News - Wastecap Resource Solutions

Giving Tuesday and Beyond

12/1/2020

Three Ways You Can Change the World

On your own, every purchase you make and every piece of material you throw away makes a small impact on the resources wasted locally and around the world.

By working together we can move markets, create jobs, keep our communities healthy, and preserve the beauty of Wisconsin.

Please consider WasteCap in ways large and small this season, and beyond, with these simple options.

Amazon Smile is the exact same site with the same deals, but a portion of every purchase goes to help the non-profit of your choice.
Please use smile.amazon.com and select WasteCap as your non-profit when shopping Amazon this holiday season!

Your donations make a difference:

*Expands our material and economic research.
*Helps us reach out to new audiences.
*Supports internships and education opportunities.
*Improves waste reduction tools for the public.
*Enables us to advise local and national efforts to
reduce waste to landfill.

Your membership moves markets:

*Send WasteCap to speak at conferences and advocate change.
*Sponsor the next generation of interns changing the world.
*Solve Wisconsin's need for food security, local energy, and
greenhouse gas reduction through better use of organic waste.
*Give Wisconsin students the opportunity to deconstruct a
building slated for the landfill and take those materials back to
their art and trade classes.
*Increase Wisconsin's use of recycled material, purity of material
streams, and options for reuse and recycling.
*Create a reuse and recycling directory for Wisconsin.

Or we can simply provide you or your company with insight, resources, and a helping hand on your waste reduction journey.

FIVE KEY STEPS TO START A ZERO WASTE PROGRAM

8/27/2020

Our friends at Zabble have put together a concise summary of the strategic moves that really help a zero waste program succeed at your company. As a wise person once said -
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

Read the Full Article

Microsoft Uses an Old Idea to Get to 90% Waste Reduction

Dispose only that which is broken is not a new idea, but it takes designing for repair and reuse and implementing a process for salvaging usable parts from non-functional products.

Check out the “Circular Centers” Microsoft is running on their campuses, taking the rework shop or repair cafe up a notch!

Material Reuse DOES HAVE Its Hazards

We're all about Reuse here at WasteCap, so we've learned our fair share of lessons. GreenBiz has put together a great summary of some of those hazards, but it misses a major one: chemical ingredients.

When sourcing materials from aggregated recyclate, you risk an unknown chemical soup going into your new product. Seeing as product ingredient disclosure is a rapidly growing concern, the push for healthier products is making more sustainable products difficult to market. We see an even greater need now to design for reuse, and consider using as few chemical additives as possible in any product meant to be recycled or reused.

Potential Hazards of Reuse

RESOURCES TO PUSH Enhanced Producer Responsibility

Placing the responsibility to recycle entirely on the user only gets us part of the way towards a circular economy. Market forces aren’t enough to make producers consider their material choices, and so many locales are turning to EPR regulations as a way to hold producers accountable for the products they put into the market

For EPR to work, though, it has to be done right. Some of our current programs simply end up as a mandated upcharge that producers simply pocket with no actual requirement to reduce waste. Others have worked as intended for decades, like the bottle and can deposits requirements. More needs to be done. If you want to see more corporate responsibility, these resources can help you convince your state politicians to keep us moving forward.

Press to Make the World a Better Place

WasteCap Seeks New Executive Director

6/22/2020

WasteCap Resource Solutions is seeking a new Executive Director to lead the organization. If your passions includes leading an organization and helping businesses with their zero waste journey, this position is for you. Help transform waste into resources! Full details can be found in the position description below:

Executive Director Position Description

2020_-_executive_director_-_position_description.pdf
File Size:	109 kb
File Type:	pdf

All interested candidates should send a (1) cover letter and (2) resume by email or mail to:

Rob Schaefer (Business Manager)
business@wastecap.org

WasteCap Resource Solutions, Inc.
2123 W. Michigan St. Suite 100
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Waste & Recycling During COVID-19 Outbreak

3/19/2020

Trash and recycling is often not top of mind. Most people don't realize how much waste really costs. WasteCap not only thinks about it, but strategizes how to reduce it and change processes to support a circular economy. Given all the Covid-19 emails going around from businesses assuring you of their safe practices or letting you know how they'll be reimbursing you in these hard times, we thought we'd keep you up to speed on what might be going on with the world of trash and recycling.

