said Northeastern has a student group Trash-to-Treasure, that puts cubic yard
collection bins in dorm lobbies to collect materials they then sort, pack and sell the next
semester. Last May they collected 2 tons of clothing, bedding, sheets, towels that are then
bagged and donated. Northeastern also helps collect curbside trash from move-in weekends in
neighborhoods where students reside.
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Berg asked what percentage of the city does Rathe cover in a day or a week in the 2-3 hour
morning ride-alongs? Rathe shared that he has not covered the whole city yet. When he first
started working in March, ride-alongs were happening daily, but now they are spread out as his
other responsibilities increase. He receives some specific complaints, and coordinates with
Finnegan to work different routes, the drivers change through turnover and some are more
receptive to collaborating than others. Overall, he has a map and spreadsheet to help cover
different areas of the city over time.
Keefe recognized the amount of data Rathe collects, and appreciates that it will paint a
comprehensive city-wide picture of what's going on which will greatly help moving forward.
Rathe will share materials with the BWRC and looks forward to working together.
Green Beverly updates (Dean Berg)
Green Beverly has three main focus areas: community engagement, food sustainability, and
home energy efforts. Community engagement largely helps spread awareness, education,
individual coaching, and outreach both through events (Pumpkin Smash), workshops, and tabling
at other events (Lobster Fest, Harbor Fest, etc.). In food sustainability they have three active
grant-funded projects: helping restaurants transition to compostable containers; food diversion
from supermarkets, restaurants, and other sources to share with meal programs in Beverly for
food insecure residents; and a grant from USDA to research local growth and increase local food
production. For home energy, it's broken into three areas: weatherization, electrification of
homes, and helping people get clean electricity through the grid.
Higgins appreciates and recognizes how much Green Beverly accomplishes, and she is most
interested in the food diversion program. Berg found there are a lot of people in Beverly who
want to help volunteer—Green Beverly started tabling at the Farmer's Market last summer, and
almost everyone approaching the table wants to help so the challenge is how to manage and
organize the support. Dillon asked whether Green Beverly is working with Ellis Square Friends
on food diversion and pushing the Mass Saves Program for homes. Berg confirmed the
partnership with the City and HomeWorks helps with the home energy improvements; and Green
Beverly works closely with Ellis Square Friends along with roughly 10 core programs to provide
meals to food insecure residents. Berg looks forward to continuing to work together.
Committee purchases (up to $2,000 approved at September meetings
At the September meeting, BWRC voted to spend up to $2,000 to purchase marketing and
educational materials. Dillon spoke with Todd's Sporting Goods (Beverly)to develop a table
runner: 48" wide, dark green with a white city seal, then"City of Beverly", and then "Waste
Reduction Committee". Dillon is still sourcing a mesh banner as well. Table runner is priced at
$150 or less, and has space for event-specific materials to be pinned down and reused. Keefe
will share the plans with Constituent Services Director Jacobson for review to ensure it is
consistent with city branding before ordering.
Henderson appreciates consistency through colors, fonts, presentation and is working to source
educational display signs. Looking at presentation boards from My Print and Copy (Cummings
Center, Beverly): 4'x 3'with the city seal, "City of Beverly", and"Waste Reduction
Committee" followed by a blank space where event-specific materials can be posted with Velcro.
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She requested prices for the most sustainable products, and Enviroboard from Conved is
moisture-resistant, another vendor is less moisture-resistant, and is now waiting for the quotes.
Goal is to have all materials (except the banner)ready for Pumpkin Smash, and they will
coordinate to ensure the total price for all materials is under the $2,000 limit.
Pumpkin Smash update (Amy Henderson
Henderson reminds everyone it will be Sunday, November 6 from 1-4pm. BWRC will have a
table and tent and will help with education as well as sorting any waste generated from the event.
Henderson anticipates waste should be minimal like last year, confirms they are addressing zero
waste goals with vendors, but there will be some residual trash. Like last year, New Entry will
accept and dispose of any sorted trash and recycling. Last year there was not a lot of compost
from the event, so they may need to borrow a compost toter. Keefe confirmed Black Earth will
not accommodate single-toter events, and BWRC members offered to bring their compost toters
from home. Berg asked whether Green Beverly knows what materials vendors will use, and
Henderson confirmed she plans to speak with vendors directly in the upcoming week to confirm
what materials they will use, how much they can carry-out, and coordinate efforts.
Dillon is helping coordinate volunteer sign-up, and Henderson shared that Green Beverly has a
deep pool of volunteers for the event as well. One main goal is to show Beverly residents how
composting works—what materials can BWRC use to show and provide a hands-on experience
with composting. Henderson will start some composting jars, has a list of resources, and display
board (Why should we compost? Where can you compost in Beverly? QR codes). Higgins said
the waste station will naturally bring people by, but not much to show for composting—toters
may spark a conversation, photographs of the city drop-off location in addition to a QR code to
sign-up on the website. Black Earth is also tabling the event, and they will offer 10% coupons
for new registrations. Dillon does verma-composting with worms at home and cannot bring the
setup, but can bring pictures and a QR code to Jim's worm farm, etc. Dillon only brings meat
and bones to the city compost site.
Henderson shared that there will be signs along the pathway from parking to the pumpkin
launch-site, with welcoming messages and information about the number of pumpkins diverted
from the waste stream last year, etc. There will be 24 messages Henderson will share with
Higgins, and originally they reached out to Endicott students to make wooden signs but those
would not last as long, so they inquired whether the city has materials to share. Keefe will buy 2
sandwich boards and the city has a lot of campaign signs that can be reused for the event. Metal
stakes were separated from the campaign signs after EarthFest, Berg confirmed he has some at
Green Beverly's office, and Henderson confirmed they'll need 20 signs. Green Beverly interns
from Endicott are building a trebuchet, and they may still borrow Newton's catapult.
City updates (Erina Keefe)
• Let's Talk Trash insert: going out in the water bills, and the Keefe will have printed
copies for BWRC to bring to events as well.
Old business and miscellaneous items, as needed
• Social Media: Higgins and Dean will meet to share passwords/access to the accounts.
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Upcoming events, if aU
• Pumpkin Smash: Sunday, November 6t'from 1-4pm at New Entry Farm
Other updates and discussion items by Committee members
N/A.
Adjourn: Dillon moved to adjourn; Willwerth seconded. The motion carried (7-0) at 8:48 p.m.
NEXT MEETING:
November 3, 2022 at 6:30 PM
Location: Beverly Public Library, Sohier Room
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