Key 2016 Accomplishments

A single HHW collection was held on September 17th. After the 2004 collection in Pavilion, which was central to the three counties, the decision was made to return to using county highway facilities. These facilities offer sites that are large enough for the operation. All are located on or near state highways.  The collection was held in Batavia and was open to Genesee County residents. Because vendors are submitting reasonable pricing GLOW has increased the number of appointments it accepts to 600. Out of a total of 527 participants, 298 were from Genesee County. The average cost per participant was estimated to be $66.47. Thus, the value realized by Genesee County from this program was $19,808. The following materials were collected from residents in the GLOW counties:

1. 2,384 lbs. of solvents
2. 1,823 lbs of resins and adhesives
3. 27 lbs. of reactive solids
4. 330 lbs. of oxidizers
5. 4,375 lbs. of lab pack pesticides (liquids)
6. 1,058 lbs. of lab pack pesticides (solids)
7. 609 lbs. of acids
8. 100 lbs. of alkalines
9. 14 mercury thermostats
10. 1,452 lbs. of household cleaners
11. 10,909 lbs. of oil base paint
12. 1,799 lbs. of aerosols
13. 6,305 lbs. of putty and adhesives
14. 934 lbs. of fluorescent tubes and bulbs
15. 1,689 lbs. of antifreeze
16. 194 lbs. of oil filters
17. 242 tires
18. 109 vehicle batteries
19. 271 one pound propane canisters
20. 51 - 20 pound propane tanks
21. 2,080 lbs. of CRT ant other  TVs
22. 1,496 lbs. of CRT Monitors
23. 1,914 lbs. of printers
24. 1,457 lbs. of laptop computers
25. 4,892 lbs. of small scale electronics
26. 360 lbs. of pharmaceutical waste and packaging

This program was funded, in part, by a grant from the NYSDEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) in the amount of $36,577. It required a 50% match by GLOW. Total 2016 program costs were $35,999.01 (GLOW’s share will be $1,161.63). Non-eligible costs amounted to $1,675.77. Tire revenues amounted to $969.  For the ninth time in the history of the program GLOW accepted TVs. For the seventh household hazardous waste collection GLOW accepted pharmaceutical waste.

Composting/Recycling Performances

In 2001 and 2002, in an effort to reach as many people as possible with its waste reduction/recycling/composting message, GLOW hired area environmental performers to appear at area festivals and public events.  The performances allowed GLOW to reach children and adults who might not attend an event featuring only an environmental theme, but would watch when the performances when they are attending a larger event.   Due to budget concerns, as well as concern over how many residents were being impacted by the program, GLOW suspended this program.  If funding is available in the future the Committee may resurrect this program.

"Don't Throw That Away" Game Revision

In late 2002, GLOW revised its recycling game.  The game board was modified and printed on laminated card stock.  Revised game questions are now geared more specifically to the region. The game targets 5th graders.  In March of 2003 the game was hand delivered to 5th grade teachers, youth groups and 4-H offices.  Four editions of a newsletter containing environmental and program information, as well as lesson plans geared to this grade were also published.  In 2007 the game was promoted and distributed at Genesee County’s Family Game Night and at other public appearances.  Additional efforts will be made to distribute it to various other youth groups and home schooling organizations.

"Recycling Challenge" Game

In the summer of 2010 GLOW introduced its new game. The interactive game was created for events where children come and go as they please and stop for relatively short periods of time. It consists of a 3 panel foam core display with an explanation and graphics in the middle, “Recyclables” on the left and “Recycled Into” on the right. Items are attached to the board with Velcro and the items on both sides have a small piece of Velcro to which ribbon can be attached. The object is for children to match the recyclable to what it gets recycled into.

Picnic in Park

As part of its community participation efforts, for the last few years GLOW has set up a waste reduction and recycling display at the Picnic in the Park event in Batavia.  This provides GLOW with the opportunity to distribute information on solid waste, waste reduction, composting and recycling.  It also affords GLOW the opportunity to promote ongoing programs and provide answers to questions on proper disposal of various materials.  There was no cost for this program.  GLOW participated in this event in 2016 and will continue its participation in 2017.

Key 2017 Goals

Please be advised that these programs are tentative.  In light of State budget constraints, anticipated grant funding may not be available.  Because of this, some of these programs may be scaled back or eliminated.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program (HHW)

Plans for a single household hazardous waste collection in 2017 are currently underway. The collection is expected to be held in September in Livingston County.  In early 2017 GLOW  will submit a grant application to DEC for funding for the program. These collections provide convenient, environmentally sound opportunities for residents to dispose of household chemicals, cleaning products, pesticides and insecticides and vehicle fluids.  GLOW has also expanded its list of acceptable materials to home computers and propane tanks and will accept TVs at this collection. HOWEVER, because of the volume of electronics in the waste stream and because GLOW is likely to once again be charged for disposal of this material, there may be a limit on the amount of this material that resident will be allowed to bring. With cooperation from the Livingston County Sheriff's Department pharmaceuticals will also most likely be accepted. The program also provides an element of protection for streams and aquifers in the county.

Municipal Recycling Program

GLOW will continue to work with municipalities to identify areas of opportunity to enhance existing recycling efforts, offer technical assistance to resolve problems associated with non-traditional and/or other waste streams and provide other services as needed (i.e. educational materials).  GLOW will also investigate the possibility of serving municipalities through cooperative marketing agreements with area haulers and recyclers.

Recycling Hotline

GLOW will continue to maintain the Recycling Hotline.  The hotline is used by the municipal, business and residential sectors as a means of accessing technical assistance from GLOW staff.

Backyard Composting

The GLOW Committee will continue to promote and encourage backyard composting in a cost effective manner.  Composting is one of the most efficient, low cost, and environmentally sound methods of waste reduction.  Information on this subject continues to be requested by residents and taken from the information rack at fairs and other public events.  GLOW will also continue to maintain its three (3) Backyard Composting Education Demonstration Sites.

The overall goal of the GLOW Committee is to keep costs to a minimum, while at the same time maximizing the effectiveness of programs and services throughout the region.