18. FERROUS AND NON-FERROUS METALS (SCRAP METAL)
Scrap metal is any ferrous and non-ferrous metal that is no longer wanted or usable for their intended use in their present state. The management of whitegoods (appliances) is discussed in Chapter 19 and the management of abandoned automobiles is discussed in Chapter 20.
18.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the Douglas County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (DCCSWMP) outlines the regulatory framework overseeing scrap metal, discusses the existing conditions and programs within the Regional Planning Area (RPA), establishes objectives to meet the existing and projected needs, identifies alternatives and recommends actions for achieving the established objectives.
18.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
18.2.1 Federal Requirements
Federal regulations do not prohibit the disposal of scrap metal into permitted landfills, other than contaminated metals. But as with any non-hazardous solid waste the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) emphasizes recycling, reclaiming or reuse whenever possible and when markets are available.
18.2.2 State Requirements
The State of Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) does not prohibit the disposal of scrap metal into a permitted landfill. However, under WAC 173.303.525 the recycling of materials that have significant amounts of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, ruthenium, or any combination of these most meet special requirements. As with federal regulations the State of Washington emphasized that non-hazardous waste should be recycled, reclaimed or reused. RCW 70.95.010 established the priorities for the collection, handling and management of solid waste within the state. These priorities should be followed in descending order as applicable:
- waste reduction;
- recycling, with source separation of recyclable materials as the preferred method;
- energy recovery, incineration, or landfilling of separated waste;
- energy recovery, incineration, or landfilling of mixed wastes.
In 1998 the Washington State Legislature passed ESSB 6203 which emphasized that whenever applicable beneficial use of solid wastes should be exempt from the permitting process statewide. The legislature also mandated the DOE to develop an application process for those wishing to obtain a beneficial use exemption.
18.2.3 Local Requirements
Douglas County
Any jurisdiction, agency, private corporation, individual or other entity wishing to import ferrous and non-ferrous metal into Douglas County must conform to the Douglas County Solid Waste Importation Ordinance (DCSWIO). As specified with the ordinance, a formal Letter of Request to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners requesting that their application for solid waste importation be reviewed is required. Only after the Douglas County Board of Commissioners has received a Letter of Request will the review and approval process begin. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners will review the information contained within the Letter of Request with county staff and others. If it is determined by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners that sufficient information has been provided and that all known potential adverse impacts have been identified, assessed and mitigated the request may be approved.
Within Douglas County no person shall deposit, discard or otherwise dispose of any scrap metal upon any public place within the county or upon a private residence or other private property not owned by him/her, or in any waters within the county except:
- when such property is designed by the state of any of its agencies or the county for the disposal of solid waste, and such person is authorized by the appropriate permitting authority to so use such property;
- with the prior written consent of the landowner approving of such disposal upon their private property.
Additionally, within Douglas County all owners or persons in control of any private residence or other
private property shall at all times maintain the premises free of any scrap metal that pose risk to the public
health and safety, the environment or creates a nuisance.
18.3 EXISTING CONDITIONS
18.3.1 Education
An education program has been in place since 1993 to inform the general public about the options available to them to properly dispose or recycle their scrap metal. The program utilized resources through the media (radio, newspaper), posters, brochures and direct personal communications. Community Recycling Center (CRC) posters are available through the Douglas County Solid Waste Program Office (DCSWPO) as well as brochures. These posters and brochures have been distributed throughout the RPA announcing the location, hours of operation, phone number and point of contact for each of the CRCs.
18.3.2 Private Sector Collection Program
The Greater Wenatchee Regional Landfill and Recycling Facility (GWRLF) accepts scrap metal at its facility for an additional disposal fee. All of the scrap metal collected is recycled by Waste Management of Greater Wenatchee (WMGW). E-Z Auto Wrecking accepts scrap metal at its yard #3, located off of state highway 28 in southern Douglas County. E-Z Auto also charges a fee for accepting scrap metal.
There are numerous small metal shops throughout Douglas County that accept small amounts of scrap metal. They mostly utilize the scrap metal within their own operation, though a few do recycle some of the more marketable metals.
18.3.3 Aluminum Collection
Aluminum cans are accepted at the Central Washington Recycling facility located in North Wenatchee. Central Washington Recycling also pays a small per pound price for the aluminum cans dropped off. All aluminum cans are encouraged to be crushed through it is not required.
The Eastmont School District (ESD) collects aluminum cans from all of its schools plus the district office. All aluminum cans are transported to the ESD Recycling Center where they are processed and recycled. All proceeds from the sale of the ESD Recycling Center go to the Eastmont Future Farms of America (FFA) students who manage and operate the recycling center.
