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December 2016

NERC’s Advisory Members

Distinguished Benefactors

Consumer Technology Association (CTA)

Panasonic

Samsung

Benefactors

Bottle Crusher US

Waste Management

Sustaining Members

  • American Chemistry Council

  • American Forest and Paper Association

  • American Iron & Steel Institute

  • Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)

  • Casella Resource Solutions

  • Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc.

  • Council of State Governments/Eastern Regional Conference

  • CURC

  • Dart Container

  • GDB International

  • Glass Recycling Coalition

  • Good Point Recycling

  • Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI)

  • International Bottled Water Association

  • Keep America Beautiful

  • Keurig Dr. Pepper

  • Marcal, A Soundview Paper Company

  • Mattress Recycling Council

  • MRM

  • National Waste & Recycling Association

  • Nestlé Waters North America

  • NEWMOA

  • PaintCare

  • Plastics Industry Association

  • Re-TRAC

  • Recycling Partnership

  • Republic Services

  • Schaefer Systems International, Inc.

  • Sims Municipal Recycling

  • Sonoco

  • Strategic Materials

  • Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC)

  • TOMRA

  • US Composting Council (USCC)

A list of all the logos of our Sustaining Members can be found under Advisory Members

NEW & RENEWING MEMBERSHIPS

New Supporting Member

Renewing Supporting Members

Member Spotlight - Good Point Recycling

NERC NEWS

NEWLY POSTED

TOXICS IN PACKAGING CLEARINGHOUSE NEWS

STATE UPDATES

MASSACHUSETTS

NEW YORK

ADVISORY MEMBER NEWS

OF GENERAL INTEREST

New & renewing memberships

Membership is key to NERC's regional and national commitment to sustainable materials management. We are delighted to welcome our newest Supporting Member - Addison County Solid Waste Management District (ACSWMD), as well as our renewing Supporting Members:

To see a complete listing of NERC's Members and Supporters, as well as the benefits of membership, visit the NERC Advisory Membership web page.

The broad spectrum of interests represented by NERC's Advisory Members, Individual Supporters, and Board Members and their willingness to participate significantly contribute to the unique and important role that NERC plays in recycling in the region.

For more information, contact Lynn Rubinstein, Executive Director.

Member Spotlight - Good Point Recycling

Good Point Recycling (a division of American Retroworks Inc.) is a nationally-recognized Good Point Logo electronics recycling company, based in Middlebury, Vermont. Going beyond recycling, the company provides consulting services in electronics recycling and reuse. Good Point is well known for its expertise in "Fair Trade Recycling," offering complete cradle to grave accounting of regulated material. 

The company’s recycling services are R2-certified, respected, vetted, economical, legal, and guaranteed.

Why NERC

“I’ve been a fan of NERC and the NERC staff for many years,” states Robin Ingenthron, owner of Good Point Recycling. NERC’s work in electronics recycling and other aspects of materials management shows their commitment and dedication to advancing a more sustainable world. Being a NERC Advisory Member conforms with our company’s dedication to ethical electronics recycling and allows us to share our business principals with others around the Northeast to promote these principals and potentially grow our business.”

Working to Advance Ethical & Environmentally-sound Electronics Recycling
Good Point provides electronics recycling services in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island from its Vermont headquarters and in the southwestern United States from an Arizona warehouse. Services include: CRT and LCD recycling, municipal collection trailers, E-scrap event recycling, commercial business collections, and hard drive erasure and destruction services.  The company is considered one of the top experts in CRT glass recycling markets.

Good Point is practices and promotes ethical electronics recycling. They provide affordable service, computer refurbishing, job training, accountability, and the best environmental practices.  The company believes that balance can and should be sustained between environmental goals and economic health. Through its environmental management systems it defines the objectives and targets for the prevention and reduction of pollution associated with handling end-of-life electronics and related processes, and reuse and repair, to avoid mining extraction and safeguard adverse impact on the environment.

GP_WarehouseGood Point’s executive team - CFO Rachael Gosselin, VP Peter Funk, and VP Nathan Hill bring decades of experience in logistics, customer support, financial diligence and downstream expertise.  These executives have also created in Good Point a “melting pot” which supports college grads, disabled Americans, immigrants, retirees, and one of the highest female-to-male employee ratios in the scrap business.

