Anchorage toZero Waste - Municipality of Anchorage

Anchorage to Zero Waste: Fall/Winter 2012-2013 VOL. 5, NO. 2

Your Guide to Zero Waste in Anchorage

ALSO INSIDE: Winter Water Quality Tips - page 4 Where Does It Go? Updated - page 5 Emergency Preparedness - page 12

Dear Anchorage Resident Do you know where your trash has been going? Based on the data we have, disposal at the Anchorage Regional Landfill has increased steadily from its opening in 1987, through the 1990s, and into the new century. The quantities disposed peaked in 2007 and then began declining again. Current disposal quantities are at the same levels as in 19971998, even with an increase in population since then. During those declining years for waste disposal, recycling was on the rise. In fact, the recycling rate (the quantity of material recycled compared to the quantity disposed) has more than doubled in just the past few years to 20% by weight in 2011, illustrating both a decrease in disposal and an increase in recycling. In the past four years, the way residents manage their waste has changed significantly. Residential waste collection has gone from workers getting out of their trucks and throwing trash into the trucks by hand to almost all residents having roll carts serviced by automated trucks. Picking up trash without getting out of the truck has reduced injury and increased worker safety. This change also has brought pay-as-you-throw trash rates and curbside recycling to most of the municipality. All of Solid Waste Services’ residential customers will have curbside service by spring of 2013, and Alaska Waste has expanded its curbside recycling service to almost all of its service area in Anchorage and Eagle River. With the expansion of curbside recycling, more and more residents are recycling. The total quantity of waste going into the landfill is only part of the story. Our per capita trash disposal has dropped from 7.4 pounds in 2004 to 5.7 pounds in 2011 and recycling per capita has risen from 0.8 pounds to 1.4 pounds during that same time. So what does this tell us? We’re slowly moving from disposal to recycling while also reducing our overall generation rate. That’s a good thing. We are thinking more about our purchases, preventing waste up front, and we’re thinking more about how we dispose of what we do generate. Nice job, Anchorage! Despite the strong increase in recycling, however, we are still below the national recycling rate of 34%. That tells us that we can continue to improve. The guide on pages 6 and 7 is a great reference for identifying a lot of the items you can recycle in Anchorage. And being thoughtful about our purchases will continue to make a big difference. Bringing these practices from home to work also makes a significant difference. More businesses are going green to help reduce their use of resources and to save money.

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rector ------------------- A Word from the New Di Hello Anchorage–

Alaska Solid Waste Services. I visited I’m very happy to be on board at k. wor and live a place I wanted to many years ago and knew it was d soli the of e area and the progress I’m impressed with the Anchorag t tha ram prog on llent curbside collecti waste program. We have an exce s. site f p-of dro g rd usage of recyclin includes recycling as well as reco rience in integrated solid waste expe of rs I hope to draw on my 23 yea s to Anchorage. management to bring new idea ram, nding the curbside recycling prog We’re currently working on expa ss gla g brin to and exploring ways enhancing drop-off opportunities, ect Our new landfill gas recovery proj y. recycling back to the communit at gre e mor ny to JBER. I envision ma is about to start providing power e. solid waste program in Anchorag the things coming in the future for w what outreach efforts so that you kno We are planning to increase our , plan this re to find them. As part of resources are available and whe g, clin center that will showcase recy we hope to develop an education very, toxics reduction, landfill gas reco composting, green purchasing, and th you es. We’ll be able to show and other green topics and activiti rage and and what can be done in Ancho adults alike what is being done te! p moving toward zero was have it all in one place. Let’s kee e. my family and me feel welcom Thanks Anchorage for making - Paul F. Alcantar

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Fall/Winter 2012-2013

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT EVENT DATES

(November through March)

November 15 – America Recycles Day Look for celebrations and educational events throughout November. Visit the America Recycles Day website at www.americarecyclesday.org for details of this year’s events or to register your own event. Just search by zipcode.

