Frequently Asked Questions

Ron Slater, Manager

For the past twenty-one years, the non-profit SRRA has collected, processed, and marketed the recyclable wastes of its 21 member towns and plantations.
It operates out of an 8,000 plus square foot facility located on Routes 2/27 in Farmington.
SRRA's current budget is approximately $210,000; slightly more than half goes for gross wages. Revenue is mainly, but not totally, from the sale of recyclable wastes; the rest comes from membership.
SRRA is owned by its members, and governed by their representatives. It is managed by Ron Slater, who oversees two full-time and one part-time employees.

Baler

In 20010, SRRA handled 1,282 tons of recyclable waste.
The 2010 figure indicates a drop of 363 tons or 22 percent since 2008, but an increase of 80 tons or 7 percent over 2009.
Some of the decline has had to do with the state of the economy; some has to do with loss of tonnage to private haulers and some has to do with the fact people have gotten out of the habit of recycling. The good news is that the 2010 figure indicates an increase. Stay tuned

Baled Plastic Jugs

It depends on how the economy is doing. When the price of oil skyrockets, the price paid for plastic, which is made from oil, also skyrockets because it is cheaper to recycle plastics than to start from scratch. When the price of oil drops, the price paid for plastic also drops.
In 2004, Old Corregated Cardboard (OCC) sold for an average of $83 a ton; in January 2009, for $25 a ton; in August 2009, for $76 a ton; in June 2011 for $155 a ton.
In 2004, #2 Plastic sold for an average of $416 a ton; in January 2009 for $260 a ton; in August 2009 for $330 a ton; in June 2011 for $764 a ton..
In 2004, Tin Cans sold for an average $140 a ton; in January 2009 for $10 a ton; in August 2009 for $93 a ton; in June 2011 for $240-$275 a ton.
According to the Maine Resource Recovery Association which helps SRRA market its materials, the average price for all materials in June 2011 was $173 a ton.

Clear Glass Waiting to be Crushed

The sale of recyclables provides for a large percentage of SRRA’s operating income and capital expenses.
What the recycling market doesn't cover is covered by members.
Depending on the market, members contribute 25% of the operating budget.
How much they each pay each year depends on tonnage transported and processed by SRRA. In recent years, members have been assessed as little as $35 a ton; they are currently being assessed at $52 a ton.

Roll-off Container

Provides them with compartmentalized metal “roll-off” containers for use at their transfer stations. When the containers are full, SRRA will transport them to its facility in Farmington.
Works with the Maine Resource Recovery Association to find the best price/market for the recyclables.
Updates them on a monthly basis as to how much recyclable waste SRRA has transported and processed for them.
In addition to cardboard, paper (newspaper, high grade and mixed), glass, #2 plastic, tin cans, and aluminum it collects fluorescent light bulbs, electronic and oil wastes and antifreeze. It does not collect hazardous household waste like oil based paints etc.
It also composts food that it collects from the Franklin Memorial Hospital, the University of Maine at Farmington and a growing number of public schools in the area.

Colored Plastic Waiting to be Bailed

There are seven basic types of plastic in common use. Each has a number on the bottom of the container. Just because it has a number, does not mean that SRRA recycles it.
SRRA currently only handles #2 plastic; there is a good market for it and it is easy to bale. #1 soda bottles are handled by redemption centers.
SRRA and MRRA are currently looking into the feasibility of recycling more than #2 plastics, including #1 PET bottles (dish detergent, mouth wash, etc.), #3-#7 tubs and lids (yogurt containers, salad trays, butter tubs) and rigid plastics (laundry baskets, toys, lawn furniture, etc.)