With a degree in international relations, a stint in the Peace Corps, and 9 years of experience as an environmental regulator and consultant, Ingenthron’s goal is to keep globalization safe, legal, and ethical.  His foundation, Fair Trade Recycling, seeks to build confidence in this practice through documentation, transparency, and mass balance, to “bring the Emerging Markets’ Tech Sector out of back alleys.” Ingenthron keeps a blog on the evolution of these markets, posts of which have been published in Motherboard (Vice) and profiled in various recycling trade magazines.    

Recent Recognition

In 2016, Good Point received two awards recognizing its outstanding business practices:

  • Vermont Governor's Spirit of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Award
  • Northeast Resource Recovery Association Business of the Year Award

At its Core: Reuse, Repair and Re-Manufacturing

Reuse is the keystone of Good Point Recycling's business model.  The company prides GP_Repairitself on developing relationships with clients who would rather retire a working asset which can be reused as is or fixed to meet the needs of those who may not be able to purchase new electronics goods. 

The company recognizes the importance of internationally compliant CRT and LCD monitor reuse and remanufacturing. Good Point was the first authorized EPA exporter of CRTs in the United States (2007). As a matter of principle, Good Point neither endorses the lowest cost "export solution" for escrap nor the wasteful "destroy all equipment" model.  Good Point staff are expert at identifying and using proper end markets.  The company audits end markets to ensure that only R2 compliant equipment is exported for reuse or repair outside the OECD, in accordance with the Basel Convention Annex IX (B1110), but refuses to “racially profile” buyers, offering equal access to the company’s finished goods.  The company holds direct manufacturer-takeback contracts and manages thousands of working computers for dozens of other recycling companies, ensuring full audits, full import permits, and ongoing relationships with overseas partners.

Times are tough for the scrap industry and electronics recycling. Market prices are down and CRT glass recycling faces ongoing challenges. Nonetheless, Good Point continues its dedication to ethical electronics recycling. In economically troubled regions around the world, Good Point is a voice for responsible and compliant electronic reuse which continues to help those who struggle to meet daily needs gain the skills and equipment they need to join the digital world.

nerc newNERC’s Fall 2016 Conference an Event to Remember

Many who attended NERC’s Fall 2016 Conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire are still buzzing about the safety session, the state-by-state quick presentations by the Northeast States about the changing roadmap for food scrap management, the electronics dismantling session, what it will take to increase the recycling rate, the variety of attendees, the caliber of speakers, the presence of and presentations by young professionals, the in-depth discussions that ensued, the networking, the fun had at the social hour, networking with exhibitors, etc.

Here are some comments from Conference attendees:

“NERC and its Conferences are really valuable because they bring together multiple levels of government, industry, and associations to work on a variety of projects in a collaborative and nonpartisan manner,” says John Gilkeson of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

According to Peter Engel of Kessler Consulting, “The NERC conference provides a great forum for discussing critical and timely issues.” 

Jaclyn Hocreiter of the Addison County Solid Waste Management District (Vermont) stated, “ I have been to many conferences, and know that conference burn-out is real, but I have to say that being at [NERC‘s Conference], surrounded by thoughtful folks who are passionate about finding sustainable solutions for resource recovery is so refreshing and energizing. Looking forward to the next NERC conference!

Be sure to mark your calendar for NERC’s Spring 2017 Conference—March 15 – 16 in Burlington, Vermont.

Call for Papers for NERC’s Spring 2017 Conference

The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) holds two Conferences each year.  For the Spring 2017 Conference, we are extending an invitation to all who are interested in presenting.  The Conference will include several different types of sessions—traditional PowerPoint presentations, panel discussions, and a "Power Panel" (brief presentations without a PowerPoint).

The topics to be presented at the Conference will be limited to those most pertinent to sustainable materials management—source reduction, reuse, recycling, and organics management.  If you feel that you have a topic that would be appropriate and you’re interested in presenting to a diverse audience of government, industry, non-profits, and consultants working in sustainable materials management, please send your session description.  (See details below.)

