Providence Green Blog

“Saturday, January 28 9AM – 1PM Hope High School

A great opportunity to recycle all of those electronic components that we all have in our homes! Finally a great solution!
CHNA has secured Metech Recycling for this event. Metech provides secure shredding of all data containing devices. In addition to data devices, they accept: Audio & Video Tapes, Batteries, Cameras, Cell Phones, Circuit Boards, Complete Computer Systems, Computer Mouse, Copy Machines, CPU, Data Cartridges, DLT Tapes, Docking Stations, External Drives, Modems, Fax Machines, Floppy Drives, Keyboards, LCD Flat Screens, Laptops, Microwaves, Monitors, Printers, Projectors, Scanners, Slide Projectors, Stereos, Speakers, Tape Drives, Telephone Systems, TVs, VCR/DVD Players, Work Stations. Mark the date on your calendar. Additional information to follow.”

RIRRC WILL COLLECT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE & MORE AT CENTRAL LANDFILL ON 9/17

Drop-off computers, batteries, TVs, cooking oil

JOHNSTON, R.I. (August 26, 2011) – On Saturday, September 17, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) will host a household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste collection at the Central Landfill, 65 Shun Pike in Johnston, right off I-295 exit 5.  All waste can be delivered between 8:00 a.m. and noon.

In R.I., HHW and e-waste cannot be mixed together with trash or recyclables. Not exactly sure what HHW is?  Read the label.  Check for the words flammable, caustic, combustible, explosive or toxic on the product label.

Some common examples of HHW are spent fluorescent light bulbs, rusty propane gas tanks, used motor oil and oil filters, drained radiator coolant, leftover oil-based paint, old mercury (silver) thermostats, mercury thermometers, unused bug spray and unwanted lawn chemicals.

Cathode ray tubes are also hazardous.  They are found in computers and televisions, which is why these products are banned from landfill disposal here in Rhode Island.  Dropping them off at RIRRC is a free and easy solution to getting rid of outdated and broken TVs and computers, specifically CPUs, monitors, and laptops.

Because of their toxicity and potential to pollute the environment, all these products need to be collected safely by trained waste handlers.

In addition to HHW and electronic waste, RIRRC will accept automobile tires, clean wood, used cooking oil, and dead batteries.  Fees apply for some products but residential recyclables, HHW and electronic waste are always accepted free of cost.

Appointments are necessary only if dropping off HHW to help reduce time waiting in the drop-off line at the Eco-Depot shed.

For a complete list of eligible materials or to make an HHW appointment go to www.rirrc.org, or call 942-1430 x241.

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.

R.I. RESOURCE RECOVERY SHARES PROFITS

WITH MUNICIPALITIES AT CEREMONY

Sizable checks are proof that recycling pays

JOHNSTON, R.I. (August 24, 2011) – Municipal officials were all smiles at an early morning ceremony at Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) headquarters at the Central Landfill today.   Michael OConnell, RIRRC executive director, distributed $1,866,562 to the 39 R.I. cities and towns for profits realized from the sale of recyclables.

           “We are delighted to announce that the profit-sharing checks are about triple in size compared with last year,” said OConnell.  “The recycling markets performed very well in 2010 and early 2011, which translates to more dollars that RIRRC can share among our municipal partners.  Better still, the improved performance by the municipalities helped to prolong the life of the Central Landfill and divert valuable recyclables from being buried there.”

He continued, “Next year, RIRRC will allow a greater variety of plastics to be recycled.  While we can’t predict how the markets will perform next year, we do know the changes in our statewide program will give the municipalities the ability to deliver more material, and thus be able to increase their share of the profits.”

OConnell reminded the audience of 90 this is the last year that municipalities will be allowed to spend the profit-sharing funds as they wish.  Starting in FY12, the recycling profit-sharing monies must be earmarked for recycling efforts.

“With the new recycling rules just months away, this is a perfect time to earmark these funds toward educational efforts to further boost recycling participation and volume,” he said.

