DuPage County Environmental Committee met October 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
1. Call to Order
8:45 am meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Brian J Krajewski at 8:50 am.
2. Roll Call
Present: Krajewski, Noonan, Fichtner, Healy, Anderson
Absent: Grant, Wiley
Prior to moving on with the agenda Member Krajewski accepted a motion by Member Noonan and seconded by Member Fichtner to make Member Anderson a member of the Environmental Committee for quorum purposes. All members voted aye. Motion passes.
3. Chairman's Remarks
4. Public Comment
None
5. Approval of Minutes
A. Environmental Committee - Regular Meeting - Jul 11, 2017 8:45 am
Result: Accepted [Unanimous]
Mover: Sean T Noonan, District 2
Seconder: Janice Anderson, District 5
Ayes: Krajewski, Noonan, Fichtner, Anderson
B. Environmental Committee - Regular Meeting - Jun 6, 2017 8:45 am
Result: Accepted [Unanimous]
Mover: Sean T Noonan, District 2
Seconder: Janice Anderson, District 5
Ayes: Krajewski, Noonan, Fichtner, Anderson
6. Action Items
A. Action Item -- Agreement Between the County of DuPage, Illinois and eWorks Electronics Services, Inc. to Provide Electronics Recycling to Residents of DuPage County
Result: Approved [Unanimous]
Mover: Sean T Noonan, District 2
Seconder: Paul Fichtner, District 1
Ayes: Krajewski, Noonan, Fichtner, Anderson
7. Staff Updates
A. Foam Recycling Update
Prior to the Stryofoam Update, Member Fichtner left at 8:51 am - Quorum lost.
Andi Dierich, one of DuPage County's Environmental Coordinators for the Building & Zoning Department, informed the committee that at the 421 Building and off site at the Woodridge Waste Water Treatment Plant that we are continually collecting Styrofoam containers and that the collections are steadily increasing. Andi also mentioned that the bins last year were about three quarters full and this year we had a trailer and them some. Once the Styrofoam is inspected by staff, its bagged and taken to Dart, the North Aurora Facility for recycling, informed Andi. Additional deliveries were scheduled due to the large amount of foam that has been collected at both sites, stated Ms. Dierich.
Ms. Dierich went on to explain to the committee that the Food Service Recycling is ongoing and we have collected about five bags a month.
Member Krajewski inquired how often is there cross contamination where the wrong type item is placed in the Styrofoam bin? Andi informed that mainly the Styrofoam is not mixed with other items, but at times the Styrofoam has not been rinsed thoroughly causing spillage to contaminate the bag, hence that bag must be placed in the trash. Perhaps four out of seven bags of foam are recyclable added Andi.
Lisa Smith, DuPage County States Attorney Assistant inquired if there are Styrofoam recycling opportunities in the 505 building, and Andi stated not at this time, however it is under consideration. In the 421building, the cafeteria is generally utilized by staff, and we can monitor the bin closely, however in the other buildings it harder to manage and oversee the collection since staff will not be primary users, but visitors to the building may place the wrong items in the recycling bin, informed Ms. Dierich, causing contamination rending the intended recyclable futile.
Nick Kottmeyer, the Director of Operations, explained to the committee that this is a pilot program and we will examine the outcome to determine if we are going to expand the program campus wide.
Member Krajewski inquired if the foam cups are more economically favorable than the paper cups. Ms. Dierich informed, per the price analysis that the foam cups are less expensive than the paper.
Member Anderson asked if the recycling bins are only located in the cafeteria? Ms. Dierich answered, yes, however there are some departments that collect the foam and bring it back to the cafeteria.
Discussion ensued regarding the pricing of Styrofoam cups and paper cups. Mr. Kottmeyer informed the committee that he will follow up on the pricing for foam cups verses paper cups and report the findings back to the committee.
Ms. Dierich provided a PowerPoint presentation for the committee and the PowerPoint will be attached and made a part of these minutes.
At 8:52, Member Healy entered the meeting,a quorum was achieved, and lost at 8:52 am when he exited. Only updates were provided thereafter.
1. Presentation
2. Strofoam Recycling Update
8. Presentations
A. Educational Partners - SCARCE DuPage County Projects SCARCE did not have a presentation at this time. Kay, of SCARCE provided a verbal update regarding recycling issues.
9. Old Business
None
10. New Business
None
11. Adjournment
Without objection the meeting adjourned at 9:04 am.
http://dupage.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=6155&Inline=True
Alerts Sign-up