SESSION DESCRIPTION – 100 words or less

SUBMISSION DEADLINE – December 12, 2016

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO - Mary Ann Remolador, NERC’s Assistant Director & Events Organizer.  Feel free to call with questions at 802-254-3636.

EPA Recognizes NERC as an Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge Endorser

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized NERC as one of 13 outstanding organizations and businesses participating in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge. 

In 2015, more than 800 governments, businesses and organizations participated in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge. Participants include organizations such as grocers, restaurants, educational institutions and sports and entertainment venues, who together kept more than 690,000 tons of food from being wasted. These efforts reduced carbon emissions equivalent to taking approximately 86,000 cars off the road for a year and saved businesses up to $35 million in avoided waste disposal fees. 

“The waste reduction efforts of this year’s award winners, as well as all Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers, are leading the way for the United States to meet the national goal to cut food loss and waste in half by 2030,” said Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management. “These Food Recovery Challenge award winners are reducing food loss and waste within their communities to make America a healthier, more sustainable nation. They are leading by example and have reduced their climate footprint, helped communities and achieved cost savings by taking actions based on EPA’s Food Recovery Hierarchy and sustainable materials management best practices.”

In the United States, wasted food carries significant economic and environmental costs. Food accounts for the largest share of the municipal waste stream, with roughly 77 billion pounds discarded each year. The estimated value of food that goes uneaten each year is $161.6 billion, costing the average family up to $1,500. Uneaten food and other organic materials in landfills decompose and generate methane, a significantly harmful greenhouse gas. Landfills are one of the largest sources of methane emissions produced from human activity.   

To reduce their food waste, Food Recovery Challenge participants use creative practices such as: 

  • Recovering food from farmers’ markets
  • Creating food waste volunteer programs in high schools
  • Giving college students the option to choose what goes on their plates
  • Using tools to improve portion control and meal forecasting
  • Adding infrastructure to more efficiently distribute perishable produce 

EPA recognizes Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers with awards in two categories:  data-driven and narrative. The data-driven award recipients achieved the highest percent increases in their sector comparing year to year data. Narrative award winners excelled in the areas of source reduction, leadership, innovation, education and outreach and endorsement. EPA is pleased to recognize the following 2016 Food Recovery Challenge national award winners:

Narrative Category Winners:

  • Endorsers: Northeast Recycling Council (Brattleboro, Vermont)
  • Source Reduction: University of California, Davis (Davis, California)
  • Leadership: Sodexo (Gaithersburg, Maryland)
  • Innovation: Food Forward (Los Angeles, California)
  • Education and Outreach: Ramona High School (Ramona, California)

Data-driven Improvement by Sector Winners:  

  • Colleges and Universities: Ursinus College (Collegeville, Pennsylvania)
  • K-12 Schools: Lanikai School (Kailua, Hawaii)
  • Grocers: Sprouts Farmers Market – 205 (Claremont, California)
  • Restaurants and Food Service Providers: Goodkind (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
  • Sports and Entertainment Venues: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez, California)
  • Hotels, Resorts, and Lodging: Ortega National Parks, LLC - Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company (Carlsbad, New Mexico)  
  • Newcomer: Sprouts Farmers Market – 286 (La Habra, California)
  • Other Sector: Town of New Paltz (New Paltz, New York)

To read more, check out Mathy Stanislaus’ blog at

For more information on Food Recovery Challenge award winners, visit https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-challenge-results-and-award-winners  

For more information on the 2030 national food loss reduction goal, visit https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/united-states-2030-food-loss-and-waste-reduction-goal

Samsung & ISRI Recognized by NERC for Environmental Leadership

Both Samsung and ISRI were presented Environmental Leadership Awards by NERC at the recent conference in Portsmouth, NH. 

Samsung Electronics was honored for its continuing and generous support of NERC and the State Electronics Challenge. In addition, Samsung is a recognized leader in environmental sustainability.  Among the kudos it has received was ISRI’s prestigious 2016 Design for Recycling Award.