DISTRIBUTION OF RIRRC FY 11 PROFIT-SHARING

¹South Kingstown and Narragansett share a recycling facility and divide their profit-sharing on an agreed-upon percentage.

²Westerly & Hopkinton share a recycling facility.

Shares are determined by the amount of recycled tonnage trucked to the Materials Recycling Facility in Johnston during fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.  Cumulatively, the cities and towns delivered 92,499 tons of recycling to RIRRC.

All recycling commodities except glass experienced a strong year with very few seasonal dips.  Last year, the average value of recyclables collected in Rhode Island was $20 per ton, compared with $7.80 per ton in FY10.

Located in Johnston, R.I., Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency that manages nearly all of the state’s municipal and commercial solid waste.  RIRRC owns and operates a materials recycling facility, which processes more than 92,000 tons of recyclables annually, and the Central Landfill, which disposes approximately 750,000 tons of solid waste annually. 

RIRRC TO HOST ECO-DEPOT COLLECTION IN

NORTH KINGSTOWN ON SEPTEMBER 10

Dispose household hazardous waste for free

JOHNSTON, R.I. (August 19, 2011) – On Saturday, September 10, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, together with the Town of North Kingstown, will host an Eco-Depot collection for household hazardous waste (HHW).  From 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. residents can leave poisons, oil paints, propane gas tanks and mercury products at the North Kingstown Department of Public Works, 2050 Davisville Road.

Eco-Depot is a free service for Rhode Islanders, and appointments are required to reduce waiting times in line. To make Eco-Depot convenient for all Rhode Islanders, RIRRC holds Eco-Depot collections in every part of the state.

Eco-Depot is RIRRC’s popular household hazardous waste program.  Nearly all households have some amount of HHW stored in sheds, garages, and basements.  Any product that is flammable, combustible, explosive, toxic, corrosive, poisonous and hazardous to health qualifies as HHW.  Examples of common HHW are oil-based paint, fluorescent light bulbs, lawn chemicals, pesticides, antifreeze, pool chemicals, turpentine, muriatic acid, propane gas tanks and fire extinguishers.  They are banned from landfill disposal because they can pollute the environment if discarded improperly.

Most pollution in the United States is caused by many small sources, especially by the improper disposal of household hazardous wastes.  The HHW that RIRRC collects is safely packed and shipped by professional hazardous materials technicians, then sent to several facilities that specialize in the disposal of HHW.  There, the materials are separated and classified by types.  Some paints may be re-pigmented for some industrial uses. Solvents or flammables are burned to produce energy. Others may be shipped to special hazardous waste landfills.

For a complete list of eligible materials, go to www.rirrc.org.  To make an appointment, click on the Eco-Depot button at the bottom of the page or call 942-1430 x241.   Follow on Twitter @RIRRC.

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.

ON 8/27, TWO SITES TO HOLD RIRRC COLLECTIONS

RIRRC to accept hazardous and electronic waste in North Providence & Johnston

JOHNSTON, R.I. (August 5, 2011) – On August 27, Rhode Islanders can choose between two Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) collections to get rid of their household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste.  RIRRC will host a collection at the North Providence High School located at 1828 Mineral Spring Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a second collection at the Central Landfill in Johnston from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

The collections are free and available for R.I. residents only.  Appointments are necessary to drop off HHW at both locations.  By scheduling an appointment, it helps to reduce waiting time in the drop off line.  Appointments are not necessary for recycling e-waste.

Examples of HHW are dead florescent light bulbs, used motor oil and oil filters, old radiator coolant, remnant oil-based paint, mercury thermostats, mercury thermometers, leftover bug spray and unwanted lawn chemicals.  Not sure what HHW is?  Check the label.  Hazardous products must have warning labels because the contents are dangerous to humans, animals and the environment.  Look for the words flammable, caustic, combustible, explosive or toxic on product packaging.

