Recycling Advisory Committee Meeting February 5, 2025

Joseph Black (awaiting confirmation by City Council)

Guest: Ward 2 City Councilor Carmen Ocasio

Absent: Frank Daley, 

• Called meeting to order by Linda and seconded by James. 
• Carmen informed that she has spoken to her residents in Ward 2  about recycling and the feedback she has gotten is that it will be hard. She discussed recycling with some residents. The residents want to know how that will happen and what resources will be available for them to make it easier to recycle. There are times where there are issues with dumpsters that sometimes are not emptied and residents cannot dispose of trash because a landlord is not paying. Carmen stated that posting on buildings and sharing with residents what is recyclable or not is the best way to communicate.. Different options were discussed and suggestions made on how to address the questions on multifamily recycling. Carmen stated that some people have limited reading ability so pictures may be more helpful. Some residents of multi family buildings do not realize that the DPW is not involved with their trash pickup. Rico will provide Carmen with flyers with recycling/trash pickup information for her to share with Ward 2 residents who do receive city services.

• Motion to approve minutes by Nayroby seconded by James.  All in favor

• Plan for expansion of business cardboard pickup: Rico informed that the pickup would not be expanded because it does not bring in income. Rico presented in the DPW meeting and picking up cardboard for business will soon end. Rico reported that his team was collecting more than paper and cardboard including bottles and cans. Rico stated that there was a thought that this could generate income which is why he advocated for it. Upon shadowing the collectors the collection of trash for business does not generate additional income. Ordinance does state that recycling is required. Linda stated that chair of DPW told DPW staff to draft a letter that recycling program for businesses will be dropped giving businesses 30 days that the city no longer will be able to collect recyclables for businesses. Rico is waiting for MassDep to provide new contract that dictates where the city of Holyoke can dispose of recyclables. Rico will explore options and the committee will help draft this letter. Nayroby suggested that at least 90 days. Matt suggested that a statement should be sent to both the DPW and City Council, Mayors office. Motion by DJ to do statement and seconded by James and unanimous vote. DJ suggested an education pamphlet to give to business along with the letter informing them of options. Greg suggested drafting a letter to include our state reps to support expanded recycling efforts (e.g. plastic water bottles). Committee will give suggestions on resources to provide Rico when drafting the letter to businesses.
• Linda noted that the Trash/Recycling Calendar put out by the DPW needs to be correct. Pizza boxes ARE recyclable. Styrofoam should be added to the items that are NOT.
• Recycling Dividends Fund update: Rico received information from City Auditor that the funds  are about $7053. 

• Recycling data collection report – sent to Linda who will share with committee for review of data. 
• HG&E insert update – Will start with the current Holyoke Dual Stream Recycling sheet to put in the bills. DJ and Nayroby will work on finalizing what will be provided to HG&E. 
• Strategic Planning session – PVPC – Motion made by Nayroy to move this item to next meeting. 
• Subcommittee work? – Motion to move this item for next meeting by Nayroby.

• Ordinance: Plan to Review ordinance for recycling to make suggestions to city council. See: Chapter 74 Article II
• https://library.municode.com/ma/holyoke/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH74SOWA

• March 5th 2025 5pm at 43 North Canal St
• Motion to adjourn by Nayroby and seconded by James. Unanimous vote. Meeting ended.