Mark Newton presented with award from NERC 11-1-16- Robert Isner, Bd President

Thanks in significant part to Samsung’s sponsorship of the State Electronics Challenge, NERC is able to support the Challenge as a national program.   

Robert Isner, CT DEEP (left) presents Mark Newton, Director, Regulatory and Environmental Affairs, Samsung with award

ISRI was recognized for its leadership &Terri Cirone, ISRI and Robert Isner - ISRI Leadership Award 11-1-6 support of the recycling industry & NERC. ISRI has been a Sustaining Advisory Member of NERC since 2008.  In addition to its long-term membership it has sponsored four conferences in the past two years, including this one.  And through the R2/RIOS program it has been a sponsor of the State Electronics Challenge since 2010.

Terri Cirone, ISRI Vice President of Safety (left) is presented with award by Robert Isner, CT DEEP - President of NERC Board.

How to Support your Favorite Organizations this Season & that includes NERC

NERC is a unique and exciting organization, and like so many of your "favorites", we depend on public support.  There are many ways you can help NERC.  In this season of giving, please consider adding NERC to your list:

  • Membership

With many levels of membership and benefits to choose from, one theme remains constant - NERC actively invites businesses, corporations, trade associations, non-profits, recycling organizations, solid waste districts, municipalities, and all other interested parties to be part of the organization. Advisory Members help support NERC’s mission to promote sustainability practices across the country. Advisory Members also have the opportunity to help shape conferences and webinars, workshops, and events, and are invited to participate in discussions with the NERC Board and staff.  Join now!

  • Individiual donations

NERC is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation and your donations may be deductible. NERC will use your contributions to support its activities and programming to promote sustainable materials management.  Support NERC Now!

  • Shop AmazonSmile

The holidays are approaching and you may be busy shopping for gifts. You can support NERC by using AmazonSmile , when you shop on Amazon. A portion of your purcahse price becomes a donation to NERC through the AmazonSmile program.

Smile Amazon Holiday

For more information, contact Lynn Rubinstein, NERC Executive Director. 

And, thank you!

NERC Blog Worth Repeating - Introducing ECOAmeriCorps!

The NERC Blog Worth Repeating was written by Billy Ernest, an ECOAmeriCorps Member serving the Windham Solid Waste Management District, Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance, and the Londonderry Group in southern Vermont.

“AmeAmericorps logoriCorps” is an organization headed by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), whose volunteer members commit to intensive community service throughout the United States. Since its founding in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, one million members have contributed over 1.4 billion hours of service. You may be familiar with their VISTA and NCCC programs, but were you aware that states can also have AmeriCorps “chapters” called State/National programs?

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), CNCS, and over 30 host sites have joined to fund a State and National AmeriCorps program to assist with environmental issues in the Green Mountain State. ECO (Environmental Careers and Opportunities) AmeriCorps was originally created to assist in the growing need for communities to tackle environmental issues across the state, and to this day the program continues to focus on these efforts. Now in its second year, the ECO program has 24 serving members who are focusing on issues regarding waste management and water quality.

EcoAmericorps

“The goals of the program are simple,” says Reuben Allen, program coordinator for ECO. “We want to address some of the most critical environmental challenges facing Vermont, while providing our members with training and experiences to help them transition into their roles as the next generation of environmental professionals in Vermont and elsewhere.”

In 2012, the State of Vermont unanimously passed the Universal Recycling Law (Act 148), a comprehensive bill—and the first of its kind—that includes the lofty goal of eliminating over 50% of the State’s waste stream from landfill deposition by 2020. As you can imagine, this comes with numerous challenges, both logistical and educational.

This is the first year that ECO members are serving solid waste management entities, or SWMEs  (pronounced “swimmies”  for short; even waste can be fun!). Four members are serving in this capacity. Their focus ranges from volunteer coordination and educational outreach, to assisting transfer stations with food scrap management and logistics.

Members are taking on admirably sized projects. For example, Andrew Donahue, serving the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSMD), is working to “make-over” the facility for ease of access to the public. Meanwhile, Shannon Choquette, serving the Lamoille Regional Solid Waste Management District (LRSWMD), is creating a corps of volunteers to assist in proper recycling and composting methods at special events, such as Oktoberfest in Stowe.