Computers and TVs contain cathode ray tubes, which are banned from landfill disposal here in Rhode Island.  They cannot be thrown away with regular household trash.  The RIRRC collections are a free and easy solution to getting rid of outdated and broken TVs and computers, specifically CPUs, monitors, and laptops.

“People must take care when they store hazardous products in their homes,” said Michael OConnell, executive director of RIRRC.  “Even the smallest amounts can pose a danger so it’s best not to store them.   Make an appointment to bring your HHW to one of RIRRC’s collections, and we’ll safely dispose all of it for you safely and appropriately.  And remember, buy only amounts that you need to avoid accumulating hazardous products in your home.”

To make an appointment, go to www.rirrc.org and click on the Eco-Depot symbol, or call 942-1430 x241.   A full listing of accepted wastes can be found on the site.

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.

RIRRC TO COLLECT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE IN WEST WARWICK ON 8/20

Drop-off Variety of Household Waste

JOHNSTON, R.I. (July 29, 2011) – On Saturday, August 20, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) will host a household hazardous waste (HHW) at the West Warwick Civic Center located at 100 Factory Street.   Waste will be accepted 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and the service is free.  Appointments are necessary to reduce time waiting in line.

In R.I., HHW cannot be combined with trash or recyclables.  Because they are toxic and have the potential to pollute the environment, the products need to be recycled by waste handlers trained to dispose them safely.  Household hazardous waste includes any products that are poisonous, caustic, explosive, reactive, flammable or harmful to human health.  The most common examples are propane gas tanks, non-latex paint, pool chemicals, turpentine, driveway sealers, fertilizer, mercury thermometers, and florescent light bulbs.

For a complete list of eligible materials or to make an HHW appointment go to www.rirrc.org, or call 942-1430 x241.

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.

residents and property owners can dispose of their old mattresses and box springs directly at the Department of Public Works’ Convenience Center at 700 Allens Avenue on Thursdays from 3-7PM and Saturdays from 7AM – 1PM.

Residents dropping off mattresses/box springs will be asked to provide proof of Providence residency, and drop-offs are limited to two mattresses/box springs per resident.

Those who choose not to drop off their mattresses and box springs directly at DPW will be required to pay a $20 disposal fee for each mattress or box spring they throw away. Property owners will be fined $50 to $500 for mattresses and box springs that are placed on the curb in front of their property without a scheduled pick-up.

Throwing away old mattresses and box springs is easy: Just call Waste Management at 1-800-972-4545 before 3PM, at least 24 hours prior to your regular trash collection day, from Monday to Friday, 8AM – 5PM to schedule curbside pickup. English and Spanish-speaking customer service representatives are available from to process mattress/box spring disposal requests. Payments can be made by either check or credit/debit card.

Each year thousands of people dump mattresses and box springs on the sidewalk in Providence when they move or buy new ones, and their disposal comes with a surprisingly high price tag that the city simply can no longer afford. Last year alone, 19,000 mattresses were collected throughout the city, costing Providence’s taxpayers $513,000.

Bulky trash items and white goods will still be picked-up free of charge by calling 1-800-972-4545.

FREE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION IN EAST PROVIDENCE on 8/13

RIRRC’s Eco-Depot Service Safely Disposes Toxic Waste

JOHNSTON, R.I. (July 22, 2011) – On Saturday, August 13, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, together with the City of East Providence, will hold an Eco-Depot collection for household hazardous waste (HHW).  From 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Rhode Islanders can drop off their unwanted HHW including propane gas tanks and mercury products at 60 Commercial Way in East Providence.

RIRRC asks Rhode Islanders to make appointments for the free service to help reduce time waiting in lines at the collection. With an appointment, most customers are in and out of line in three minutes.

“We have been working with R.I. Resource Recovery Corporation for over 10 years helping East Providence residents discard household hazardous waste in a safe and responsible manner. This is an exemplary program of a state agency and a municipality working together for the benefit of Rhode Island residents. Without their assistance our city could not conduct such a comprehensive disposal service,” said Steve Mutter, Recycling Coordinator for the City of East Providence.

