Coordinator Update: Winter 2001

by Maggie Coulter

Staff Changes in Store for CalMAX

CalMAX is now located in the new CalEPA building along with the rest of the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Our new address and new fax number are on page of two of this catalog. Our Web site, e-mail addresses, and toll-free telephone number will remain the same. 

In addition to adjusting to our new offices, we will no longer have the expertise of Deborah Orrill in the CalMAX program. Deborah has accepted a position with CIWMB's Office of Public Affairs. Her many contributions include improvements to the CalMAX catalog, web page, and the management and development of the database. She was also instrumental in developing new public outreach opportunities for CalMAX—including her contact with local jurisdictions, industry groups, private sector and nonprofit organizations—all who utilize CalMAX on a regular basis. Deborah was also instrumental in the development of the Reuse Track at the CRRA 2000 conference, held in Sacramento this year. We will miss her!

In this Issue

Highlighted in this catalog are two CalMAX connections. One involves a union whose recent consolidation left them with excess office equipment; the other is about a city whose maintenance yard was overfilling with broken garbage toters. Just short of a miracle, CalMAX has helped turn the City of Claremont's toters into palm tree planters. Former CalMAX staff member Sarah Weimer explores the wonders of burlap in this month's creative reuse article. Of course, burlap can be used as a weed supressant, but what about for bee keepers, as wallpaper, and as fashionable clothing? Read on and you may discover your own ideas for burlap!

This quarter's electronics column covers the Silicon Valley electronics waste workshop held in November. Attended by representatives from industry, government agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations, the workshop's main focus was building California's electronics recycling infrastructure. A future workshop is scheduled for early 2001.

Spreading the Word about CalMAX

We hear over and over again from our customers that "CalMAX is a great resource-MORE people need to know about it!" That's why we appreciate the efforts of private businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit groups to promote CalMAX whenever they can.

CalMAX would like to thank American City & County Magazine for running an article about our services in its October issue. We are currently working with two southern California cities to get inserts in their utility bills. We appreciate the individuals who spread the word about CalMAX, like horticultural consultant, Julie Link with Our Gardens Gate who writes:

"I always recommend CalMAX and reuse whenever I talk to teachers. I like how this issue of CalMAX says, "Reuse & Recycling For Teachers" on the cover and the articles inside are appropriate for teachers too. I use your catalog as a good resource for finding materials for a school garden. Teachers are always amazed it exists. It brings some excitement to their lives to think of the possibilities!"

Grants Updates

CalMAX Partnership Mini-Grants
At its October meeting, the California Integrated Waste Management Board awarded CalMAX Partnership Mini-Grants to eight jurisdictions. The grant award ranged from $2,255 to $10,000. The grant recipients have been finalizing budgets and work plans to gear up for starting their projects by January 2001. 

Reuse Assistance Grants
The California Integrated Waste Management Board has $336,000 available for the Second Cycle of the Reuse Assistance Grants to provide incentives for local public agencies to promote and apply the concept of reuse in their community. Maximum grant awards are $50,000. All California counties, cities (whether general law or chartered), towns, school districts, community colleges, municipal corporations, districts, political subdivisions, or any boards, commissions or agencies thereof, or other local public agencies, as defined by Government Code 54951 are eligible to apply, and may partner with a California nonprofit or commercial business.

For more information, or to receive a copy of the application go to www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Reuse/. 

Questions can also be directed to Sarah Weimer at (916) 341-6613 or sweimer@ciwmb.ca.gov. Applications must be received by March 9, 2001.

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Last updated: August 01, 2008