Carlie Wright, serving with the Addison County Solid Waste Management District, is developing a curriculum devoted to teaching grade school students (K-12) about subjects relating to waste. She says that “along with [the curriculum], getting schools to start composting” is one of her big goals.

The four members have shared their reason for joining ECO as an opportunity to learn skills in materials management and outreach while transitioning from college life to the “real world,” and their excitement about the program is only exceeded by their passion for service. However, they’re not the only ones looking forward to the accomplishments of this program.

Cathy Jamieson, Solid Waste Program Manager at the VT DEC, says the service of AmeriCorps members will allow SWMEs to “provide more assistance to schools and businesses,” while providing “a great opportunity for the members to learn and gain job experience.” In short, “It’s a win-win for all involved!”  

It might seem like AmeriCorps members think they can change the World, but can you blame us? In the end, it comes down to the final line of the AmeriCorps pledge…

“I am an AmeriCorps member and I will get things done!” 

By Billy Ernest

Billy Ernest is a recent graduate from SUNY Oswego with a degree in zoology. He is serving this year in collaboration with the Windham Solid Waste Management District, Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance, and the Londonderry Group in southern Vermont. In his service, Billy looks forward to developing his abilities in public outreach, education, and program development.

Check out the ECOAmeriCorps program website to learn more about the program, how to become a member, or to apply to be a host site.

NERC welcomes Guest Blog submissions. To inquire about submitting articles contact Athena Lee Bradley, Projects Manager at athena(at)nerc.org. Disclaimer: Guest blogs represent the opinion of the writers and may not reflect the policy or position of the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.

NEWLY POSTED

NERC FY 2016 Annual Report Published

Fiscal Year 2016 was a year of notable accomplishments for NERC.  You can now read all about it in the Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Report.  For more information, contact Lynn Rubinstein, Executive Director.

Carpet Recycling Market Document Updated & Expanded

Periodically NERC updates its Carpet Recycling Markets in the Northeast resource.  With this update we are pleased to be including Maryland information as well.  For more information, contact Lynn Rubinstein, Executive Director.

toxics in packaging clearinghouse

New Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse Program Manager Appointed

A new Program Manager has been hired for the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) - Melissa Walsh Innes.  In addition to her new position with TPCH, Melissa is Principal of Innes & Co LLC, a consultancy providing consulting and lobbying services to state and national groups, associations and companies.Melissa Walsh Innes photo

Melissa is a former Maine state representative who served two terms on Maine’s Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Melissa has experience in recycling and product stewardship legislation, including paint, medical sharps, pharmaceuticals, compact fluorescent lamps, electronics, beverage containers, and packaging. Melissa was the sponsor of Maine’s first-in-the-nation Product Stewardship Framework Law of 2010, as well as the sponsor of an electronic recycling bill (e-waste) that expanded the program in Maine in 2011 (both bills were enacted with unanimous bipartisan support). Melissa was a founding member of the Maine Product Stewardship Working Group that formed and met throughout 2010 to discuss implementation of the new framework law.  

After serving in the Maine legislature, Melissa served as the deputy director for Recycling Reinvented, a national nonprofit that worked to advance recycling policies to increase national recycling rates for packaging and printed paper. In her position at Recycling Reinvented, Melissa worked to craft and advance effective EPR legislation for packaging and printed paper through an intense stakeholder engagement process.  Melissa shared this legislation and relevant study data with states that were looking to dramatically increase their recycling rates of packaging.

Melissa is a member of the Global Product Stewardship Council Advisory Group, and is the outgoing chair of the Maine Sierra Club Political Team. Melissa holds a B.A. in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine. She lives with her husband, Shawn Walsh, and their three teenage daughters in the beautiful seaside town of Yarmouth, Maine.  Melissa can be reached at melissa@toxicsinpackaging.org.

State Updates

MASSACHUSETTS

MassDEP Recycling Business Development Grant Awards (Round 2) Announced

The Baker-Polito Administration announced grant awards totaling $500,000 to 3 companies to increase the amount of materials they recycle under the Recycling Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. 