December 28, 29 & 31 Alaska Aces Holiday Recycle Program The Alaska Aces and Solid Waste Services are offering hockey fans an opportunity to recycle. Bring your holiday wrapping paper and small electronics (laptop-size or smaller) for recycling to the Alaska Aces games on December 28, 29 and 31. Recyclers will be entered into a drawing for an Aces souvenir. No plastic or foil wrapping, bows, ribbons, tissue paper or other household recyclables.

Important Event Dates..................................................................... 3 JBER’s Recycling Program................................................................ 3 Southside Recycling.......................................................................... 3 Water Quality.......................................................................................4 Where Does It Go?.............................................................................5 Anchorage Recycling Guide....................................................6 & 7 Map of Drop-off Locations & Curbside Service Areas........... 8 Ask the Gang........................................................................................9 Waste and Recycling Resources ................................................... 9 Household Hazardous Waste.......................................................10 Energy Efficiency..............................................................................10 Air Quality...........................................................................................11 Emergency Preparedness..............................................................12

JBER’s Recycling Program The Air Force has established policies toward eliminating waste, including a goal to divert 65% of non-hazardous solid waste from landfill disposal by the year 2020. To help meet this goal, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) has started an office paper and cardboard recycling program for all non-military housing areas on base. JBER Recycles is operated as a Qualified Recycling Program, which allows recycling proceeds to support JBER service member quality-of-life enhancement projects. JBER recycled more than 167,000 pounds of paper and cardboard, 20,000 gallons of used oil, and 10,500 pounds of expended small arms cartridge casings in 2011-2012. In 2013, JBER Recycles will add aluminum can, #1 PET and #2 HDPE plastic, newspaper, and mixed paper recycling. For up-to-date information, like JBER Recycles on Facebook, scan the above QR code with your smartphone, or call the Qualified Recycling Program Manager at 552-7753.

December 28-January 15 Christmas Tree Recycling Drop off your tree at the clearly marked areas of Carrs parking lots in Anchorage, Eagle River, and Palmer between Friday, December 28, and Tuesday, January 15. Be sure to remove all lights, ornaments, tree stands, tinsel, and plastic bags before leaving your tree. No wreathes are accepted because they have wires in them. The trees are processed into wood chips and used for trail cover, erosion control, and mulch by local nonprofits and government agencies. Boy Scout Troop 268 will pick up trees for a small donation. Call 868-8899. Sponsored by ALPAR (Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling), with support from Carrs and the Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services.

Southside Recycling Southside Recycling is changing its name to Recycling Solutions of Alaska. RSA also will now be accepting electronics in addition to the usual recyclables that are accepted at the recycling center. All electronics will go to Total Reclaim. The company offers recycling services for commercial and residential customers. RSA plans to focus on businesses but it will maintain its current residential customers. See page 9 for new contact information.

Anchorage to Zero Waste, Your A to Z Guide, Volume 5, No. 2, Fall/Winter 2012-2013, is published by the Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services using funds from a $1.50/ton tip fee surcharge on all solid waste disposed at the Anchorage Regional Landfill and Central Transfer Station. Editor: Jeanne Carlson. Illustrations and Design: David Zinn. Printed on 40% post-consumer recycled paper. Please recycle as mixed paper. Download current and past issues of the A to Z Guide at www.muni.org/sws. Email your full address to [email protected] to opt out of receiving a paper copy of the A to Z Guide in the mail. For inquiries about the A to Z Guide or suggestions for topics, email [email protected].

Fall/Winter 2012-2013 3

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Water Quality Water quality is a year-round issue and during the winter in Anchorage that means keeping harmful substances out of the snow so they don’t run off into our waterways when the snow melts.