Eco-Depot is RIRRC’s very popular household hazardous waste program.  Rhode Island residents can drop off poisons for RIRRC to dispose safely.  Most households have some amount of HHW stored in garages, backyard sheds, garages, closets and basements.  If the product labels lists the contents as flammable, combustible, explosive, toxic, corrosive, poisonous and hazardous to health, it’s HHW.  Examples of the common HHW collected by RIRRC are oil-based paint, fluorescent light bulbs, lawn chemicals, pesticides, antifreeze, pool chemicals, turpentine, muriatic acid, propane gas tanks and fire extinguishers.  They are banned from landfill disposal because they can pollute the environment if discarded improperly.

For a complete list of eligible materials, go to www.rirrc.org.  To make an appointment, click on the Eco-Depot button at the bottom of the page or call 942-1430 x241.   Follow on Twitter @RIRRC.

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.

ECO-DEPOT COLLECTION IN CHARLESTOWN ON JULY 30

RIRRC offers free service for Rhode Islanders

JOHNSTON, R.I. (July 11, 2011) – On Saturday, July 30, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, together with the Town of Charlestown, will hold an Eco-Depot collection for household hazardous waste (HHW).  From 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Rhode Islanders can drop off a wide variety of poisons, propane gas tanks and mercury products at the Cross Mills exit at Rte. 1 and 1A in Charlestown.

This program is a free service for Rhode Island residents, and appointments are required to reduce customer waiting times.

Eco-Depot is the popular household hazardous waste program administered by RIRRC.  Nearly all households have some amount of HHW stored in their sheds, garages, and basements.  Any product that is flammable, combustible, explosive, toxic, corrosive, poisonous and hazardous to health qualifies as HHW.  Examples of common HHW include oil-based paint, fluorescent light bulbs, lawn chemicals, pesticides, antifreeze, pool chemicals, turpentine, muriatic acid, propane gas tanks and fire extinguishers.  They are banned from landfill disposal because they can pollute the environment if discarded improperly.

For a complete list of eligible materials, go to www.rirrc.org.  To make an appointment, click on the Eco-Depot button at the bottom of the page or call 942-1430 x241.   Follow on Twitter @RIRRC.

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.

ON 7/23, DROP OFF HAZARDOUS WASTE AND COMPUTERS AT RIRRC HQ

JOHNSTON, R.I. (July 5, 2011) – On Saturday, July 23, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) will hold a household hazardous waste (HHW) and computer electronics collection at the Central Landfill, 65 Shun Pike in Johnston.  The collection will be held from 8:00 a.m. until noon.  Appointments are necessary only if dropping off HHW.

In R.I., HHW and e-waste cannot be mixed with trash or recyclables left curbside or dropped off at municipal transfer stations.  Because of their potential to harm human health and the environment, they must be dropped off with a certified handler who will dispose of them properly.  Examples of the products are televisions, CPUs, laptops, monitors, propane gas tanks, oil-based paint, turpentine, driveway sealers, fertilizer, mercury thermometers, and florescent light bulbs.

Because the drop-off location is at the Central Landfill, residents can also dispose of a whole host of materials – not just HHW and electronic waste.  RIRRC accepts automobile tires, clean wood, motor oil and filters, cooking oil, and batteries.  Fees apply for some products but recyclables, HHW and electronic waste are always accepted free of cost.

“You will make your home safer when you get rid of all of the extra hazardous products stored in your home,” said Mike OConnell, executive director of RIRRC. “Load up your vehicle and bring them to R.I. Resource Recovery and we’ll dispose them safely, properly and quickly.  It’s so fast and easy that you don’t even need to get out of your car.”

For a complete list of eligible materials or to make an HHW appointment go to www.rirrc.org, or call 942-1430 x241.

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.