"Earlier this year, MassDEP was selected to receive an Environmental Merit Award from EPA New England for the Commonwealth's work to reduce food waste," said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. "Our commitment to reducing the disposal of unwanted food has been reinforced with this round of grant funding. We are building our infrastructure to better manage organics and, in the process, protecting our environment, creating greener energy and supporting economic growth."

The RBDG program, which targets difficult-to-recycle materials, including glass, mattresses and packaged food, is funded through the sale of waste-to-energy credits. This round of grants funded projects that promote the recovery of packaged food with processes that maximize the use of both the packaging and the food material. As a condition of receiving funding, grant recipients commit to meeting tonnage goals over a two-year period.

Visit MassDEP’s Recycling Business Development Grants webpage for a list of grant recipients.

MassDEP Awards $2.38 Million for Recycling, Composting & Waste Reduction

The Baker-Polito Administration has announced $2.38 million in Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) grants to 51 communities, regional groups and non-profit organizations for recycling, composting, reuse and source reduction activities that will reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills and incinerators. This is the second round of grants awarded this year through the SMRP, which was created under the Green Communities Act and is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

Funds have been awarded in several categories, including start-up incentives for Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) recycling programs, mattress recycling incentives, wheeled-carts for curbside collection of recyclables and kitchen food waste for composting, large containers for collection of target materials at municipal transfer stations, funding for local recycling enforcement coordinators, school recycling assistance programs, and organics capacity building projects and innovative waste reduction projects.  For more specific information, see the full press release.

An alphabetical list of the city, town, regional group or non-profit organizations that have been conditionally awarded a grant, as well as more information about the SMRP program, can be seen here.

NEW YORK

New York Recycles Celebration!!

The annual NY Recycles! poster contest awards celebration was held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, NY as the grand finale to NYSAR3’s yearly conference. Each year the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in conjunction with NYSAR3, holds the NY Recycles! poster contest in order to help promote waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting throughout New York State. Poster themes are chosen each year and students in grades K-12 from across the state are invited to create their posters based on the designated themes. Hundreds of students then submit their posters to the contest. Winners are selected in a total of five age group categories and their posters appear in the NY Recycles! calendar. The winners are then recognized and presented with a framed print of their poster at the awards celebration. Themes and information for the 2017 poster contest can be found here. For more information about the NY Recycles! poster contest, please contact Kayla Montanye (518-402-8706). And don’t forget to take a look at the photos from this year’s awards celebration!

Advisory Member NewsGood Point Recycling Garners Governor's ADA Award

Vermont Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities notes outstanding contributions by Good Point Recycling. Halloween Event promotes cooperation by recycler, counseling service.

[Middlebury, Vermont] Manual disassembly, testing, and reuse and of used electronics recycles more than "e-waste". In Vermont, it creates jobs for people who face some of the highest barriers to employment.

The Vermont’s Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities [GCEPD] has awarded Good Point Recycling a 2016 “Spirit of the ADA” Awards. The Vermont “Spirit of the ADA” Award is given to employers who reflect the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act in their employment practices. Robin Ingenthron will receive the award on October 31, at Good Point Recycling's facility in Middlebury Vermont.

Good Point was nominated for the Award by the Counseling Service [CSAC] of Addison County, based on 4 criteria.

* Recruitment outreach and equal accessibility in the application, interviewing, and hiring procedures for people with disabilities.

 * Use of on-the-job accommodations, modifications, progressive employment methods, and/or creative solutions for successful training and employment of people with disabilities.

* Accessible physical structures, buildings, work stations and equipment, and services.

*  Support for the employment of a person(s) with disability as an overall employment strategy.

For more than a decade, Good Point Recycling has worked closely with CSAC to find environmentally successful jobs for people with unique skills.

"Good Point Recycling has the ability to see people for what they can do, rather for what they cannot do," says CSAC's Steve Reigle, whose team nominated Good Point for this award.

"Every employee here earns the paycheck. It isn't subsidized," says CEO Robin Ingenthron. "And our cooperation with CSAC has added a lot of value to our company."

