Providence Green Blog

TWO SITES FOR 10/23 DROP-OFFS OF SPECIAL WASTES
RIRRC to accept hazardous and electronic waste in North Kingstown & Johnston locations

JOHNSTON, R.I. (October 4, 2010) – Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) will host special waste collections at two sites on Saturday, October 23. At the North Kingstown DPW at 2050 Davisville Road, residents can drop off household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At RIRRC headquarters in Johnston, at the Central Landfill, they will accept HHW and electronic waste from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
No fees will be charged at either collection, and both are restricted to R.I. residents.
If you plan to drop off HHW at either location, you will need to make an appointment. By scheduling appointments, RIRRC can reduce your waiting time in line. Appointments are not necessary for recycling e-waste.
HHW must be handled with care during its lifetime and when disposing it. The packaging has warning labels because the contents are dangerous to humans, animals and the environment. They are marked as flammable, caustic, combustible, explosive or toxic. Examples are motor oil, lighter fluid, florescent light bulbs, oil-based paint, mercury thermostats, mercury thermometers, bug spray and other pesticides.
Cathode ray tubes are banned from landfill disposal, so computers and televisions cannot be mixed with regular trash. The RIRRC collections are a free and easy solution to getting rid of outdated and broken televisions and computers, as well as CPUs, VCRs, laptops, fax machines, mouse devices, and other computer components.
“We see a surge in special waste disposal in autumn and have responded to the need by scheduling two collections on October 23,” said Michael OConnell, executive director of RIRRC. “If you find yourself needing to rid your home of these products, please mark your calendars to attend one of these collections.”
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.

RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY TO HOST SPECIAL
HHW & ECO-DEPOT COLLECTION IN CUMBERLAND

JOHNSTON, R.I. (September 23, 2010) – The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) will host a special one-day collection of household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste in Cumberland on October 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The site is the Monastery Complex located at 1464 Diamond Hill Road. The collection is free and available for Rhode Island residents only.
Appointments are necessary for HHW drop-offs to reduce waiting in lines. Appointments are not necessary for recycling e-waste.
Common examples of electronic waste include CPUs, VCRs, computer monitors, laptops, fax machines, modems, mouse devices and cables. All are recyclable through this special program and cannot be recycled curbside or placed in the trash.
Household hazardous waste is also banned from landfill disposal. These are products that have labels warning that they are dangerous to human health because they are flammable, caustic, combustible, explosive or toxic. Some of the most popular HHW are florescent light bulbs, oil-based paint, mercury thermostats, mercury thermometers, used motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, antifreeze, pool and lawn chemicals, and pesticides.
“This is the time of year when people will condition their lawns for the end of the season, close up their pools, pull gardens for cold weather, and clean out leftover supplies from home improvement projects,” said Michael OConnell, executive director of RIRRC. “We urge people to take advantage of this valuable service that protects the environment from accidental contamination of Rhode Island’s beautiful land and waterways.”
To make an appointment, go to www.rirrc.org and click on the Eco-Depot symbol, or call 942-1430 x779.
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.

Dispose electronics and hazardous waste in one trip to the landfill

JOHNSTON, R.I. (August 27, 2010) – Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will hold Eco-Depot and electronics recycling collections on Saturday, September 18 and Saturday, September 25. Both are scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon at the Central Landfill, 65 Shun Pike in Johnston. The household hazardous waste (HHW) and e-waste collection program is a free service for R.I. residents.

Most electronic waste – televisions, computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, laptops, CPUs, zip drives, scanners, modems, and mouse devices — cannot be placed in the trash or recycled in R.I.’s curbside program. By dropping off these materials at RIRRC, you can be assured that the equipment will be recycled properly and safely.

Eco-Depot is one of the best programs available for the proper disposal of HHW in the state. At no charge, RIRRC will accept household hazardous wastes — such as oil-based paints, propane gas tanks, fluorescent light bulbs — and safely dispose them so that they will not pose a threat to the environment. Products that have warning labels are usually classified as HHW. For a complete list of eligible materials, go to www.rirrc.org. On the site, you will be able to book an Eco-Depot appointment.

