Reflections on NERC and Recycling

August 28, 2012

Tom Houska, Senior District Manager for the Delmarva Peninsula at Waste Management, Inc, takes a moment to reflect on NERC and recycling.

Here's what Tom has to say:

When did you first become involved with NERC and how long were you actively involved?
I became involved with NERC in the early 1990's. I was actively involved for about 15 years (+/-).

How did you first get involved with NERC?
I was working for the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) – the agency representing the State of Delaware on NERC. My boss, N.C. Vasuki, appointed me to the Committee.

What were you "doing" then, and what you're doing now?
At DSWA I had several roles throughout my 16 year tenure. When I retired from the DSWA five years ago I was the Chief of Administration. I was responsible for financial forecasting, regulations and compliance, strategic planning, recycling operations, political liaison, marketing and public information. When I left DSWA I took a position with Waste Management, Inc. - Senior District Manager for the Delmarva Peninsula. I am still in that position today.

What are some of your fondest memories of NERC?
My fondest memories are the meetings and the discussions (sometimes a bit heated J) about what role the states should be playing in recycling and how could NERC be most effective. Since DSWA was the only member that actually ran a recycling operation, we had to take on the role of bringing discussion back to ground level!

What do you consider to be NERC's greatest strengths?
I think NERC's greatest strength has been to adapt to the needs of its membership. It also had the ability to find middle ground in the discussion process.

Greatest achievements?
I found that the greatest achievements were the documents produced by NERC that provided basic and sound information to the region as a whole.

What role do you see NERC as having played in the recycling industry?
NERC was able to bring various interests and groups together to look at trends and opportunities on a regional basis. NERC also set the standard for other regional recycling organizations to follow.

What are the most pressing issues facing the recycling industry today and in the next five years?
The rapid pace of technology change and how to bring those changes to the marketplace. Educating customers on what these technologies provide in order to better manage materials coming in and going out of processing streams. Processing is generic in this case. It really means managing material flows – no matter what the industry or market. Of course, China still holds a major sway on this industry, and we are still beholden to them. We need to develop even more US based industry that utilizes recyclable materials.

What role do you think NERC should play in addressing those issues?
NERC should continue to function as a clearinghouse that identifies new technologies and helps bring the results of those technologies in line with the marketplace. Continue to provide educational resources that foster this role.