YOU Can Make a Difference by Recycling!
- Did you know that your plastic bottle can be recycled into new plastic bottles 10 times before being made into another product, like clothing or carpet?
- Did you know that your cans are infinitely recyclable?
- When you put a can into your curbside recycling, it can be remade into a new can and back on your grocery store shelf within 60 days!
National Battery Day – February 18
The good news…Batteries power many things we use in our daily lives, including cell phones, power tools, kids’ toys, etc. The bad news…Batteries have become a leading cause of fires in material recovery facilities and landfills, and could cause household fires.
Region I SWMD Annual Meeting
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused numerous changes to the ways in which organizations conduct business. This year, Boonslick Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) made the decision to hold its annual meeting on the same day as the East Central Missouri Solid Waste Management District—Region I annual meeting. Many of the same individuals serve as representatives for both, and this made it possible for them to attend both meetings. The event was held at the Warren County R-III High School commons which allowed for social distancing. A link was provided for those who preferred to attend virtually.
The meetings were held back-to-back with one presentation. We were fortunate to have St. Louis Cardinals Facility Director Hosei Maruyama as guest speaker. Mr. Maruyama’s topic was the St. Louis Cardinals 4 A Greener Game program through which the organization works to divert waste from landfills. He joined the Cardinals in 2004, and shared that he had moved from California where recycling was the norm. Shocked to find that not always the case in St. Louis, he often took items such as cardboard and aluminum to a drop-off spot himself.
In 2008, the Cardinals established 4 A Greener Game. They started small,
applied for grants to obtain some bins, and recycled using volunteers to collect and sort. The first year they diverted about 15% of waste generated at Busch Stadium. The program has since grown. In 2009, the Cardinals switched to LED lighting and in 2011 solar panels were installed to save energy. The organization promotes renewable energy. To save water, low flow plumbing fixtures were installed and staff systematically clean the stadium, alternately hosing down areas and focusing on the areas in need of this cleaning.
Education is an important pillar of the 4 A Greener Game program. A “Green Team” was established which consists of volunteers who attend ballgames and help in recycling efforts. Volunteers might be school, church, scouts, or business groups. They bring bags directly to fans to make it as easy as possible to recycle.
The Cardinals began hosting a free e-waste event each year, giving participants vouchers for tickets to games. They emphasize the importance of “the 3 R’s” – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Efforts to expand 4 A Greener Game continue. Compost was added as an item to divert from the waste stream. To improve efficiency, the organization did a waste audit to identify waste of value that could be separated from the single stream. In 2015, they received a grant to recycle aluminum. They began donating leftover food to food pantries and changed their processes to reduce waste by reducing the amount of food prepared.
The St. Louis Cardinals set a goal of diverting 40% of waste from the solid waste stream. They have reached and exceeded that goal, now at 41%. They see sustainability as a journey, and would like to continue to grow.
Recycling Education
The Region I Solid Waste Management District strives to provide educational opportunities for residents of the region. Groups are welcome to tour the East Central Missouri Recycling Center. In addition, staff member Chuck Eichmeyer visits school groups within the region and provides presentations about recycling for students of all ages. If you are interested in a tour or presentation for your group, please contact us at (636) 456-3473.
Household Hazardous Waste Brochure
About the District
Executive Board Members
- Chairman – Lon Little – Montgomery County
- Vice Chairman – Stephanie Norton, Franklin County Emergency Management – Franklin County
- Secretary – Ryan Ruckel, City of Winfield – Lincoln County
- Treasurer – Fred Vahle – Warren County
Advisory Committee Members
- Pam Gildehaus, City of Washington
- Julie Ingoli, Bodine Aluminum, Troy
Board Membership Region I
Meetings
