Published: September 11, 2009 12:29 pm

Haverhill Gazette

Campaign notebook: Amirian leads recycling experiment

Amirian leads recycling experiment

Now that the first phase of Haverhill’s curbside single-stream recycling program has begun, City Council candidate Sven Amirian wants to know how it’s going and how we can make it better.

“I’m encouraging all citizens currently receiving single stream curbside pickup to participate in a voluntary study to gauge the amount of materials we are diverting from the waste stream and subsequently the amount that Haverhill is saving on tipping fees,” Amirian said. “The goal of this study is not only to identify the economic benefits of our new recycling program but also to look closer at our individual roles as consumers in the cycle of waste production and reduction.”

But this study is not just for those who are fortunate enough to currently receive the curbside service.

“I also want the rest of Haverhill to participate and show the untapped potential savings we could be realizing if the curbside recycling program was currently in effect city wide,” Amirian said.

As an added component to this study, Amirian also wants concerned citizens to become aware of their trash production. He asks, “Can the weekly weight of household trash be brought down to 30 pounds?”

According to Amirian, all one needs to participate is some type of scale and a two-week commitment to see the experiment through. Interested citizens are asked to separate recyclables from trash for a two-week period and then weigh both parts prior to trash and recycling pickup or drop-off at the DPW yard.

Amirian said he will be collecting the data at his website www.svenamirian.com, and that he will also be accepting phone calls and mail submission as well.

For those truly dedicated to the study, Amirian has suggested an extra credit component.

“I believe that there is an incredible opportunity for savings in diverting compostable materials as well. Not only would there be reduction in trash disposal costs but there is also the potential for a marketable or at least very useful product in the form of nutrient rich compost. So, for those hard-core recyclers out there, I’d like you to separate and weigh all your compostable food waste as well,” Amirian said.

To participate in the study or for more information, call Sven at 978-769-3781, visit www.svenamirian.com/recycle or send inquiries to Sven Amirian, 45 Talmouth Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830.

Amirian will be posting all data on his website and will be sharing any information gathered with the City of Haverhill, Team Haverhill Recycling Committee, and all interested parties.

Thank you for your interest in the Haverhill Recycling Social Experiment!

Sven Amirian Recycles.

For the next several weeks we will be collecting the names and addresses of concerned citizens who would like to participate in this study to evaluate our recycling and trash disposal habits.

Once we have reached a predetermined number of participants for the first round of the study, we will establish the time frame for collecting the data and notify everyone who is participating.

Depending on the response to the initial experiment, we will be continuing with additional rounds of data collection as necessary.

Here are 3 easy steps to get started!

1. Fill out the form below:

2. Prepare a scale to weigh your trash and recycling output.

3. Keep an eye on your email or check back on this website for information on the experiment start date and how to submit your data.

Recruit a neighbor or a friend to participate as well!

Thanks again for your commitment to recycling and trash reduction. You are making Haverhill a better place for all of us!

Did you know that, on average, a Haverhill household has been disposing of 50 pounds of trash per week? Most of us have no idea how much garbage we throw away because other than hauling it to the curb each week, that’s the only time we have to deal with it. And how about recycling? How much of an impact are we having by diverting our current level of recyclable materials from the trash? The key to changing our habits for the better is to become aware of what we do and how it affects our quality of life and that of our fellow citizens.

Sven Amirian Recycles.

Now that the first phase of Haverhill’s curbside single stream recycling program is underway, City Council Candidate Sven Amirian wants to know how it’s going and how we can make it better.

“I’m encouraging all citizens. . .

. . .currently receiving single stream curbside pickup to participate in a voluntary study to gauge the amount of materials we are diverting from the waste stream and subsequently the amount that Haverhill is saving on tipping fees,” says Amirian.

The goal of this study is not only to identify the economic benefits of our new recycling program but also to look closer at our individual roles as consumers in the cycle of waste production and reduction.

But this study is not just for those who are fortunate enough to currently receive the curbside service. “I also want the rest of Haverhill to participate and show the untapped potential savings we could be realizing if the curbside recycling program was currently in effect city wide.” continues Amirian. As an added component to this study, Amirian also wants concerned citizens to become aware of their trash production. He asks, “Can the weekly weight of household trash be brought down to 30 pounds?”

According to Amirian, all one needs to participate is some type of scale and a 2 week commitment to see the experiment through. Interested citizens are asked to separate recyclables from trash for a 2 week period and then weigh both parts prior to trash and recycling pickup or drop-off at the DPW yard. Amirian says he will be collecting the data at his website www.SvenAmirian.com and that he will also be accepting phone calls and mail submission as well.

For those truly dedicated to the study, Amirian has suggested an extra credit component.  “I believe that there is an incredible opportunity for savings in diverting compostable materials as well. Not only would there be reduction in trash disposal costs but there is also the potential for a marketable or at least very useful product in the form of nutrient rich compost. So, for those hard-core recyclers out there, I’d like you to separate and weigh all your compostable food waste as well!”

To participate in the study or for more information, just go to www.SvenAmirian.com/Recycle, call Sven at 978-769-3781 or send inquiries to Sven Amirian, 45 Talmouth Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830.

Amirian will be posting all data on his website and will be sharing any information gathered with the City of Haverhill, Team Haverhill Recycling Committee, and all interested parties.

Published: September 07, 2009 12:42 am

Eagle Tribune

Letter: Amirian is right for City Council