DuPage County Environmental Committee met Aug. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER
8:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chair Sheila Rutledge at 8:37 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Puchalski, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge
ABSENT: Chaplin, Hart
Member Paula Deacon Garcia joined the meeting at 9:04 AM.
3. CHAIRWOMAN'S REMARKS - CHAIR RUTLEDGE
Chairwoman Rutledge mentioned that the medals being awarded at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are made from recycled materials.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was offered.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Environmental Committee - Special Call - Jun 15, 2021 11:15 AM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Puchalski, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge ABSENT: Chaplin, Hart |
There are no items today for parent committee approval.
7. DISCUSSION
A. 2022 Proposed Budget - Environmental Programs
Ms. Joy Hinz went over the proposed budget for 2022. Showing expected revenues and expenditures. She went on to explore possible new projects for the 2022, including sign & propane tank recycling, more document shredding events and alternative dishware for dining services.
Member LaPlante asked for more specifics regarding the dishware initiative. Ms. Hinz answered.
Mr. Nick Kottmeyer expanded upon the cafeteria situation. Member Pulchalski, being supportive of this effort, asked if this initiative may be deferred due to budget deficits. Mr. Kottmeyer suggested a reduced amount to see its effectiveness. Member Chavez suggested doing this in stages and move forward with our environmental goals. Chair Rutledge asked for more information regarding a breakdown of expenses for next meeting from Ms. Hinz. The members are committed to this project and would like to make improvements to the dishware.
B. Discussion -- Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products - Illinois
Mr. Walter Willis, Executive Director, Solid Waste Agency of Lake County explained that Extended Producer Responsibility is an initiative to shift cost responsibility of curbside pickup/dropoff from residents/rate payer to brand owners. This would mean brand owners would need to consider their packaging impact on the environment and require performance standards. Packaging would have recycled content requirements.
As an example he cited Lake County spends about $15 million on curbside recycling which would be shifted away from the residents. He hopes to have a bill to take to Springfield in January. Mr. Willis is hoping DuPage County will help support these efforts.
Member Chavez had concerns that DuPage County would be financially supporting down state recycling programs. Mr. Willis responded the program would be funded by brand owners. Member LaPlante asked about community education and who has this responsibility. The education requirement is on a stewardship entity which would develop the program and would either be reimbursement based or provide their own program.
Member Chavez stated she thinks DuPage County should have a seat at the table. Chair Rutledge agreed and asked that Mr. Willis forward the proposal he said he was drafting.
C. Helium Balloon Release
Chair Rutledge, being concerned about the environmental impact of balloon releases, stated she will work with staff to put together an educational promotion to the local media outlets. There was a bill passed in the Illinois State House, HB 418, however it did not go through the Senate.
8. PRESENTATIONS
A. Educational Partners - SCARCE DuPage County Projects
Kay McKeen of SCARCE gave a presentation highlighting the efforts of the organization over the past month. The PowerPoint is attached and made a part of these minutes.
B. SCARCE PowerPoint Presentation 8-3-21
9. OLD BUSINESS
10. NEW BUSINESS
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 AM.
12. COMMUNICATIONS
Item on Agenda by mistake. There are no Communication items at this time.
http://dupage.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=7746&Inline=True
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