MELTING ICE Your winter salting and sanding practices can affect spring water quality. When purchasing ice melt this winter, consider which type will work best for your application while doing the least amount of harm. There are more than 100 brands of ice melt product but all use either one or a combination of only a handful of active ingredients. Unfortunately, many packages don’t provide information about their chemical composition so you may need to do some web research, but check before you buy to find the right one. The details can be complicated but here is some general information to point you in the right direction. First, it’s important to understand the purpose of ice melt, which is to form a liquid brine to melt enough to break the bond between the snow/ice and the pavement so the snow/ice can be shoveled away. The product must reach the pavement to become effective. It is not meant to melt away the snow/ice so don’t expect this to happen or add more salt if it is not happening. In general, calcium chloride is recommended over sodium chloride (basic rock salt or road salt). It can be used in lower concentrations, it works at lower temperatures (-20º to -25ºF), and it is somewhat less damaging to the environment. Drawbacks include expense compared to rock salt. Even more expensive, but much less toxic and corrosive, CMA is your best bet for keeping your family, pets, lawn, driveway, and our waterways safe. Ice Melt Material Sodium Chloride (rock salt) Calcium Chloride Magnesium Chloride Potassium Chloride Urea Sodium Acetate Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)

Price Environmental Minimum Range Corrosiveness Impact Temperature $ Severe $$ Severe $$ Moderate $$$ Moderate $$$ Low $$$ Moderate

Severe Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Low

5º to 20ºF -25ºF 5ºF 12ºF 15ºF 0ºF

$$$$

Low

5º to 20ºF

Low

Ice Melt Tips • Apply early! Before or just as snow starts to fall is the best time to apply ice melt for maximum effectiveness.

SCOOPING POOP Dog waste is a nuisance and a health hazard. It spreads disease and is one of the largest causes of water pollution in Anchorage streams and creeks. Scooping poop isn’t just a spring and summer activity. Dog waste can easily disappear under the snow in the winter – out of sight, out of mind, until spring when it is released all at once during break-up. Anchorage has an estimated 65,000 dogs, each producing an average of 3/4 of a pound of waste per day. That’s more than 48,000 pounds or about 24 tons of dog waste each and every day. If none of us cleaned up after our dog this winter, the spring melt could potentially release more than 4,000 tons of poop into our waterways! The most effective way to avoid this problem is to scoop poop throughout the winter. Anchorage has a municipal ordinance requiring pet owners to clean up after their pets, both at home and in public places. Many city parks now have convenient refuse stations. But just in case there is not one at your park, or in case the bag dispenser is empty, you should always carry a supply of plastic bags to clean up after your dog. Most pet stores sell handy dispensers that can clip onto your leash, or simply tie a plastic newspaper sleeve or plastic grocery bag to the handle of your leash.

Poop Scooping Tips

• Do not over apply; follow instructions on the label. Use only the quantities necessary to do the job. • Do not try to melt everything. Clear snow first if applying after snow has fallen. • Wear gloves. Ice melts are an irritant. • Do not use on new concrete that has not fully cured. • All products have some effect on the environment. Flush area with water if over-use is suspected or damage appears on plants. • Mix with traction products to use less. • Remember, when temps fall below the teens, many of the products are ineffective so don’t waste time and money using them in extreme cold.

• Slip a plastic bag over your hand and collect the droppings. • Pull the bag off of your hand so that the droppings are inside (like pulling off a sock cuff-first). • Tie the bag shut and dispose of it in a trash can or animal refuse station. • Check http://anchoragecreeks.org/pages/ poop_stations.php for an interactive map of all the animal refuse stations in Anchorage. • When cleaning up waste at home, double bag it before placing it in your trash.

• Keep away from pets. 4

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Where Does It Go?