Pellitteri Waste Systems - Member Spotlight

10/17/2019

Pellitteri Waste Systems is a family owned operation providing superior trash & recycling collection and processing to commercial, industrial, and residential customers throughout Southern Wisconsin. Read more about how Pellitteri is finding solutions to encourage a fully functioning recycling system.

WasteCap Aims to Upgrade State's C&D Recycling Program

10/8/2019

WasteCap & the DFDM are gathering support & feedback to upgrade the successful State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Construction & Demolition program. Please read about the program, show support and provide feedback.

WasteCap Presents at UW System Sustainability Conference

10/4/2019

WasteCap moderated the waste & recycling breakout session at the UW System's Annual Sustainability Conference held at UW-Madison from October 3rd - October 4th. WasteCap shared tips, and considerations for managing materials at universities.

Cascade Asset Management - Member Spotlight

8/15/2019

The member spotlight is on Cascade Asset Management as a valued silver-level member. For over 20 years, Cascade Asset Management has provided the most secure, responsible, and valuable IT asset disposition (ITAD) services available to businesses and institutions. Learn more about how Cascade is leading charge to create a circular economy.

Sadoff Iron & Metal Company - Member Spotlight

6/7/2019

WasteCap Resource Solutions is proud to highlight our member, Sadoff Iron & Metal Company! Since 1947, Sadoff has been recycling scrap metal. In 2016, Sadoff started an e-cycling and data destruction business. Sadoff's vision is to be the preferred choice in metal recycling. To accomplish this, Sadoff incorporates customer focus, operational excellence, finds innovative solutions, and manages risk.

Tips for Avoiding Asbestos During Home Renovations

6/6/2019

Since its debut in 1994, HGTV has changed the way Americans think about home renovations. From elaborate remodels to do-it-yourself decorating, homeowners turn to the latest home shows for inspiration and education, and rehabbing older homes is a growing trend. Beneath the surface lurks a hidden danger that poses a serious health threat, and that is asbestos.

$68,000 Saved and 1,600 Tons Diverted - Project Spotlight

3/8/2019

In 2018, WasteCap Resource Solutions consulted on the demolition of two masonry-and-steel light industrial buildings located at 2048 and 2100 Winnebago St., in Madison. The two buildings combined - one one story and the other two stories - totaled 35,000 square feet. WasteCap and other local nonprofits including Sector 67, which specializes in tech and engineering, worked to salvage reusable material and equipment from the buildings during the demolition. Much of the remaining material was recycled. In total, 1,600 tons, or 75.26% of demolition waste was diverted from the landfill, saving the owner, Accipiter Properties, $68,000.

Altius Building Company - Member Spotlight

2/25/2019

WasteCap Resource Solutions is proud to highlight our member, Altius Building Company! Altius Building Company was born out of an extensive 60 year-old construction group, and much of that group still works for Altius carrying on their tradition of partnerships and community ties. Today, Altius offers a wide range of construction operations including municipal, commercial, senior living residences, apartment complexes, low-rise condominiums, mixed-use developments, and transitional student apartments.

Not Measuring C&D Waste? You Might Be Losing Money.

2/19/2019

When contractors need to move mounds of waste during a demolition project, it is easy to say waste management is top of mind. But a significant amount of waste — about 54 million tons according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — is generated in new construction and renovations. When waste management isn’t a priority, these materials are often sent to the landfill. Some might consider this the easiest route, but it’s also the most expensive and environmentally detrimental.