18.3.4 Scrap Metal Collection Facilities
There are four scrap metal collection facilities serving the RPA. The four scrap metal collection facilities collect only clean scrap metal and are open to the general public with established days and hours of operation. The four scrap metal collection facilities serving the RPA are located at:
- City of Bridgeport Community Recycling Center
- City of Rock Island Community Recycling Center
- Town of Mansfield Community Recycling Center
- Town of Waterville Community Recycling Center
18.3.5 Scrap Metal Collection Event
Each spring the DCSWPO holds an annual Scrap Metal Collect Event. Under this program, any Greater East Wenatchee Area generator who has scrap metal may turn it in. Materials not accepted at the annual Scrap Metal Collection Event, include but are not limited to:
- non-metal materials
- non-recyclable metals (rusted, contaminated, coated, etc)
- electronic appliances (TVs, radios, stereos, computers, etc)
- water softeners
- humidifiers/dehumidifiers
- old burning barrels
- closed containers (barrels, drums, etc)
- cylinders (propane, oxygen, acetylene, etc)
- fuel tanks (oil, diesel, gasoline, etc)
- fencing (chain-link, hog wire, chicken wire, etc)
- wire (barbwire, cable, etc)
- box springs
All scrap metal having rubber, plastic, tubing, hoses, wood and concrete attached to it must have it removed prior to its collection. All bikes or motorized garden implements must have their fluids, seats, tires and wheels removed prior to their collection.
All collected scrap metal is transported to a permitted recycling facility within Douglas County where they are turned over to a contracted recycler.
Table 18-1 Quantity of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Collected within the RPA
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Collector |
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1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
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EZ Auto |
|
|
|
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400 Tons |
400 Tons |
550 Tons |
|
|
Gene Gaul |
|
|
|
|
15 Tons |
5 Tons |
3 Tons |
|
|
Whitegoods Collection |
|
|
|
|
141 CY |
218 CY |
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CY stands for "Cubic Yard" |
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Source: Bill Tinney II |
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Map 18-1. Scrap Metal Collection Facilities within the RPA
18.4 OBJECTIVES
18.4.1 Ensure that Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals are Properly Managed
With state law emphasizing the recycling, reclaiming or reuse of ferrous and non-ferrous metals whenever possible it is very important that scrap metal be managed in a manner that diverts it from the waste stream and puts it to beneficial use.
18.4.2 Ensure that all Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals being Disposed of Meet Federal, State and Local Regulations
With state and local regulations specifying how ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be disposed of, it is important that generators of this waste be properly educated. Failure of a generator to properly dispose of their ferrous and non-ferrous metal can result in substantial penalties, fines and corrective actions.
18.4.3 Ensure that Programs Reflect Local Conditions
With the tendency of regulatory agencies to have a one-size-fits-all approach, it is imperative that all programs be locally supported and accepted. Because of the rural character of Douglas County and its cities and towns all programs should reflect conditions that exist locally and not be driven by what the DOE deems as efficient or cost effective.
18.4.4 Ensure that the Public has an Opportunity to Recycle
With restrictions placed upon how ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be disposed of, it is important that generators have convenient and economical recycling opportunities available. Failure to provide such opportunities may lead to improper disposal and possible enforcement action against the generator.
18.4.5 Establish a Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Diversion Goal
It is the goal of the DCCSWMP to divert twenty percent of all ferrous and non-ferrous metal from the waste stream within the RPA.
18.5 ALTERNATIVES
18.5.1 Ban Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals from GWRLF
Another way to increase source-separated recycling is to prohibit the disposal of ferrous and non-ferrous metals into landfills. One problem associated with disposal bans is illegal dumping of the banned material. Therefore, an important component of a disposal ban is the development of alternative handling and disposal methods. For example, if ferrous and non-ferrous metal disposal is banned from the solid waste steam, a ferrous and non-ferrous metal collection and recycling facility must be available, convenient and reasonably priced to accommodate the diverted material.
18.5.2 Restrict Disposal to only Permitted and Approved Facilities
By restricting ferrous and non-ferrous metal disposal to only permitted and approved facilities, proper disposal, diversion and recycling opportunities will be available within the RPA. This will insure that the facilities are operated in a manner that protects the public health and safety and environment. However, there are currently many non-permitted collection and disposal sites within the RPA. As required under Chapter 173.304 WAC, all solid waste facilities are to be permitted by the Chelan-Douglas Health District (DCHD) and inspected at least annually. Facilities failing to obtain or apply for a solid waste facility permit are considered to be illegal dumpsites and are in violation of state law.
18.5.3 Site and Permit Recycling Facilities for a Number of Ferrous and Non- Ferrous Metals within the RPA
A number of ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling facilities should be sited and permitted within the RPA. The actual number of sites needing to be permitted would depend upon the volume of ferrous and non-ferrous metal available, the geographical location of the site in proximity to the source of material, convenience to the public and/or generator and federal, state and local siting and permit requirements. If ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling facilities can be placed in close proximity to sources of material and are convenient to the public and/or generator the recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metal within the RPA would most likely take place. However, if too many ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling facilities are sited and permitted within the RPA the overall available volume is dispersed to the point that the facilities may not be able to receive enough material for stay operational.