The amount of waste generated and how it is disposed have both been changing over the last few years. Trash quantities going into the landfill were down to 308,650 tons in 2011 and reported recycling quantities were at more than 78,000 tons. The majority of recycling in Anchorage is done by three companies. Schnitzer Steel recycles metals from automobiles, appliances, cable, wire, pipe and more. The company brokers metals worldwide and ships directly to the Lower 48 and Asia. In 2011, Schnitzer reported shipping more than 38,000 tons of metals for recycling. The second big recycler is the Anchorage Recycling Center, owned by RockTenn. The recycling center collects containers (plastic, steel, aluminum) and fibers (cardboard, mixed paper, newspaper) from homes, schools, and businesses through its drop-off center and deliveries by local haulers from curbside programs, business accounts, and other drop-off locations around town. In 2011, the recycling center shipped about 23,000 tons of recyclables. Central Recycling Services processes construction and demolition (C&D) debris locally into new construction materials, creating local jobs. Old road material is made into recycled asphalt pavement, concrete is turned into recycled concrete aggregate, and other materials, including lumber and tires, are recycled as well. In 2011, Central Recycling Services recycled more than 17,000 tons of C&D debris. Check out pages 6 and 7 for a list of more recyclers!


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ANCHORAGE RECYCLING GUIDE MATERIAL

Curbside Programs

Anchorage Landfill Recycling Recycling Center Area

Carrs parking lots

Central Recycling Schnitzer Steel Services

Total Reclaim

Other Locations

RECYCLABLES Plastic Bottles Plastic Jugs Plastic Bags and Film

Carrs / Fred Meyer / Lowe’s / Target/ Walmart store entryways (grocery bags only)

Office Paper/ Mixed Paper Cardboard

Downtown: 239 W. 4th (C St. between 3rd & 4th) South Anchorage: 7801 Schoon St. (off King St.)

Newspaper Telephone Books

Anchorage Daily News (1001 Northway Dr.) As mixed paper

during June

As mixed paper

Aluminum Cans

Hilltop Recycling (16849 Old Glenn Hwy., Chugiak) (non-ferrous* only) Mobile Metals (non-ferrous* only)

Steel Cans Scrap metals (fees apply in some cases)

During business hours

nonferrous* only

Electronics (fees apply in most cases)

Anchorage Regional Landfill Hazardous Waste Collection Center (for businesses only) Best Buy (all locations) Tri Digital Computer Services 17034 Eagle River Loop Road, Eagle River

Fluorescent Lamps/CFLs** *Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, brass, and copper. They don’t stick to a magnet.

Anchorage Regional Landfill and Central Transfer Station (appliances only) Hilltop Recycling (16849 Old Glenn Hwy., Chugiak) (non-ferrous* only) Mobile Metals (non-ferrous* only)

Home Depot (all locations) **Fluorescent lamps also can be taken to local household hazardous waste facilities for proper disposal. See page 10.

RECYCLERS CONTACT INFORMATION Alaska Waste ...................................................... www.alaskawaste.com .................................................................................. 563-3717 Solid Waste Services ........................................ www.muni.org/sws ......................................................................................... 343-6250 Anchorage Recycling Center ......................... 6161 Rosewood St.................................................................................................. 562-2267 Landfill Recycling Area ................................... 15500 E. Eagle River Loop Rd, Fort Richardson (for mapping purposes)................. 343-6262 Carrs Parking Lots ............................................. see page 8 for details. Central Recycling Services ............................ 2400 Railroad Ave. - www.centralrecyclingservices.com............................ 248-7400 Schnitzer Steel ................................................. 9705 King Street - www.alaskametalrecycling.com.................................... 349-4833 Total Reclaim ..................................................... 12101 Industry Way, Unit C4 - www.totalreclaim.com/alaska.html........... 561-0544

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ANCHORAGE RECYCLING GUIDE What’s accepted

What to leave out

#1 PET bottles with neck and screw top (beverage bottles), caps

Other numbered plastics, plastic produce and take-out containers

#2 HDPE jugs with neck and screw top (milk and detergent jugs), caps

Other numbered plastics, cups, tubs, oil/chemical containers

Stretchy plastic film, like grocery bags, drycleaner bags, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, shrink wrap

Food-contaminated bags, bags with paper labels affixed, crinkly film like cereal box liners and snack bags

