It’s fun to get something free. In this case, it is a container to set up a beverage container recycling program. Businesses can order a Recycling Starter Kit from the Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling.

 To give you a head start, here is their “8 Steps to Starting an Office Recycling Program.”

1. Designate an office Recycling Coordinator .

2. Arrange for collection.

3. Get recycling bins by calling 1-800-RECYCLE or by logging on to www.bottlesandcans.com.

4. Label the bins.

5. Place recycling bins in high traffic areas.

6. Introduce the program with creative posters.

7. Educate your employees so they can identify CRV beverage containers.

8. Generate enthusiasm with rewards for employees paid for by redeeming the CRV containers.

Some of you already have successful programs but need graphics and signs. Theses are available on the web site listed above and at www.ciwmb.ca.gov.

As you are setting up your new program, don’t overlook your empty inkjet and laser cartridges. VALCORE Recycling along with the Benicia Vallejo Humane Society and 100 local schools collect cartridges and used cell phones, laptops and PDAs. These items will be recycled through Cartridges for Kids. Call Carroll Zensius at (707) 337-0907 for information. The current list of drop off locations is posted on the Solano County recycling web site: www.recycle-guide.com.

Our next step in recycling involves a pro-active approach. For Californians to achieve Zero Waste, we need help from our state legislators.

Join me and get updates from Californians Against Waste (CAW) (www.cawrecycles.org, 916-443-5422). CAW lobbies for new laws, reports on legislation and watches state agencies to ensure that they don’t compromise the intent of passed laws.

Here is some pending legislation:

BATTERY RECYCLING

Under existing law (AB 1125 Pavley), all retailers of rechargeable batteries (excluding stores that have less than $1 million in annual revenue), after July 1, 2006, are required to take back used rechargeable batteries for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal, at no cost to the consumer.

Assembly member Paul Koretz has introduced AB 2271 - Battery Recycling Program. This bill would establish a Consumer Refund Value (CRV) system for one-time use household (Alkaline) batteries.

Just as we pay a deposit on disposable beverage containers and motor oil, we would now pay an additional deposit on household batteries. Koretz hopes that by establishing a 5 cent to 10 cent refund value and utilizing existing recycling service providers (such as VALCORE Recycling), Californians can keep 38,000 tons of toxic batteries out of our landfills. The effective date of this bill would be January 1, 2007.

PACKAGING

Assembly Member Betty Karnette has introduced AB 1866 which will prohibit the sale, possession or distribution of Expanded Polystyrene food containers (alias Styrofoam) by state facilities beginning January 2008. The next obvious step is to prohibit the big hunks of Styrofoam packing material.

Bills regarding plastic bags are also in the works. Some deal with taxing the bags as Ireland does or including them in curbside recycling programs. Last week, I visited the San Francisco Recycling Facility with an MBA class from Stanford and Vallejo Chamber President Rick Wells. The facility did not officially accept plastic bags, but we quickly saw how these rogue bags wound themselves around the recycling equipment causing extra maintenance.

RECYCLING MONEY

If your nonprofit group works with Vallejo youth, you are eligible to apply for a grant from the Medusa Mile committee. Moneys were raised at their annual Fun Run last Fall at Six Flags Marine World for the purpose of giving back to our community. Grants amounts are between $250 and $1,000.  Applications are due March 20 and can be found at www.Medusamile.com or by calling (707) 645-0253.

NEW MEMBER GROUP

VALCORE Recycling welcomes the Sherwood Forest 4-H club to our organization. Their first work day at the center is March 18. Bring your recycling down and say hello.