Hamilton Gillett with Recycling Updates

“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.” –Pete Seeger

To learn about sustainable options, join us for a conversation with Ham Gillett, a long-time Upper Valley resident who knows a lot about recycling.

Are we properly following the guidelines? How does “wish cycling” affect the recyclers and composters? Do the items in your discard pile build up because you are not sure how to dispose of them? What factors should we consider when purchasing? Composition? Packaging?

Manufacturing process? Product end of life? Durability? Energy Consumption? Shipping carbon footprint? So many questions!

Ham will talk about recent changes in Vermont regulations, how they work and where to find information. We will explore where what we donate or toss away actually ends up. As Annie Leonard of Greenpeace said, “There is no such thing as “away.” When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.”

Ham grew up in Woodstock and, since returning to Vermont 32 years ago, he has been involved with various aspects of recycling, composting, and solid waste management. (Where else would someone with two theater degrees end up?) For his first job, he assisted in the development of Woodstock Recycling & Refuse Corp., at the same time that Woodstock passed its first town-wide mandatory recycling ordinance. It was during this time that he learned the art of dumpster diving and became a founding member of P.U.T.R.I.D. (People Uncovering Trash Rotting In Dumpsters.) He still has his official P.U.T.R.I.D. Tyvek suit and some amazing treasures.

Ham is currently the Program/Outreach Coordinator for the Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste Management District and Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District.

Norman Williams Public Library is an active member of the Sustainable Library Initiative. We are currently working toward Sustainable Libraries Certification by evaluating our purchasing, operating, and disposal systems–taking into account everything from cleaners to ceiling fans, lightbulbs to landscaping, and printers to partnerships.

This will be a hybrid event – in person and via Zoom. Please email programs@normanwilliams.org for the link to join.