White/colored paper, glossy paper, junk mail, window envelopes, paperboard (cereal boxes, paper towel rolls), gift wrap, paper egg cartons. Staples and paper clips okay

Milk cartons, juice boxes, hardcover books (unless binding and cover are removed), binder clips, plastic or metal bindings

Corrugated boxes Clean pizza boxes Brown paper grocery bags

Waxed corrugated Fish boxes Non-corrugated paper Cereal Boxes Soiled, wet cardboard

Newspaper and its inserts

Plastic bags, other paper

Telephone directories

Other paper, plastic bags

Aluminum beverage cans, rinsed (don’t stick to magnets)

Scrap metal, steel, aluminum foil, aluminum pet food cans

Steel food and beverage cans, rinsed (DO stick to magnets)

Scrap metal, aluminum

Aluminum cans, aluminum scrap, brass, copper, stainless steel, radiators, lead, tin, cables. Appliances and vehicles at some locations. Call for details

Refrigerants, asbestos, oils, gasoline, petroleum products, antifreeze, lead-acid batteries, PCBs, automobile airbags, paint cans or other paint containers, acetylene bottles, fluorescent lamps, neon, high intensity or mercury vapor lights, circuit boards, hazardous or toxic substances, military scrap, explosives or explosive residues, radioactive materials, tires, wood, dirt, yard debris, concrete, asphalt, glass, rubber or other non-metallic materials

Televisions, computer monitors, computers, laptops, keyboards, mice, modems, external drives, scanners, printers, copiers, cables, other computer peripherals, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, radios, phones, fax machines, camcorders, electric typewriters, microwave ovens, telephones, cell phones and most media (floppies, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes)

Smoke detectors, vacuum cleaners, EXIT signs, lighting ballasts

Whole long tubular fluorescent lamps, round tubular lamps, small screw-in or pop-in compact fluorescent lamps of all styles

Ballasts, broken lamps, incandescent light bulbs, LED lamps

Flatten Your Cardboard

Curbside Tips

Whether you’re recycling curbside or at a drop-off location, flatten your cardboard so it fits! Unflattened cardboard increases the labor costs of recycling by increasing the number of times bins need to be hauled.

Observe all rules of your curbside program. Leave at least three feet of space around and between your carts so the automated trucks have enough room to pick them up. Close the lid completely on your cart, and be sure the handle is facing your house. Check for obstacles like snow banks, mailboxes, trees, cars, and telephone poles when setting out your carts. Items left outside the cart are only collected if you have called in a request prior to your collection day.

Bottle Caps Are Okay

Left Items Are Litter

You can now recycle plastic caps from your bottles and jugs. The best way to do this is to empty the bottle or jug, flatten or crush it if possible and put the screw cap back on before tossing it in your recycling bin.

Items left outside of the designated bins at any recycling location are considered litter and will be discarded as trash. If the bin is full, please don’t leave your items near the bin as it will not be recycled. Excessive littering around bins jeopardizes the future of the recycling program.


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If In Doubt, Leave It Out Read all signage on recycling bins and follow instructions. If an item is not on the list of acceptable items, don’t put it in the bin.

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See page 9 for your service provider’s contact information

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in Anchorage: All sites are available 24/7 except the Anchorage Regional Landfill.

1 Downtown: 239 W. 4th (C St. between 3rd & 4th - Entrance on 3rd) - Cardboard only 2 Anchorage Regional Landfill (hours limited to landfill hours) Accepts cardboard, mixed paper, newspaper, aluminum cans, #1 PET plastic bottles, #2 HDPE plastic jugs 3 Anchorage Recycling Center 6161 Rosewood St. Accepts steel cans, cardboard, mixed paper, newspaper, aluminum cans, #1 PET plastic bottles, #2 HDPE plastic jugs, plastic bags 4 Brown Jug Warehouse 4140 Old Seward Hwy. Aluminum cans only 5 Carrs, Abbott Road 1725 Abbott Rd.* 6 Carrs, Aurora Village 1650 W. Northern Lights Blvd.* 7 Carrs, Debarr Road 5600 Debarr Rd.* 8 Carrs, Eagle River 11409 Business Park Blvd.* 9 Carrs, Gambell Road 1340 Gambell Rd.* 10 Carrs, Huffman Road 1501 E. Huffman Rd.* 11 Carrs, Jewel Lake 4000 W. Dimond Blvd.*

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Elmore Rd.

