This document outlines 10 steps for a library to transition to single stream recycling. It describes how the Darien Library in Connecticut implemented single stream recycling, including conducting a trash audit, training staff and cleaning crews, educating the public through signage and programming, and celebrating their efforts on Earth Day. It also provides ideas for 7 programming topics libraries can use to encourage sustainable living. Contact information is provided for two librarians who implemented the single stream recycling at Darien Library.
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RILA 2014
1. Become a Sustainable Superhero
How to transition to Single Stream
Recycling (and seven awesome
programming ideas!)
Rhode Island Library Association
June 3, 2014
Sally Ijams
Mallory Arents
Darien Library (CT)
3. Geothermal heating and cooling
Natural, local materials
Non-toxic materials
Natural lighting
Biofiltration of storm water
Site irrigation from geothermal wells
Detention of all storm water on site
Saves 48% of the energy of a similarly sized
building
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
U. S. Green Building Council
9. Cant cost more than we are paying now.
Who will train the staff?
How will we educate the public?
Who will train cleaning crew?
Who will lead the project?
What is holding us back?
10. Step 1: Get a baseline
Document Observe
Count
Ask
Questions
11. Step 2: Trash Audit
Count wastebaskets and
note locations
Public space and staff
space have different needs
What are people throwing
away?
12. Step 3: Meet your trash hauler
Work with your trash hauler and town
recycling center to learn best practices
Is your trash dumpster too big?
Negotiate price
13. Step 4: Train library staff
Lunch and learn!
Find a leader in every department
14. Step 5: Train cleaning staff
Translate phrases into Spanish
Walk through the process side-by-
side
15. Step 6: Educate the public through
programming
Save Time! Save Money!
Save the Planet!
Single stream recycling can do it all!
Sunday, April 27
2:00 PM
16. Step 7: Inform the public every day
Clear signage on all waste bins
Posters
Flyers and handouts
Links on your website
17. Step 8: Highlight Green features
in your library
If youve got it,
flaunt it
18. Step 9: Spread the word
Break down your process into
simple steps that can be used by
other local businesses and
public places.
29. Image Credits
Supergirl by Flickr user Bart
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cayusa/6004095322/
Earth and America from Space by Flickr user IronRodArt
https://flic.kr/p/7icRw2
Green Operations Building, White Rock, B.C. by Flickr user colros
https://flic.kr/p/sQtQz
Stonledge Farms CSA by Flickr user smith_cl9
https://flic.kr/p/dr2Qet
Endless Bicycles by Flickr user moarplease
https://flic.kr/p/9hfEVX
Homemade Toothpaste by Flickr user Earthworm
https://flic.kr/p/vgcez
The Benjamin Bangle by Flickr user misskoco
https://flic.kr/p/62kfPt
Atomic Egg Beater Clock by Flickr user sassycrafter
https://flic.kr/p/5K9Ufz
The Gardens at Great Dixter by Flickr user UGArdener
https://flic.kr/p/cUSu5o
HVAC by Flickr user Curtisperry
https://flic.kr/p/iQ2Gug
Old Broken TV by Flickr user schmilblick
https://flic.kr/p/okwq6
2008.11.05 by Flickr user adrianclarkmbbs
https://flic.kr/p/5A7TVG
Dot Kelly
http://darien.patch.com/groups/volunteering/p/darienite-extols-virtues-of-kayaking
Finley Wetmore
http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/22/43/31/4863567/3/628x471.jpg
Editor's Notes
#11: Document:
How much are you paying for monthly hauling fees?
How much garbage do you currently generate?
Observe:
What are people throwing in trash versus recycling bins?
How long does it take the cleaning service to empty the wastebaskets every night?
Count:
Exactly how many wastebaskets are in the building?
Ask questions:
How does the entire process work now?
#12: Darien had over 80 wastebaskets and recycling bins- each emptied every night.
Discovered that the cleaning staff put EVERYTHING except cardboard in the garbage, regardless of receptacle.
People put everything associated with lunch in the garbage, even if almost everything could be recycled.
#13: Took a tour of our local recycling center most people still know it as the Dump!
We were able to move from a 4-yard garbage dumpster to a 3-yard size for recycling and 3 toter bins for garbage.
Immediate projected savings of 15%.
#14: Tech bites
Provided lunch from Panera and then demonstrated where each item should go.
Collected misc items from office trash for examples.
Answered questions specific to libraries:
Can RFID tags be recycled?
Damaged books?
Pizza boxes?
#15: Met with the owners of the company and discussed the plan.
They are now using us as the example for other buildings they service!
Created a list of common concepts and terms and translated them into Spanish.
Walked through the cleaning process the first two nights, explaining the changes.
Cleaning people are much happier! They spend less time with trashbags, can spend more time cleaning other areas.
#17: Big signs, easy to read.
Test run for signs and decals that the Town will produce.
We didnt create our own material, used what the Town developed.
Will have links to all checklists, flyers, good websites
#27: Dust, debris, and other particles can collect in ventilation systems making your library less energy efficient.
A thorough, once-a-year cleaning from your local HVAC expert will save in electricity, gas, and money.
Bonus: patron with seasonal allergies will thank you!
#28: Offer a space for patrons to properly recycle used TVs, broken laptops, old cellphones, and batteries.
These items often fill-up landfills and can be extremely harmful to the environment.