The Recycling Authority

 

Block Leaders

The Block Leader program was started a few years ago as an effort to provide residents of RRRASOC communities with more access to recycling related information. RRRASOC recruited volunteers from our member communities to be part of this program. Residential volunteers were identified and became part of a body of leaders throughout the region who are considered to be their neighborhood expert on recycling and other curbside issues. These volunteers became an optional contact for residents with program questions.


As a Block Leader, you will be asked to help us meet our objectives of:
• Increased participation in curbside recycling
• Improved preparation of recyclables and yard waste
• Fostering of proper back yard composting and mulching
• Decreased amount of trash at the curb
• Creation of community spirit and greater sense of ownership


In order to help us meet these objectives, we will provide you with a Recycling Reference Guide. This guide provides a wealth of information on how citizens can recycle or dispose of many “not so recyclable” items. As a Block Leader, we will ask that you identify yourself to your friends and neighbors as a resource and provide recycling information to them on an as needed basis. You also may be asked to play a part in the promotion of our various programs and events. Block Leaders, if they are able to, attend a yearly gathering to meet each other, exchange ideas, receive information/training on any new initiatives, and receive updates to their Recycling Reference Guides.


If you are interested in becoming a block leader, please contact Rachel Pitt, Recycling Coordinator, rpitt@rrrasoc.org

Tours

Groups whose members are RRRASOC residents are encouraged to schedule a tour of the RRRASOC Material Recovery Facility in Southfield and learn about recycling. Groups can see first hand how their recyclables are processed and prepared for their return to industry. Many of these groups include school classes, scout troops, and church groups. We can accommodate up to 30 people at a time; if you have a very large group, please call us to discuss your options.


Tours generally include a 30-minute video about recycling, a tour of the MRF, and a classroom discussion of proper recycling. We can also discuss composting and the Three R's (reduce, reuse, recycle). Tours are available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. We are not open on weekends.


Contact Rachel Pitt at rpitt@rrrasoc.org to schedule your tour.


On Site Presentations

If your group cannot come to the MRF, onsite presentations are available. RRRASOC’s Recycling Coordinator provides community groups and classes with a comprehensive explanation of the importance of responsible waste management and how to effectively do your part. Presentations are tailored to various ages and settings.

Facts & Figures

  1. •Recycling creates nine jobs for every ton of material recycled, while only one job is created if that same ton is landfilled.

  2. •Using recycled paper instead of virgin materials reduces air pollution by 74% and water pollution by 35%.

  3. •Recycling glass reduces air pollution by 20% and mining wastes by 80%.

  4. •Using recycled aluminum instead of virgin ore reduces air pollution by 95% and water pollution by 97%.

  5. •Using recycled iron and steel cuts air pollution by 86%, water pollution by 76% and mining wastes by 97%.

  6. •Recycling glass reduces water use by 50%.

  7. •For every ton of paper you recycling, you save 17 trees, 464 gallons of oil, 42 gallons of gasoline, and 7,000 gallons of water.

  8. •Recycling one glass bottle save enough energy to light a 100 watt light bulb for four hours.

  9. •Recycling one tin can save enough energy to run a television for three hours.

Did you know?

Using recycled material conserves energy, reduces air & water pollution, conserves natural resources, and reduces the need for new landfills.

Don’t miss out.

Check our calendar or the HazWaste page for this year’s household hazardous waste collection dates.  You can also sign up for e-mail reminders!