Recycling Drop-off Locations

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All SWS customers currently receiving residential or business can/bag service will receive automated trash and curbside recycling service by spring 2013.

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*Carrs and school locations listed here accept newspaper and aluminum cans only. 12 Carrs, Mall at Sears

600 E. Northern Lights Blvd.*

13 Carrs, Muldoon Road

7731 E. Northern Lights Blvd.*

14 Carrs, Northway Mall

3101 Penland Pkwy.*

15 Inlet View Elementary 1219 N St.* 16 King Street – 7801 Schoon St Cardboard only

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17 Lake Otis Elementary

3331 Lake Otis Pkwy.* 18 Mears Middle School 2700 W. 100th Ave.*

19 Northwood ABC Elementary

4807 Northwood Dr.*

20 Wonder Park Elementary

5101 E. 4th Ave.*


! G N A G E H ASK T Q: How clean is clean? A: Good question. Do you really need to scrub every bottle

or can with soap and water before recycling it or is a quick rinse enough? It really depends on what was in the container. For most foods and beverages, a quick rinse will suffice, just to remove any residue. We’ve told you before about how to clean out a tricky peanut butter jar (let it soak overnight full of warm water, then pour half out, replace the lid, and shake vigorously to remove the now-softened peanut butter). This method works for all sorts of bottles and jars and most don’t even need the overnight soak. Just fill them halfway with water and shake. One rule of thumb is to clean the container enough so that you’d be willing to store it in your pantry or under the sink for a week. Containers that held soaps, shampoos, detergents, and similar products should be rinsed so that any residual product is not foaming. One method is to fill halfway with water and shake, then drain. Then fill the container all the way up so that the water pushes the excess foam or bubbles out. This may not be feasible for larger containers but it works well for small bottles. Don’t forget that the large-size detergent bottles with the spigot and the handle are also recyclable – just remove the spigot first. To clean these, you can add a little water and shake and then use this for the next few loads of laundry. You’ll rinse the container and at the same time, get more product for your money. Containers that held motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, or other items that would be considered household hazardous waste should not be recycled. Don’t rinse these down your drain! Replace the cap and discard in your trash or, if product remains, take it to one of the household hazardous waste facilities in the area (see page 10). As for those pizza boxes, if the grease stain is less than the size of one silver half-dollar, throw it into your recycle bin. Any bigger, if there’s several, or if there is cheese or toppings stuck to the box, toss it. If the bottom is clean but the top isn’t, or vice versa, consider tearing them apart to recycle what you can. And be sure to empty out any napkins, wax paper, or little plastic gizmos that were in the box before you recycle.

Q: How do I dispose of mercury thermometers? A: Mercury thermometers, as well as other mercury-con-

taining devices, such as thermostats, switches etc., can be taken to Total Reclaim s as long as they are intact (i.e., not broken). Total Reclaim does not accept any containerized liquid mercury; it has to be within the original device. The devices are sent to a recycling facility out of state for processing. There is a fee of $1.95 for these small devices. Call Total Reclaim at 561-0544 for fees and procedures for large quantities or devices that have larger volumes of mercury. Mercury thermometers and other devices also can be taken to one of the household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities in the area for disposal. They are packaged and sent out of state for safe disposal at a regulated HHW disposal facility. This option is free to residents. Consider recycling first!