United Milwaukee Scrap - Member Spotlight

1/23/2019

WasteCap Resource Solutions is happy to highlight our newest member, United Milwaukee Scrap! United Milwaukee Scrap (UMS) is a 4th generation company that processes, purchases and sells metal scrap that is generated throughout the Midwest.
Marty Oxman, WasteCap Board Member and Industrial Trader at UMS, explains, “United Milwaukee Scrap prides ourselves on creating partnerships with our customers based on integrity, experience and superior customer service.”

WasteCap Wins 2018 Force for Positive Change Award

3/22/2018

WasteCap Resource Solutions was presented with the prestigious Force for Positive Change Award for making a substantial social impact in Wisconsin. WasteCap won the hotly contested Manufacturing/Art/Design/Construction prize category over other finalists such as 7 Rivers Recycling, Cathedral Squared Enterprises, and Eye Heart World. The $12,500 award will be used to fund WasteCap's deconstruction and salvage training services.

Deconstruction Junction: Milwaukee's Reuse Future

1/30/2018

After years of trying different approaches to deconstruction projects, the city of Milwaukee passed a deconstruction ordinance that will increase sustainable-building practices and workforce-development opportunities. Now, contractors are at a junction allowing them to choose to build a better reuse economy.

UPDATE: The City of Milwaukee's Deconstruction Ordinance has been stayed until March 1, 2020.

Campbellsport St. Joseph Convent Demolition and Salvage Project

10/18/2017

WasteCap completed its final tracking and waste inspections for the School Sisters of St. Francis on June 30, 2017. This yearlong project, located in Campbellsport, featured the demolition and salvaging of five buildings and the associated infrastructure of the former convent. This project surpassed its 85% landfill diversion goal by boasting a final rate of 98%.

DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY HERE

Waste Audit at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

8/2/2017

WasteCap Resource Solutions is set to preform eight waste audits on the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee campus this year. The first audit took place on the morning of July 21, 2017. Our team, fashioned in protective gear, prepped to dig through over 80 pounds of waste.

WasteCap Welcomes New Executive Director

1/9/2017

WasteCap Resource Solutions today announces the selection of Travis Blomberg as its new executive director. Chosen from a pool of over 60 applicants, Blomberg brings over six years of planning, administration and communications experience within the sustainability sector.

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” said Jim Birmingham, board chairman. “Travis has a breadth of perspective and experience that will bring leadership and creativity to WasteCap’s programs.”

Sendik's Food Market Receives Award for Organics Diversion

11/19/2015

Food Waste is something we're quite passionate about here at WasteCap and when we learned that Sendik's Food Market had installed Grind 2 Energy systems in everyone of their stores, we knew they were just as passionate. They are ahead of the game, they saw they had the potential to create energy instead of waste.

Project of the Year - Transformation Award Winners

11/18/2015

The 2015 Transformation Awards live on! Not all of our award winners were able to accept at the event, but we stopped by to present them with their handmade, much deserved awards. Last week, we visited General Mitchell International Airport to present three organizations with Project of the Year: General Mitchell, Milwaukee County & CD Smith Construction.

DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY HERE

Deconstruction to Assist with Chronic Flooding at KK River

9/1/2015

Five years ago, massive flooding caused more than $30 million of damage in Milwaukee’s 30th street corridor through water damage of 3,000 homes. The 2010 storm inspired a project by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to reduce the risk of flooding. Work is underway to create three storm water basins to relieve the problem. To make room for the basins, MMSD collaborated to relocate seven homeowners and tenants that had all seen chronic flood problems over the years in preparation for removing houses.

DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY HERE

Outpost Natural Foods Complete WasteCap Waste Audit

4/1/2015

WasteCap recently completed a waste audit for Outpost Natural Foods at their Bay View location and found many great processes in place! A huge step to being a leader for environmental awareness is always seeking improvement. Investing in the future of the company by completing a waste audit is continuing that movement.