18.5.4 Encourage Utilization of Existing Recycling Opportunities
With existing ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling facilities available within the RPA, the DCSWPO should promote the use of these facilities. The DCSWPO should develop and distribute posters, brochures and flyers promoting the hours of operation, location, and materials that can be collected at these recycling facilities. The DCSWPO should also develop and conduct an education program utilizing radio spots, small informational pieces within the newspaper, advertising and informational meetings throughout the RPA illustrating the benefits and diversion potential of these recycling facilities.
18.5.5 Conduct an Annual Scrap Metal Collection Event for the Greater East Wenatchee Area
Under this alternative Douglas County would sponsor an annual scrap metal collection event for the Greater East Wenatchee Area. This would allow Greater East Wenatchee Area residents and commercial generators a convenient opportunity to dispose of their ferrous and non-ferrous metal. Specifically targeted would be: washer, dryers, water heaters, stoves, dishwashers, metal sheeting/siding, metal storage sheds, metal playground equipment, lawn movers, and other similar scrap metal. In order to market the collected scrap metal it is imperative that the collected materials be clean and free of contaminates, i.e. fuels, oil, rubber, plastic, tubing, hoses, etc. The DCSWPO should stress that this is a scrap metal collection event and therefore the following items are not acceptable:
- wire, cable, barb wire,
- televisions, radios, stereos, computers,
- closed containers, fuel tanks, propane tanks,
- spray tanks, pesticide containers, herbicide containers,
- water softeners, humidifiers,
- box springs, mattresses, hide-a-beds,
- auto tires, auto batteries, auto hulks, canopies,
- weed-eaters, lawn blowers, shop vacuums,
- any additional materials that are not primarily metal.
The DCSWPO should assist Douglas County by coordinating the collection event, obtaining collection event personnel, promoting the collection event, preparing a site specific health and safety plan, notification of appropriate emergency management agencies, providing traffic control and other responsibilities as needed to assure a successful and safe collection event. Under this alternative, the DCSWPO would set up and tear down the Douglas County provided collection site. All participants wishing to dispose of their scrap metal would be check in to make certain that their scrap metal conformed to the collection specifications, complete a collection event survey and then drop off their scrap metal. For individuals who are handicapped or elderly and therefore do not have the means to transport their scrap metal to the collection event, the DCSWPO should provide an alternative so that they can participate. All collected scrap metal would be transported to the contracted scrap metal recycler for processing.
18.5.6 Collect Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals at the Community Recycling Centers
Because of the small volume of ferrous and non-ferrous metal generated and the distance to travel to dispose of their scrap metal, the communities of Bridgeport, Rock Island, Mansfield and Waterville are limited in their options. Under this alternative, the existing Community Recycling Centers (CRCs) would collect ferrous and non- ferrous metals. This would allow the public and commercial generators within those communities a local opportunity to dispose of their scrap metal. The DCSWPO should assist the participating jurisdictions by coordinating the transportation and processing of the collected scrap metal to the contracted scrap metal recycler. Additionally, the DCSWPO would be responsible for promoting the collection event, preparing a site specific health and safety plan, notification of appropriate emergency management agencies, providing traffic control equipment and other responsibilities as needed to assure a successful and safe collection event.
18.5.7 Develop a Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Education Program
The DCSWPO should develop a ferrous and non-ferrous metal education program. This program would specifically provide both residents and commercial generators with the requirements, methods and options available to them to properly manage and recycle their ferrous and non-ferrous metal. The program could provide information on what is ferrous and non-ferrous metal, how it is regulated, where it can be recycled, and similar information. The DCSWPO should develop brochures and information sheets to educate the public, commercial generators and regulatory authorities about how ferrous and non-ferrous metal is to be managed properly. Existing ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling facilities should be promoted and the reuse of ferrous and non-ferrous metal should be stressed over landfilling.
18.5.8 Monitor and Track Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
The DCSWPO needs to monitor and track all ferrous and non-ferrous metal to determine who is generating the material, the volume of material being generated, where it originated from, where it is being disposed of, and how it is being disposed of. Without knowing these basic facts, it is impossible to properly management the solid waste stream within the RPA. Therefore, the DCSWPO should establish a data tracking program which monitors and tracks all ferrous and non-ferrous metal being disposed of within the RPA annually.
18.6 RECOMMENDATIONS
18.6.1 Restrict Disposal to only Permitted and Approved Facilities
18.6.2 Site and Permit a Number of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Facilities within the RPA
18.6.3 Encourage Utilization of Existing Recycling Opportunities
18.6.4 Conduct an Annual Scrap Metal Collection Event for the Greater East Wenatchee Area
18.6.5 Collect Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals at the Community Recycling Centers
18.6.6 Implement a Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Education Program
18.6.7 Monitor and Track Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals