Executive Director Interviewed on WDNN

Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority Executive Director, Norman Barashick, was intreviewed this week for the local television show Greater Dalton Today (formerly Dalton Whitfield Today).   He gives an overview of all the services and programs taking place at the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority, talks about the Landfill Gas to Energy Program, and the Carpet Balefill.  Brian Anderson is the host of this new episode of Greater Dalton Today from the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce. 

The show will air for about two weeks on WDNN Channel 10 on Tuesday 8pm, Wednesday 6:30am & 10pm, Saturday 10:30pm, & Sunday 7pm.  This episode will also be online for the same two weeks. See the entire program (includes some commercials) online now at http://www.wdnntv.com/?page_id=5850

Local Drivers Score at International Road-E-O

Eddie Ashe maneuvers the dozer through the equipment obstacle course at the 2011 International SWANA Road-E-O.

A Road-E-O judge measures the distance between the Front Loader and the rail to determine the accuracy of driver Chad Shook during the competition.

Road-E-O judges prepare to measure the parking accuracy of driver Jeremy Flood during the international competition in Dublin, GA.

Marlon Cole guides a barrel through part of the obstacle course for the Rubber Tired Loader as Road-E-O judges look on.

DALTON, GA – Four members of the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority staff participated in, and one took top honors, at the Solid Waste Association of North America’s International Road-E-O for landfill equipment and truck operators.  On September 3rd, solid waste professionals from all across North America arrived at the Southern Pine Ag & Expo Center in Dublin, GA to prove their skills in special obstacle courses, and test their knowledge with written tests.  Each participant had to prequalify at the state level Road-E-O before being invited to the international level.  Competition at the 2011 SWANA International Road-E-O was described as “intense” by the Road-E-O judges as 107 of the solid waste industry’s best drivers, mechanics, and operators competed for the best scores in the nation.

The competition was divided into two major categories highlighting specific types of equipment. The Equipment and Mechanic Competition showcases skills with the Dozer, ADT Articulated Dump Truck, Rubber Tired Loader, Compactor, and general Mechanics.  While the Truck Competition tested the Rear Loader, Front Loader, Side Loader, Roll-Off, and Tractor Trailer.  The top three finishers in each category took home trophies and bragging rights as the best-of-the-best in the business.  “Top Gun” awards were made to the top finishers in the truck and equipment competitions.

Local participants included Marlon Cole - Rubber Tired Loader, Eddie Ashe - Dozer, Chad Shook – Front Loader, and Jeremy Flood – Roll-Off.  Each first participated in the Georgia SWANA Road-E-O in May placing in the top two of their respective categories, while Ashe also placed first overall in the Equipment Competition.  At the International SWANA they participated in the same categories pitting their skills against drivers from as far away as the state of Oregon.  Front Loader driver, Chad Shook, had an excellent course time but did not place in the top three.  Roll-Off driver, Jeremy Flood, placed sixth overall with an impressive course time as well.  Road-E-O Dozer operator, Eddie Ashe, placed third overall receiving a trophy.  The competition in the dozer category was so close that the course time had to be used as a tiebreaker.  Rubber Tired Loader operator, Marlon Cole, also received a trophy after placing first overall with a perfect obstacle course score.  High scores on the obstacle course and written test earned him the title of “Top Gun” in the Equipment and Mechanic Competition.

Georgia and the 2011 SWANA International Road-E-O were rewarded with performances from the best-of-the-best drivers, mechanics and operators in the solid waste industry.  The Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority is proud to have some of the best in the country on board.

Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority Featured in Dalton Magazine’s first Green Issue

The Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority is featured in the September - October 2011 edition of Dalton Magazine as part of the first ever Green Issue.  An article titled "A dump? Not even close." written by Jane Harrell, has an overview of all of the DWSWA’s green programs including the Recycling Center.  “It is a top notch recycling service with a materials recovery facility, or recycling center, at its primary facility off South Dixie Highway,” wrote Harrell. “The recycling center enables recyclables collected in the area to be sorted, processed and then sent out to manufacturers that use the recyclable to make new products.”

Recycling and Education Program Coordinator, Liz Swafford, is on the cover of the magazine holding an office recycling bin full of recyclables.  The background in the photo is a large pile of mixed paper waiting to be processed for recycling.  An article titled "It's not that hard being green: At home and at work, residents do their part to benefit the planet" by Connie Hall-Scott includes an interview with Swafford and several residents. This article includes several recycling facts from the DWSWA website like, “A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the shelf as a new can in as little as 60 days.”

A photo of carpet separated at the DWSWA for recycling on page 32 and 33 serves as the beginning of an article about the green initiatives in the floor covering industry.  Also mentioned in Dalton Magazine are more green programs managed by the DWSWA including Landfill Gas to Energy, the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, and the Conasauga River Mitigation Bank.

The magazine is available online as an e-edition at www.daltonmagazine.com and in newsstands throughout Dalton.  For more information about recycling in Whitfield County visit www.DWSWA.org or call the Dalton-Whitfield Recycling Center at 706-278-5001.

Here's a list of highlights from this issue:

• Recycling and Education Program Coordinator, Liz Swafford, is on the cover of the magazine holding an office recycling bin full of recyclables.  The background in the photo is the pile of mixed paper at the recycling center.   On the Cover credits are on page 5. 

• Page 8 and 9, Jane's Report, is an article titled "A dump? Not even close." written by Jane Harrell. It includes some historical background information and a review of all the DWSWA programs like Convenience Centers, Recycling Center, and the Landfill Gas to Energy Project. There are also two pictures from the Recycling Center.

• Page 10 to 17 is an article titled "It's not that hard being green: At home and at work, residents do their part to benefit the planet" by Connie Hall-Scott.  Liz S. and several residents were interviewed for the article that includes recycling facts from the DWSWA, green living tips, and extra photos.

• Page 32 and 33 are the beginning of the article about the green initiatives in the floor covering industry.  The photo is carpet being separated at the DWSWA for recycling.

• Page 39 is a half page ad encouraging readers to recycle in Dalton-Whitfield.

GA-SWANA Scholarships Awarded to Dalton and Chatsworth Students

Kasey N. Hendrick receives her scholarship award from Mr. Harvey Levitt, Treasurer for GA-SWANA and Operations Manager at the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority.  (Not pictured is Nathaniel B. Hammontree.)

The Georgia Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America has awarded five Academic Scholarships this year to outstanding High School seniors and College students in the Environmental Science field.   Two of the scholarships were awarded to students in Northwest Georgia.

Dalton resident Kasey Nicole Hendrick, who attends Southeast Whitfield High School, was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.  She has been accepted to Piedmont College and plans to study Nursing.

Chatsworth resident and Murray County High School student, Nathaniel Blake Hammontree was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.   Hammontree has been accepted to the University of West Georgia and plans to study Environmental Science.

SWANA maintains that the education of students and the general public is an important step in eliminating some of our biggest solid waste management problems.  The scholarship program aims to support the growth of knowledgeable and responsible solid waste management professionals for the future.  For more information about the GA SWANA Scholarship program visit www.gaswana.org. 

Target Recycling Recognized as Outstanding Recycling Program for 2010

Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority Honored by the Georgia Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)

Pictured are Norman Barashick, Jeff Cown, and Harvey Levitt.  Cown presented the award for Outstanding Recycling Program to the DWSWA during the SWANA-GA Fall Conference.

DALTON, GA – The Georgia Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) recognized outstanding solid waste programs throughout the state during its SWANA-GA Chapter Fall Conference in November 2010. First place in the Outstanding Recycling Programs category was awarded to the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority for it’s program called Target Recycling. SWANA-GA Board member Jeff Cown presented Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority representatives Norman Barashick and Harvey Levitt with the award during a special reception during the Fall Conference.

Target Recycling is a collection program that provides a free recycling infrastructure to over 160 local schools and businesses in Whitfield County. More than 2,000,000 pounds of targeted materials will be sent to Georgia industries to be recycled in 2010. Since November 2008 Target Recycling and its mascot Recycling Ben have made recycling more accessible in Whitfield County by targeting specific commodities and providing free pickup. 

Recyclables accepted include plastic bottles and jugs (nos.1 & 2), aluminum cans, cardboard, and mixed paper.  Target Recycling also provides educational opportunities for the community and hosts a recycling contest among local schools during each school year.

For more information about the recycling program visit www.DWSWA.org or call 706-278-5001.