“We ask that everyone who wants to use Eco-Depot to make an appointment so that you can be in and out in several minutes,” said Mike OConnell, executive director of Rhode Island Resource Recovery. “We know that people want to finish up their weekend errands quickly and by making an appointment you can move through the Eco-Depot line posthaste.”

Appointments are not necessary for recycling e-waste.

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 ANNOUNCES CHANGE TO RECYCLING RULES:
OK TO RECYCLE BOTTLE CAPS
Change to begin immediately

JOHNSTON, R.I. (August 18, 2010) – The rules of recycling just got easier. Effectively immediately, Rhode Islanders can recycle plastic bottle caps. Until now, the caps needed to be discarded in the trash when recycling water bottles, ketchup bottles, laundry detergent jugs, shampoo bottles, etc. Triggers on spray bottles, such as glass cleaners, laundry stain removers, or sunblock, can also be recycled but must be left on the rinsed-out bottle and not recycled separately.
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) processes household recyclables from every Rhode Island city and town at the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Johnston. Because recycling sorting technologies have changed, MRFs no longer have to worry about sending bales full of caps to manufacturers.
“Our plastics customers no longer consider bottle caps to be “contamination,” said Sarah Kite, director of recycling services at RIRRC. “From now on, it’s OK for Rhode Islanders to keep the caps on their plastic bottles when recycling them. Besides convenience and simplicity, recycling caps adds more material to the list of what we can recycle, which is a bonus. Rinse, recap, recycle – it’s easy to remember.”
Bottle caps are made from rigid high-density polyethylene (HDPE or #2 plastic). But in the past it wasn’t the type of plastic that was a barrier to recycling it; it was the way the plastic was created. Hollow bottles are blow-molded into shape. Mixing blow-molded plastics with injection-molded plastics was a no-no.
As a reminder, the bottles should still be quickly rinsed out before being placed in the blue bin. Rinsing the bottles helps improve the value of the plastic and helps keep the MRF clean. Caps should be kept on the bottles, not left loose in the bin.
“In the near future, we plan to add all types of plastic, that is numbers 1 through 7, to the list of recyclables in Rhode Island,” said Kite. “As technologies improve, we can divert this type of waste away from burial in the Central Landfill and preserve the space for truly unrecyclable goods.”
If you have questions about how to recycle plastics, go to the RIRRC website (rirrc.org/AtoZ) for a comprehensive list or call their hotline at 941-1430 x775.
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.

GO TO ECO-DEPOT AND E-WASTE COLLECTION AT CENTRAL LANDFILL ON 8/21
Appointments Required for Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

JOHNSTON, R.I. (July 30, 2010) – The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) will collect household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste on August 21 at the Central Landfill on Shun Pike, Johnston. Appointments are necessary for HHW drop-offs but not for e-waste. The collection will be held from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

Eco-Depot is a valuable HHW collection program that is free for all Rhode Island residents. Since 2001, RIRRC has collected over one-and-a-half million pounds of HHW from its frequent collections. HHW cannot be combined with regular trash or recyclables.
“Rhode Islanders take great pride in the Ocean State and care deeply about keeping our waterways clean. Using Eco-Depot is one very important act that we can all do to make sure that hazardous waste doesn’t accidentally flow into our watershed,” said Mike OConnell, executive director of RIRRC.
RIRRC accepts a wide variety of hazardous materials such as oil-based paints, propane gas tanks, fluorescent light bulbs, insecticides, and fertilizers.

Like HHW, e-waste cannot be commingled with trash. Examples include televisions, CPUs, laptops, fax machines, gaming units, and scanners.

For a complete list of eligible materials or to make a household hazardous waste 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.

EAST PROVIDENCE TO BE SITE OF RIRRC’S NEXT
ECO-DEPOT & E-WASTE COLLECTION EVENT
Saturday August 14 drop-off will be quick and easy

JOHNSTON, R.I. (July 22, 2010) – Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will travel to East Providence on Saturday, August 14 to host an Eco-Depot and electronic waste recycling collection. Appointments will be needed for anyone dropping off household hazardous waste (HHW). The collection is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the DPW at 60 Commercial Way.

This is a free service for R.I. households, and appointments are not necessary for recycling e-waste (such as computers, televisions, laptops, etc.) Electronic equipment cannot be placed in the trash or recycled in blue or green bins.

RIRRC’s Eco-Depot provides Rhode Islanders with a way to safely rid their homes of hazardous waste, which may pose threats to their health as well as their pets and the environment. The most common HHW is leftover oil-based paints and thinners, automotive products such as used oil filters, brake fluid and coolant, mercury thermometers and thermostats, and unused lawn chemicals. HHW products carry warning labels because they are flammable, caustic, combustible, explosive, or corrosive. These types of products are banned from landfill disposal and should always be handled with care.

“Traditionally, East Providence has been a successful location for us when we hold collections there,” said Mike OConnell, executive director of RIRRC. “I think it shows that the community there strongly supports recycling and programs that improve the quality of the environment.”

Sign up online at www.rirrc.org or call 942-1430 x241 for your Eco-Depot appointment.

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 OFFER FREE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE AND E-WASTE RECYCLING IN TIVERTON ON JULY 17
Book appointments for HHW drop-off

JOHNSTON, R.I. (June 24, 2010) – Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will hold a computer recycling and Eco-Depot collection for household hazardous waste on Saturday, July 17 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 50 Industrial Way, Tiverton. This is a free service for Rhode Island households.

RIRRC’s Eco-Depot disposes of household hazardous waste properly and safely. The most common examples of HHW are near-empty propane gas tanks, leftover oil-based paint, spent fluorescent light bulbs, old mercury thermometers, and remnant cleaners, pesticides, and fertilizers. These products typically have warning labels marked “flammable,” “combustible,” “explosive,” or “corrosive.” They are banned from landfill disposal and can pose a risk to human and animal health. Special care is needed to dispose of these items safely because they contain toxins that cannot be released into the environment. Appointments are required and will help reduce the time you spend in the drop-off line.

“We recognize that folks who live in the East Bay area may not want to drive to Johnston so we are bringing this special collection to Tiverton,” said Mike OConnell, executive director of Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation. “We hope that the convenience of the location will draw out residents who need to get rid of their hazardous and electronic products.”

Electronics cannot be placed in the trash or recycled in R.I.’s curbside program. By dropping off old televisions, computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, laptops, CPUs, zip drives, scanners, modems, etc., you can be assured that the equipment will be recycled properly. Appointments are not necessary for recycling e-waste.

Sign up online at www.rirrc.org or call 942-1430 x241 for your Eco-Depot appointment.

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.

RECYCLE USED COOKING OIL AT
RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY

JOHNSTON, R.I. (June 22, 2010) – Starting immediately, Rhode Island Resource Recovery will be accepting used cooking oil at the Central Landfill in Johnston. The service is free for Rhode Island households.
RIRRC has placed two 55-gallon drums in the small vehicle drop-off area, which is where they accept small loads of household waste, recycling, tires, appliances and motor oil.
“This is yet another material for which we offer a disposal alternative for Rhode Islanders,” said Sarah Kite, director of recycling services at RIRRC. “Instead of throwing the oil in the trash, which is messy, or pouring it down the drain, which is dreadful for plumbing, people can bring it to RIRRC for recycling.”
RIRRC is working with Newport Biodiesel, a Rhode Island company, to dispose of the oil dropped off in Johnston. The company will use the oil to produce a clean-burning and sustainable fuel from vegetable oil waste.
“This service is another good example of finding creative solutions for converting waste products into new products with new uses,” said Kite. “Here, cooking oil is prevented from hurting the environment by reusing it as an alternative fuel source that can improve our economy as well.”
Rhode Island Resource Recovery will recycle the containers used to carry the used vegetable, corn and olive oil to the landfill.
The Central Landfill is open Mondays through Fridays from 6:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to noon. For information about recycling, visit the Rhode Island Resource Recovery website at www.rirrc.org, or call 942-1430 x775.
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.