© product stewardship institute, inc. october 8, 2009 meeting sponsored by:

© Product Stewardship Institute, Inc.October 8, 2009

Meeting sponsored by:


NON-REFILLABLE GAS CYLINDERS RECYCLING WORKSHOP

October 8, 2009Milwaukee, WI

Sponsored by Worthington Cylinders

Scott Cassel, Executive Director/FounderProduct Stewardship Institute, Inc.

© Product Stewardship Institute, Inc.October 8, 2009 3

What is the Product Stewardship Institute?

Non-Profit, based in Boston, founded in 2000 Membership

45 States45 States 100+ Local governments100+ Local governments 35+ Corporate Partners35+ Corporate Partners 15+ Organizational/Academic Partners15+ Organizational/Academic Partners

Board of Directors: 7 states, 4 local agencies Multi-stakeholder product stewardship network


PSI State Members – 2009

4


PSI Projects Gas Cylinders

Electronics

Paint

Fluorescent Lamps

Mercury Thermostats

Pharmaceuticals

Medical Sharps

Batteries

Radioactive Devices

Telephone books

Tires

Beverage containers

Packaging


What is Product Stewardship?

“Product Stewardship" is a principle that directs all those involved in the life cycle of a product to take shared responsibility for reducing the health and environmental impacts that result from the production, use, and end-of-life management of the product.

6

© Product Stewardship Institute, Inc.October 8, 2009 7

What Does PSI Do?

Conduct research & frame issues/solutions Subject matter experts Conduct pilot projects – new models/replicate Develop demonstrations in states Evaluate projects/establish performance metrics Information clearinghouse


What Does PSI Do? • Facilitate/mediate stakeholder dialogues • Create framework for partnerships

– government– product manufacturers– retailers– trade associations– environmental groups

8


Previous PSI Work on Gas Cylinders• Refillable and Non-Refillable Cylinders• 2003: SEMASS (MA MSW combustion facility)• 2003: FL Dept. of Environmental Protection• Research + 43 interviews• National Propane Summit (refillables)• 2 Meetings in Florida (non-refillables)

9


Previous PSI Work on Gas Cylinders• Stakeholders included representatives from

tank manufacturers, tank refurbishers & exchange operations, retailers, state and local government, industry associations, and others.

• Limited time and resources.

10


Previous PSI Work on Gas Cylinders Recommendations related to the safe

management of refillable propane tanks. Issues and potential strategies related to

collection and management of non-refillable one-pound gas cylinders.

“Action Plan to Reduce Safety Risks, Environmental Impacts, and Costs Associated with Non-Refillable Gas Cylinders in the Waste Stream”

11


Issues with Small Gas Cylinders

• Safety risks

• Environmental concerns (wasted resources )

• Financial considerations


Issues with Small Gas Cylinders• Lack of understanding by municipal officials

about safe management options for cylinders• The lack, or vagueness, of regulatory guidance on

how to manage cylinders often result in agencies not wanting to get involved in cylinder collection.

• Lack of consumer education (no instruction to recycle or where and how)


Project Goals

• Reduce safety and environmental risks (safely evacuate and collect gas)

• Increase the recovery and recycling of used cylinders

• Reduce costs of managing cylinders


Supporting Goals

• Enhance recycling infrastructure • Increase awareness of safe, economical, and

environmentally responsible, end-of-life management options for consumers, municipal officials, and other stakeholders

15


Priority Strategies – Past Work• Increase acceptance of cylinders by scrap metal

recyclers by reducing or eliminating obstacles (e.g., safety concerns, needed equipment).

• Provide effective cylinder collection and handling guidance for municipal and county cylinder collection programs.

• Increase consumer education on proper handling and management of cylinders.

16


Other Areas for Action – Past Work• Develop sample language to include in municipal

waste management contracts for cylinder management.

• Research sustainable financing options to fund cylinder recycling programs.

• Consider reuse of cylinders with gas remaining. • Consider refilling of empty cylinders (vs. recycling).

17


Agreements on Short-term Priority Strategies – Past Work

• Developed guidance for municipal and county collection programs– Stressed partnerships– Outlined case studies of good programs

• Produce video demonstrating the safe processing of cylinders.

18


Agreements on Short-term Priority Strategies – Past Work

• Develop cylinder label language that directs consumers to their municipalities and Earth 911 website and toll-free hotline for proper recycling locations.

• Develop single educational source for consumers and municipal officials (e.g., Earth 911 website/hotline).

• Continue meeting to develop a comprehensive solution

19


Expected Meeting Outcomes

• General agreement on issues posed by gas cylinder recycling and goals for gas cylinder recycling program.

• Agree on concept of pilot project to develop more information.

• Agree on goal of pilot project.• Agree on structure /elements needed for effective pilot

project.

20


Expected Meeting Outcomes• Brainstorm ideas for Worthington to consider in pilot

project design – Where to collect cylinders– Pilot timeline – Pilot location(s)– Role for retailers– Options for consumer education– What collection system is most convenient for consumers– What data do we need to collect for pilot

21


Scott CasselPSI Executive Director/[email protected]

www.productstewardship.us

For More Information Contact…

22

© product stewardship institute, inc. october 8, 2009 meeting sponsored by:

Documents