Q: Can aluminum foil, pie plates/trays, and aluminum pet food cans be recycled? A: We answered this question in the last issue but

received more questions about what was really going on after folks went to the recycling center trying to recycle these aluminum items. Just to clear things up, here’s the story: Foil and pie plates and trays are currently collected in a separate bin at the recycling center. There is a box next to the aluminum can bin. Aluminum cat food cans also are different than aluminum beverage cans, but the recycling center has not found it worthwhile to collect them separately due to low volumes. These cans may be put into the aluminum can bin at the recycling center and at other aluminum can bins around town. They will be sorted downstream at the processing facility in the lower 48. Only put aluminum beverage cans and aluminum cat food cans in your roll cart if you have curbside recycling service. Do not put foil, pie plates, and trays in your cart.

A QUICK LOOK: Waste & Recycling Resources Alaska Waste..............www.alaskawaste.com..............................563-3717

Green Star ...................................... www.greenstarinc.org................................278-7827

ALPAR............................www.alparalaska.com...............................274-3266

Hilltop Recycling........................... www.hilltoprecycling.com........................696-2246

Anchorage Recycling Center ...........................................................562-2267

MOA Solid Waste Services......... www.muni.org/sws......................................343-6262

Anchorage School District Recycling......www.asdk12.org/depts/recycling..........348-5151

MOA SWS Customer Service (for excess waste and bulky pick-ups)......343-6250

Central Recycling Services........................www.centralrecyclingservices.com.......748-7400 EverGreen Nursery...www.alaskaevergreen.com......................344-2588 Organics collection suspended for the winter. Girdwood Recycling.....................girdwoodrecycling2010@gmail.com....242-5520 Girmscheid Enterprises.................. [email protected] Fall/Winter 2012-2013 9

Mobile Metals.............................................................................................................277-7777 Recycling Solutions of Alaska (formerly Southside Recycling) www.rsalaska.net............. [email protected] Schnitzer Steel - Anchorage .... www.alaskametalrecycling.com.............349-4833 Total Reclaim.................................. www.totalreclaim.com/Alaska.html.....561-0544 Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)....... www.valleyrecycling.org..................907-745-5544

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Energy Efficiency

Household Hazardous Waste www.muni.org/sws – click on Hazardous Materials Management

Glenn Hw y.

Drop-off services are FREE for households only (up to 40 lbs). A hazardous waste pick-up service is also available on a callin basis. Call (907) 428-1742 for further information.

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Energy Efficiency Curriculum Developed for Alaska Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP), in collaboration with Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP), has developed an energy efficiency curriculum for use in K-12 classrooms across the State. Funded by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), the AK EnergySmart curriculum will give Alaskan youth a better awareness of how they use energy and the importance of taking measures to use energy wisely both at home and school.

The Hazardous Waste Collection Center is located at the Anchorage Regional Landfill, at the intersection of the Glenn Highway and Hiland road, near Eagle River.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This facility accepts hazardous wastes from households and businesses. Reuse Area hours are same as above. Intl. Airport Rd.

Old Seward Hwy.

New Seward Hwy.

C St.

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility is located at the Central Transfer Station, at the intersection of E. 54th and Juneau, east of the Old Seward Highway.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This facility accepts hazardous waste from households only. NOTE: New hours for the Reuse Area only, Tues, Thurs, and Sat, 8:00 a.m. to noon. Please note: Construction on the New Seward Highway and the frontage roads near the Central Transfer Station is ongoing. Look for changes in traffic patterns.

Drop off these household items: PAINT PAINT THINNERS GASOLINE BATTERIES FERTILIZER

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CLEANERS PESTICIDES HERBICIDES USED OIL ANTIFREEZE

“Energy efficiency” means doing the same amount of work while using less energy. Increasing energy efficiency of homes, schools, transportation, and power generation systems can be a quick and economic way to decrease the demand and cost for energy. High fuel costs and extreme weather make energy efficiency especially important in Alaska. This K - 12 curriculum will give students valuable information they can pass along to their families. The interdisciplinary units of study investigate how energy is all around us, why we need energy, and how we can conserve energy. The curriculum can work together with ACEP’s Wind for Schools program to demonstrate to Alaskan students our options for improving both the generation and end use of energy. All lessons are aligned to Alaska Grade Level Expectations (GLEs). The curriculum contains five to six lessons per age group and can be used by any educator working with youth groups, inside or outside of a classroom. AK EnergySmart lessons are available at www.akenergysmart.org. www.muni.org/sws


Air Quality Winter is almost here!

