FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2003

Norwell Chamber of Commerce Promotes Recycling

Local businesses will learn how to obtain assistance and recognition for setting up recycling programs through the South Shore Business Recycling Partnership. The Norwell Chamber of Commerce recently sent out brochures to its members with information on how to obtain free collection containers, technical assistance, pickup service through a private hauler, and a decal that they can display for their efforts.

In FY03, the Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection awarded a $25,000 grant to the South Shore Recycling Cooperative to assist smaller businesses in reducing their waste and complying with waste ban regulations. The SSRC hired WasteCap of Massachusetts, a non-profit public/private organization, to set up the Partnership. The first 20 businesses that join the Partnership in each of four towns, including Norwell, will receive free office recycling containers. All businesses that join will benefit from advice and support, a decal indicating their participation in the Partnership, and use of a regional contract bid out by WasteCap and awarded to EOMS of Brockton for the collection and recycling of paper, cardboard and other optional materials. Businesses can contract individually or cooperatively with EOMS for service, which will provide as many containers as needed for monthly pickup for a flat monthly fee.

The Norwell Chamber of Commerce has enthusiastically lent its support to the effort. "The Norwell Chamber of Commerce encourages local businesses to follow the lead of Norwell residents and participate in available recycling programs to save our natural resources", said Jon Bond, President of the Norwell Chamber. "Bond Printing has been recycling paper and cardboard for years, and not only does it save us money, but it makes us feel good ."

Paper and cardboard are banned by State regulation from disposal along with several other materials, and make up the majority of many businesses' trash. "Paper-intensive businesses like lawyers - 50 to 80 percent of their waste is paper," said Megan Moreau of WasteCap during a presentation to Marshfield businesses in May. By removing those materials from the trash to be recycled, businesses can save money on disposal with smaller dumpsters, less frequent pickups and reduced tip fees. EOMS will provide ongoing assistance to new businesses in setting up recycling in-house and adjusting disposal contracts to account for reductions in the amounts of trash generated. WasteCap and the South Shore Recycling Cooperative will also be available for contract assistance.

All participating businesses will be recognized by a decal indicating that they belong to the South Shore Business Recycling Partnership. Those businesses will be helping to reduce the volume of trash that is wasted in landfills, and conserving trees and energy used in the production of paper products. "Everything we use and throw away degrades our environment," said SSRC Planner Claire Sullivan. "Helping businesses conserve resources through recycling is a good investment in our future."

For more information or to sign up, contact South Shore Recycling Cooperative at 508-785-8318.