Spring 1986 RAIN Page 47 Cost overruns are common, and compliance with emmision requirements has proven to be a problem in some cases. —^Jeff Brown Ashville!Buncombe County Solid Waste Alternatives: Planning Workbook, by Richard Anthony and Neil Seldman, 1985, $25 from: Institutute for Local Self-Reliance 2425 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 This report is a “fill-in-the-blanks” planning workbook for estimating solid waste and potential recycling volumes, and respective expenses. Cost formulas are given for developing curbside and drop-off center recycling programs as well as landfill and Waste to Energy facilities. Plugging in waste stream tonnages gives policy makers an overview of the wide range of solid waste options. —Jeff Brown Proven Profits from Pollution Prevention, by Donald Huisingh, Ph.D, 1985, $35 from: Institutute for Local Self-Reliance 2425 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Thousands of waste producing industries have found innovative ways to reduce and/or recycle their wastes over the past few years. In many of the cases outlined in this document, the pollution control methods used have actually increased the profitability of the business involved. This is contrary to the myth that all pollution control requirements are costly and unnecessarily restrictive to businesses. In most cases the decision to invest in pollution control equipment or methods was based on sound economic justification. This report provides 45 case studies that should be valuable to those who want to investigate the possibilities of controlling and reducing waste in industry. —^Jeff Brown Waste to Wealth: A Business Guide for Community Recycling Enterprises, by Neil Seldman and John Huls, 1985, $30 ($15 for non-profits) from: Institutute for Local Self-Reliance 2425 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 This guide outlines a few of the entrepreneurial opportunities available in waste recycling. Starting with a description of a potential curbside recycling program in Cleveland, Ohio, the report then proceeds to outline the business possibilities in processing used oils, rubber from tires, newspapers for cellulose products, wastepaper recycling, and bottle washing. The guide gives a valuable look at the various industries built around recycling. The only criticism would have to be that some of the numbers are a bit optimistic. Any potential investors in a recycling business must look at local supply and markets very carefully before jumping in. The recycling industry is facing very tight markets at present and unwary newcomers could stand to lose a lot in rapidly fluctuating markets. —^Jeff Brown Recycling from Municipal Refuse: A State-of-the-Art Review and Annotated Bibliography, by Sandra Johnson Cointreau, Charles G. Gunnerson, John M. Huls, and Neils N. Seldman, 1985, inquire for price from: World Bank Publications 600 19th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20433 This bibliography provides a world-wide review of the documents available pertaining to source separation recycling, reuse, composting, resource recovery, etc. This bibliography will do more for those doing intensive research in specific areas than for the casual reader. —^Jeff Brown Decision-Making in Local Government: The Resource Recovery Alternative, by Dr. Rick Melberth, 1985, 260 pp., $35 from: Technomic Publishing Co. PO Box 3535 Lancaster, PA 17604 How does one explain resource recovery from solid waste to municipal decision-makers? To offer a simplistic, brief analysis downplays the complexity and risks of waste-to-energy process; to provide a lengthy engineering assessment will bore them to tears. Paul Popp, Norman Hecht, and Rick Melberth ride the line between simplicity and excessiveness. This document presents an overview of the solid waste problem, looks at current disposal practices, and explains existing resource recovery technologies, including operational characteristics and cost effectiveness. The authors point out the unique risks involved in resource recovery and provide a review of some of the pitfalls encountered by other communities. As part of the assessment, five case studies are offered. Unfortunately, the authors perpetuate the myth that source separation plays a minor role in waste management, when in fact much more waste in the United States is recycled than is incinerated. They use outdated facts on source separation and fail to give recycling the same thoughtful analysis provided for resource recovery systems. With the important addition of a fair treatment of recycling, the book would be a must for municipal officers. Reprinted from Resource Recycling, Juiy/August 1985. Canadian Recyclers Directory: 1985, Second Annual Edition, T.J. Daigneault and T.A. Parker, editors, 1985, 120 pp., $45 from: Recoup Publishing Limited PO Box 557 Ogdensburg, NY 13669 This document serves two useful purposes. Some 900 recycling firms are listed by category, including equipment manufacturers and agents, paperstock dealers and brokers, auto dismantlers, and businesses recovering other materials, such as rubber, scrap glass, and waste oil. While those listed are primarily Canadian firms, a number of American businesses dealing in the Canadian recycling market also are noted. Just as useful is the directory's up-to-date summaries of materials recycling efforts in Canada. Also included are a recycling terminology glossary and a list of recent documents and publications in the field. Presented in a readable, well-organized format, Canadian Recyclers Directory is a welcome addition to any recycling library. Reprinted from Resource Recycling, November/December 1985.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz