DEC: BAN ON DISPOSING RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES IN NYS GOES INTO EFFECT TODAY

A provision in the New York State Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act prohibiting disposal of most rechargeable batteries as a solid waste in the state starts today, announced the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The new provision of the law gives consumers the opportunity to drop off rechargeable batteries at local retail stores. The law already requires battery manufacturers to provide for collection and recycling of rechargeable batteries in a statewide program at no cost to consumers.

"Since many rechargeable batteries contain toxic metals that can be released into the environment when managed improperly, this program is a good example of product stewardship among consumers, retailers and battery manufacturers," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. "Valuable metals from rechargeable batteries can be recovered for reuse instead of ending up in the trash."

Most retailers that sell rechargeable batteries are required to accept used ones from individuals during normal business hours. The law requires battery collection by both local retailers and direct sellers of rechargeable batteries (i.e., catalog, telephone, or internet sales). Retailers must also post signs alerting consumers about the disposal ban and the opportunities to return rechargeable batteries at their location.

Rechargeable batteries covered by this law include; nickel cadmium, sealed lead, lithium ion, nickel metal hydride and any other dry cell rechargeable batteries weighing less than 25 pounds. This law does not cover vehicle batteries or non-rechargeable batteries such as common alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries from cordless power tools, laptops, telephones, cameras and other electronic devices are among a growing list of products New Yorkers can return to retailers for recycling at the end of its useful life.

The NYS Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act was signed into law on December 10, 2010. DEC is anticipating cooperation among consumers, retailers and manufacturers for a successful implementation of the law. However, any retailer who violates the law would be liable for a civil penalty of $200 for the first violation, $400 for a second violation within 12 months and $500 for a third or subsequent violation within 12 months. Any battery manufacturer who violates the law would be liable for a civil penalty of $2,000 for the first violation, $4,000 for a second violation within a 12 month period, and $5,000 for a third or subsequent violation within 12 months.

For more information on the New York State Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act, visit DEC's Web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/72065.html.

Agricultural Plastic Container Recycling

Agricultural Plastic Container Recycling- Friday, June 3rd 9am- 6pm at the 4H Youth Fair Site on Meads Hill Road in Watkins Glen Only non-refillable plastic containers from less than 1 gallon to 55 gallon barrels made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) embossed with recycling symbol #2 on the bottom are acceptable. Larger containers are accepted but must be cut into 2’ X 2’ strips. 5 gallon buckets must have metal handles removed. All containers must have caps and booklets removed. All containers MUST be clean, empty, triple rinsed, and dry. Any container that is not cleaned will be returned to the owner. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. You must call and advise us of the approximate amount of containers for recycling. Large plastic bags to store cleaned containers are available for free. You must be registered by May 20th. Coordinated by Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District, Our Agricultural Environmental Management Partners: CCE, Farm Bureau, and the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board in conjunction with USAg Recycling Inc. & the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC). CONTACT INFORMATION. Schuyler County Soil and Water 910 South Decatur Street Watkins Glen, NY 14891(607) 535-6878.

Christmas Lights Recycling Program

Send your old incandescent Christmas lights to HolidayLEDs.com for recycling and receive a coupon good for 25 percent off any purchase.

What happens to the lights you send?

They are taken to a recycling facility located in Jackson, MI, where they are put through a commercial shredder, which chops them into little pieces. The pieces are further processed and sorted by the various components that make up the lights (pvc, glass, copper). These materials are then separated and transported to a regional cnter for still more processing.

Send holiday lights for recycling to:
HolidayLEDs.com
Attn: Recycling Program
118 Rosehill Dr.
Suite 1
Jackson, MI 49202

Include your name and e-mail address (clearly printed). All coupons are e-mailed (about once a month), which is why your e-mail address is required.

How to pack lights for shipping
Please follow these instructions for sending your old lights to be recycled:

*Coordinate with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and other groups to collect and send lights in a bulk shipment. This helps reduce shipping has on the environment.

*Make all lights sets as compact as possible so that they fit into the smallest packaging feasible.

*Use cardboard boxes or other packaging that can easily be recycled.

Proper Medication Disposal Just Got Easier

There is now no waiting required to properly dispose of your unused or expired medications. Henderson’s Healthmart is actively participating in an effort organized by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) which is promoting pharmacists as medication experts from dispensing to disposal. Starting November 1, 2010 Henderson’s Healthmart will be accepting unused or expired medications for proper disposal. For more information on why you should participate please visit Dispose My Meds

Henderson Healthmarts are located at:
320 W. Main Street, Montour Falls 535-7272
210 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen 535-4660

Lowe´s installs recycling centers in U.S. stores

Sept. 28 -- Home improvement retailer Lowe´s Companies Inc. said today it has installed recycling centers in nearly 1,700 U.S. stores to provide a one-stop recycling destination for customers.
In addition to recycling shipping materials such as pallets, wraps and cardboard, Lowe´s stores are now offering to recycle hard-to-handle products like mobile phones, batteries and CFL bulbs.

"Lowe´s is always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and continue to be responsible stewards of the environment," said Michael Chenard, Lowe´s director of environmental affairs. "Recycling is a simple way to help reduce unnecessary waste in our communities. The recycling centers make it easier for customers to make a difference, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them to promote and support community recycling."

DEC gives New York State low marks for recycling

With New York State recycling only 20% of it's solid waste, compared to the National average of 33% DEC is setting new goals for New York to reach by 2018. To find out more details read New York State: Extra Trashy

eCycling Event- Fundraiser

This Saturday, May 1st 2010
From 10am to 2pm in the Odessa Montour High School Parking Lot
This fundraiser is going to benefit environmental education for Odessa-Montour Students.

Bring any unwanted items including;computers, monitors, peripherals, test equipment, medical equipment, TVs, VCRs, CD players, DVD players, Fax machines, copiers, cell phones, phones, communication equipment, remote controls, MP3 players, etc. to be recycled.
A $1.00 fee will be charged for each item!

This fundraiser is sponsored by: B.C. Cate Parent Faculty Organization, REACT, Inc. (Recycling Electronics and Computer Technologies)