April 2024 Waste Wise Overflow

In this Overflow:

• Multifamily Resources for tenants, managers & owners
• Bi-Mart, Lane County launch battery recycling pilot program
• Oakridge Household Haz Waste Collection Event in April
• Glenwood Transfer Station open again on Sundays
• BRING seeking intern to help reduce marine debris pollution
• BRING and St. Vincent de Paul Partner for Earth Day
•  BRING Make it! Workshop: Mosaic Tile Stepping Stones
  
• Right-to-repair bill passes

Multifamily Resources for tenants, managers & owners
If you live in a multifamily residence (i.e., apartments and condos, etc.), we invite you to check out our newly updated resources at lanecountyor.gov/wastewise-community. The refreshed page includes tenant and manager/owner education resources, such as posters, guides, and tips for increasing sustainability efforts in these communities. 

Bi-Mart, Lane County launch battery recycling pilot program
 Lane County-based Bi-Mart stores have launched a new 12-month pilot program that will provide households with a convenient and accessible way to safely recycle their batteries.

The initiative—which will effectively retrain the public on properly identifying and responsibly managing a new generation of batteries—is supported by a $6,000 grant provided by Lane County.

Project funding will help Bi-Mart train its employees on battery identification, handling, and processing; purchase containers for battery collection, storage, and safe shipping; and market program information and educational materials for its customers. The pilot program accepts many single-use batteries, including widely used button and coin cell batteries, and most rechargeable batteries.

Alkaline batteries should go in the trash.

“Recycling batteries makes a lot of business and environmental sense as batteries contain many metals needed for lithium-ion battery production— which is critical for things like electric vehicle adoption,” said Maya Buelow, Lane County Waste Reduction Specialist. “Additionally, improper battery disposal can create health and safety risks, including fires that damage critical waste management infrastructure and put folks at risk."

This new partnership with Bi-Mart will empower residents with educational materials that make battery recycling much easier and accessible said Michael Bassell, a buyer with Bi-Mart.



“We here at Bi-mart are proud of our 20 years being a 100% employee-owned company,” said Bassell. “The recent launch of our battery recycling program in Lane County is just one aspect of how we can impact the communities we serve. We look forward to growing our sustainability impact in the Pacific Northwest.”

For a list of all the participating Bi-Mart stores, visit www.lanecountyor.gov/hazwaste.

Oakridge Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in April

Glenwood Transfer Station open again on Sundays
Starting April 7, Glenwood Transfer Station will open again on Sundays as we transition back to "Summer" hours. And before you head out to Glenwood, check our new traffic cameras to avoid the crowds!

BRING seeking intern to help reduce marine debris pollution
BRING will be a host business, in partnership with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, for an Oregon Applied Sustainability Experience intern this year. 
 
The intern will work with Oregon coastal hotel and restaurant business clients to implement green practices specifically targeting marine debris pollution. You can read more about the project here: https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/OASE/oase-students
 
BRING hopes to have Florence-area hotels and restaurants work with the intern but may also extend our reach outside of Florence. OCVA will help BRING identify business clients and secure a commitment with them to work with our intern.

Applications for the summer 2024 cohort are due April 19 at 11 p.m. Please share this opportunity with college students who may be interested.

BRING and St. Vincent de Paul Partner for Earth Day
This Earth Day, BRING and St. Vincent de Paul are teaming up to make it easier than ever for residents to donate reusable building materials and housewares during a one-stop-drop collection event. 

For two days only, residents can combine their donation trips! A BRING truck will be on site to collect doors, windows, cabinets, lumber, tile, molding, fixtures, garden supplies, and more. Plan ahead to make your donations over Earth Day!  Collection hours are Sunday, April 21 and Monday, April 22 (Earth Day) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Do your part to contribute to a greener community when you bring your unwanted materials for both reuse organizations to SVdP's Chad Drive location during this event. 

 Dates:
April 21 and April 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 Drop-off Location:
St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County
2890 Chad Dr., Eugene

 In addition to drop-off opportunities with BRING, SVDP invites you to a guided tour of the Chad Warehouse on April 22 at 3:30 p.m. Explore behind the scenes and learn more about SVdP's efforts to promote sustainability and reuse. RSVP to [email protected] or call 541-335-1950.  Max number = 25

BRING Make it! Workshop: Mosaic Tile Stepping Stones
Saturday, May 4 |  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | BRING (4446 Franklin Blvd. Eugene 97403) | www.bringrecycling.org/classes (drop-in program)



Make your own decorative and practical stepping stone for your patio, walkway, or garden. This is a family-friendly hands-on activity working with discarded tile pieces and concrete. Participants can take home their very own creation (one per person, while supplies last). Makes a great gift!  $5 - $10 suggested donation per participant. 


Right-to-repair bill passes