Wet Wood is a Waste

Get ready to use your engine block heater. Here’s how.

Many of us use wood to heat our homes in winter but do we do it as efficiently as we can? Burning wet wood produces less energy and more air pollution, so be sure to look for dry wood to reduce pollution and save money on your heating costs.

• Locate your outdoor extension cord and timer. • Mount the timer near your outdoor outlet, above snow level and safe from the plow, where you can access it throughout the winter. • Set the timer to actual time and program it to supply electricity two to three hours before your morning commute. • Plug in your vehicle when you get home from work whenever the temperature is predicted to dip below 20ºF. Your car or truck will thank you for it! For timer instructions and information, see the Plug@20 page at www.muni.org/health. In Alaska, six months is the minimum to dry split and properly covered softwoods and 12 months for hardwoods. Burning dry means less of your wood-cutting effort goes up in smoke!

Dry wood:

• is lighter

• has cracks in the

ends

Considering supplemental heating • sounds hollow whe n with wood? The right equipment pi ec es ar e kn oc can mean the difference between a ked together pretty glow and a valuable addition to home heating. Learn how to choose the right stove, insert, or retrofit for your home at www.epa.gov/burnwise.

Wood-fired boilers are regulated in the municipality so before any purchase or installation, call the Municipal Air Quality section for information at (907) 343-4200. Fall/Winter 2012-2013 11

www.muni.org/sws

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Anchorage to Zero Waste:

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

Your Guide to Zero Waste in Anchorage

PAID

Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services 1111 E. 56th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99518

ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT #456

Emergency Preparedness Anchorage has always been about extremes but the past year has given us more than our usual share, from the snowiest winter ever to September’s extreme wind events and flooding. Being prepared is the best way to survive such extremes and that means having a plan for before, during, and after an event. A big part of being prepared is knowing how to clean up. In the event of heavy, damaging winds, you may need to dispose of yard debris and downed trees, damaged roofing material and other debris. This puts extra pressure on the landfill, the transfer stations, and the wood lots, as staff coordinate resources to be sure the facilities are open, accessible, and safe. Building debris should go directly to the landfill, while trees and brush can go to wood lots typically open between May and September. Excess snow made it impossible to get the Anchorage wood lot open this year at the snow dump site. The Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District coordinated with the Mayor’s office and Parks and Recreation to find another site for this year’s wood lot at the South Anchorage Sports Park, and just in time too! The September wind storms meant rethinking the season closing dates for all three area wood lots as residents struggled to find options for the tons of trees blown down. Be sure to check for extended dates after storms. And then the rains came. Flooding often generates trash as belongings become damaged in flood waters. Power outages also can leave residents with spoiled food to discard. Spoiled food in your curbside carts can attract animals so be aware of this when planning your clean-up. Special pick-ups are available from your waste hauler if you have more than your carts can hold, or check with the landfill and transfer facilities for hours to drop off. Lines at the Central Transfer Station (CTS) and Anchorage Regional Landfill (ARL) are often long when demand is high and you’re usually better off seeking out the alternatives first. Many items can be recycled. Check the web sites below for tips, checklists, and resources for preparing for and cleaning up after natural disasters and major weather events. Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management at www.ready.alaska.gov. Anchorage Emergency Management at www.muni.org/oem or facebook.com/anchorageoem. Anchorage Fire Department at www.muni.org/fire. Click on Wildfire Mitigation for wood lot information. Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District at www.aswcd.org for wood lot information. Anchorage Solid Waste Services at www.muni.org/sws or facebook.com/anchoragesws for trash disposal and recycling information.

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