December 2017
E-newsletter highlighting grant deadlines, upcoming workshops and available resources for municipal recycling and solid waste leaders.
Task Force to Study Methods for Reducing Consumer Packaging that Generates Solid Waste

Tuesday, December 12, 2017
10am - 1pm
Legislative Office Building
Hearing Room 1A
300 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106

Will Flowers and Victor Bell, co-chairs of the Task Force are sharing a Summary of Recommendations for Task Force members and the public to review. The final Task Force meeting will be held on December 12, 2017.

Questions or other communication, submit to Robin Bumpen, Committee Clerk. Robin.Bumpen@ct.gov



Update:
DEEP Recycling Incentive Grants Program

Due to budget constraints, as of December 1, 2017, CT DEEP is placing a hold on new grant requests to the Recycling Incentive Grants program. This hold extends across the entire program and includes Recycling Rewards, Waste Reduction Initiatives and Unit-Based Pricing Program grants. 

The Recycling Group hopes to offer funding resources to municipalities in the future and will update you on any progress through the CTRecyclers list serve or the CT Municipal Recycling Coordinators newsletter. DEEP’s Recycling Grants webpage ( www.ct.gov/deep/MuniRecyclingResources) has been updated accordingly. If you have any questions, please email Jennifer.Weymouth@ct.gov.
Interested in Receiving SMART Technical Assistance?
DEEP is looking for a few more communities to work with our consultant, Waste Zero, on exploring how a SMART (Save Money and Reduce Trash) program can help your municipality. 

To find out more, please contact Jennifer Weymouth at Jennifer.Weymouth@ct.gov.
School Recycling
Grant Programs & Contests
Carton Council School Grant Program

The Carton Council has resources to help start a program or promote an existing one to ensure everyone is participating. Monetary and bin grants are available – school districts can apply for up to $5,000 per district. Contact Barbara Heineken at bheineken@recycle.com or 813-802-8036 for the application and more information.

2018 Recycling Video & Poster Contest
Bigger Than the Bin!
Submit by December 15 th

Calling all artists, filmmakers, and recyclers in grades K–12! Most of the recycling we see today happens in the blue bin in your house once a week. All around us there are items that will not fit into that bin. Everything from bicycles to skyscrapers can potentially be recycled . . . but how? Your challenge is to choose an item that is “bigger than the bin” and describe how to recycle it! Check out Jacob Folwell’s winning entry from 2017 for some inspiration!
Contact my O’NealAmy O’Neal at 860-885-4688 with questions about JASON opportunities in CT.
 
The Plastic Film Trex Recycling Challenge

Every year hundreds of schools across the nation compete against each other to recycle the most plastic film. In addition to providing a better understanding and appreciation for the importance of recycling, Trex will happily donate a high-performance composite bench to the winning school, and bestow honorary awards to every school that participates.
  • The challenge begins each year on America Recycles Day, November 15, and lasts until April 15
  • Trex will provide your school with promotional materials and three recycling bins
  • A volunteer must weigh and report the collected materials every month before delivering them to one of our participating drop-off retailer locations
  • Winners are announced on Earth Day
Have an idea or topic for future municipal recycling conference call/webinar? Email Sherill Baldwin to share your idea for learning opportunities for you and your recycling colleagues.
     Upcoming Events:


December 12, 2017, 10am - Task Force to Study Methods for Reducing Consumer Packaging that Generates Solid Waste - Hearing Room 1A, Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106

January 17, 2018 -  Connecticut Recyclers Coalition Annual Conference. Aqua Turf, 555 Mulberry Street, Southington, CT.

January 22, 2018 - 2:00pm (Save Date) - Be SMART About Your Trash webinar, hosted by DEEP.  Speakers include: Jennifer Weymouth, Kristen Brown.

January 25, 2018 (Save Date) - WRAP: Plastic Film Recycling webinar, hosted by EPA. Speakers include: Marilyn Cruz-Aponte speaking on East Hartford's campaign.

February 27, 2018 - 1:30-3:00pm (Save Date) - Best Practices for Bed Bug Management of Used Mattresses, Bedding and Upholstered Furniture Businesses. Workshop to Support the CT Reuse and Recycling Industries. CT DEEP, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT. 
CT DEEP | Source Reduction & Recycling Group | 860-424-4193 | www.ct.gov/deep/recycle