Ongoing Reflections....

September 4, 2012

Sharon Yergeau, with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, continues our series of guest blogs by people who have been influential in NERC's 25 year history.

History with NERC

The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) established the Planning & Community Assistance Section around 1990. The legislative charge was to "develop and implement a program of technical assistance and cooperation with municipalities and solid waste districts." The 5-person section, including a Recycling Coordinator, was assigned to my bureau, which already included P2 and hazardous waste tracking. Mark Lennon (now of IRN) started in 1992 as our Recycling Coordinator and before too long, was fully engaged in NERC activities. Mark continued his involvement when he was promoted to the supervisor of the section. When Mark left in 1996, the new supervisor (Christopher Way) threw himself into NERC activities. In 2004, when Chris' job was eliminated and he was assigned to another program, I was "it." When my own position was moved to the Commissioner's Office two years later, I passed the baton to Don Maurer, the only employee remaining of the section that started with five. Then, in 2011, my own position was eliminated, and I returned to the Solid Waste Management Bureau as the supervisor of the Solid Waste Compliance Assurance Section. Although I would have been laid off had I not taken this job, it was the only one I wanted, because I am back in familiar territory, working on solid waste management and recycling issues.

What are some of your fondest memories of NERC?

I've enjoyed being with peers from other states that bring different perspectives to common problems. I've not only learned a lot at NERC meetings; I've made new contacts and friends.

What do you consider to be NERC's greatest strengths? Greatest achievements?

NERC's greatest strength is that it interfaces with the private sector in a way that regulatory agencies can not. It allows us to work together without being adversarial.

What role do you see NERC as having played in the recycling industry?

NERC has been an advocate for recycling and a "deal maker" to open and expand markets.

What are the most pressing issues facing the recycling industry today and in the next five years?

Beyond the basics of education and money, we have got to find the balance between economic concerns and environmental protection. Some think it is mutually exclusive.

What role do you think NERC should play in addressing those issues?

NERC needs to continue to use the strength of multiple states to accomplish what we can not do individually.