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Jackson County Fairgrounds & Expo Park
SMARTWorks piloted the Expo recycling program at the 2007 Jackson County Fair, which now operates a year-round system to divert numerous materials into recycling and reuse, including metals, plastics, glass, commingled items, yard debris, food waste and much more. Each year the program grows–and so do the results: In 2007 County fairgoers diverted approximately 39 yards of recyclables; in 2008 that multiplied, with over 90 yards diverted from the wastestream. And in 2009, with streamlined efforts, Master Recycler volunteer power, and new additional materials diverted—Jackson County Fair diverted 160 yards of materials—reducing the event’s disposal fees by over $2,300 in a week! Over the course of the year, Expo now saves $9,000 on garbage disposal, thanks to teamwork between SMARTWorks and the Fairground’s hardworking maintenance crew. With hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, the Expo is serving as a role model for how all Jackson County homes and businesses can follow suit.
TransLink
In 2006, TransLink employees embarked on a ambitious journey to reduce consumption of natural resources along with the amount of waste generated on the job. Working closely with SMARTWorks in 2008, TransLink established a sustainability committee focused on innovative, yet simple processes that employees could use in their daily routines to reduce waste and conserve resources. Results were immediate as recyclables were identified and sorted, while waste was reduced. TransLink currently has receptacles for glass, commingled recyclables, plastic items not accepted curbside, batteries, and even food waste—which is composted on-site! Their facility’s reliance on paper products has declined through implementation of durable (non-disposable) dinnerware and by the increased use of digital document management. TransLink Manager and Master Recycler Tim Fountain says, “Out of all that is done at TransLink to conserve resources and reduce waste, perhaps the greatest benefit has been what our employees take home and teach their families.”
Grange Co-op
Grange Co-op has taken a variety of steps to help reduce waste both within stores and for customers. At its store locations, Grange began recycling commingled materials, scrap metal and shrink wrap. The Medford location began an onsite composting area within the nursery, visible to customers to serve as demonstration. It tapped store manager Rick Topjian to take part in the Jackson County Master Recycler program, and to lead waste diversion efforts for the Co-op. Grange also helps customers to reduce their own waste by providing nursery plastic recycling its stores. And, in 2008, Grange teamed up with SMARTWorks and Rogue River High School to organize a baling twine drive at retail locations in Jackson, Josephine and Klamath Counties. Farmers, ranchers and other livestock growers had the opportunity to recycle volumes of plastic baling twine for free—4,710 lbs were collected in one month!
Grilla Bites
Grilla Bites opened its doors in downtown Medford in January 2006, and whole-heartedly pursued efforts to be an eco-friendly business. With its emphasis on organic and locally grown food, the restaurant already reduces its environmental impact, but it didn't stop there. Grilla Bites enrolled in Rogue Disposal's commingled recycling program, diverting 1.5 yards of recyclables each week. It also encouraged neighboring tenants to share the bin and recycle within their businesses. The restaurant installed a water conserving dish washer nozzle and faucet aerators (offered through Medford Water Commission) to slash water consumption and heating costs—saving over $550 each year. Managing owner Harlan Ward changed 40+ bulbs to compact fluorescents, reducing $400 in annual energy costs. Grilla Bites also enrolled in Pacific Power's Blue Sky renewable energy option and became a member of THRIVE to support locally grown and crafted products.
Britt Festivals
For its 2007 season, Britt Fest enthusiastically partnered with SMARTWorks to expand recycling services for its patrons. Concertgoers are able to recycle aluminum cans, plastic bottles, playbills and inserts, and glass bottles throughout the grounds. The concessions staff, grounds crew and volunteers are working together to divert additional commingled recyclables like cardboard, paperboard and metal cans from the wastestream.
(Photo credit: Ray Broomall Digital Images)
Medical Eye Center & Imperia Laser Eye Center
A small group of staff members formed a recycling committee to explore ways to cut waste in their workplace, helping to save about $3,800 per year by reducing garbage collection service. With team spirit and SMARTWorks recommendations, the committed crew implemented a recycling program throughout the medical building, including offices, work areas and the staff room. Using signage, an all-employee email message and announcements at staff meetings, 90 employees received information about new procedures and acceptable items. With success in place, the recycling committee took lessons learned and is starting a recycling program at the Grants Pass location, and is also looking at ways to “buy recycled.” In addition, Medical Eye Center began purchasing Blue Sky renewable energy through Pacific Power to offset a portion of its energy use with clean wind power at both of its offices.
ARC
ACCESS, Inc.
Albertsons
Bella Union Restaurant & Saloon
Berry’s Autobody
CertainTeed
Eden Vale Winery
Grilla Bites
Hakatai Enterprises
KOBI TV
Medford Grocery Outlet
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Phoenix Farmers Market
PMG Phoenix
Providence Medical Center
Pulmonary Consultants
Red Lion Hotel Medford
Rogue Valley Medical Center
RVTD
Shop 'N Kart
Tarks Market
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