Good Point Recycling has a social mission as well as environmental ones. The organization helped establish Fair Trade Recycling in 2007, opened a women's coop to recycle in Mexico in 2009, and cross trains Africans, Latinos, and Asians to spread best e-waste recycling practices worldwide.

"Our overseas partners, visitors from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are impressed by the diversity of Vermonters working here," says Ingenthron. "They see women truck drivers and executives, retired people, college students, autistic, punk rockers, and Latinos.  Last month, I asked about a recent hire, and someone replied - ‘he fits right in’. Everybody laughed, because it's such a diverse workplace," Ingenthron said.

We don’t only recycle stuff. We also recycle people.

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2016-09-06 13.12.47.jpg

Good Point Recycling VP Nathan Hill gives safety training to 6 new hires

2016-05-26 10.44.39.jpg

 

 

 

New parts recovery and inventory program started with CSAC recruits

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve Centre County 5th Grade Students Honored on America Recycles Day

College Township – The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority (CCRRA) and Weis Markets are proud to announce the twelve winners of our “How My Buddies & I Recycle” poster contest. 

Back on October 3, National Anti-Bullying Day, CCRRA & Weis Markets kicked off a poster contest that was open to all 5th grade students in Centre County.  The students had to design a poster around the theme “How My Buddies & I Recycle”.  On November 1, twelve posters were selected as our winners.

Congratulations to the following 5th grade students and schools:  Jillian Stoltz, Benner Elementary School; Abigail Bigger, Gray’s Woods Elementary School; Niziah Noone, Howard Elementary School; John Walters, Marion Walker Elementary School; Andrew Lebedev, Mount Nittany Elementary School; Quentin Muirhead, Mountaintop Area Elementary School; Jessica Wallace, Park Forest Elementary School; Marlee Butterworth, Pilippsburg-Osceola Middle School; Brenda St. Clair, Pleasant Gap Elementary School; Joseph Jones, Port Matilda Elementary School; Ana Heflen-Wood, Radio Park Elementary School; and Marlando Jones, Wingate Elementary School.

 “Weis Markets is pleased to honor the 5th grade students of Centre County for participating in the America Recycles Day calendar contest.  Having a year- long calendar with student inspired messaging through their art will remind us that recycling is important every day,” states Patti Olenick, Manager of Sustainability for Weis Markets.  She continues, “Weis is committed to sponsoring students in our communities and helping to educate them in being good stewards of the environment.”

All 12 winning posters will be made into a 2017 calendar that will be distributed to all 5th grade students in Centre County and will also be available at all Centre County Weis Markets stores at the end of December. Each of the students mentioned above will receive a $25.00 Weis Markets gift card as well as a Buddy Bench for their school.  Each Buddy Bench is made from 10,000 recycled plastic bags.

 

A press conference honoring the students will be held on Tuesday, November 15; America Recycles Day, at 12 pm at the Weis Market located on Buckaroo Drive in Bellefonte.  Each student will receive a framed picture of their winning poster at the ceremony. 

For additional information, please contact Amy Schirf at 814-238-7005, or by e-mail at aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org. 

Coca Cola Bottling Plant Achieves 96% Recycle Rate

Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England (CCNNE) is continuing to make large strides in their recycling efforts. With previous years of having a 93% recycling rate, CCNNE has recently made a huge accomplishment of achieving a 96% recycling rate at their Londonderry, NH Bottling Plant. This facility operates 355 days a year and produces 26 million cases of product annually. Thanks to the collaboration with Casella Resource Solutions, these recycled resources are getting another life.

Achieving this status took a lot of effort and is a goal CCNNE is proud to have reached. Ray Dube, CCNNE Sustainability Manager, has been an on-going ambassador for recycling and making continuous improvements for CCNNE’s operations and local communities. Ray Dube travels across the Northeast teaching to schools and businesses about the bigger picture of recycling, and the positive impact of incorporating it into their daily lives. “Recycling is so much more than setting out a few new bins,” explains Dube. “I hope our example will inspire other manufacturing facilities to really dig into their waste streams and take their recycling programs to a new level.”

Some of CCNNE’s best recycling practices include:

  • The plant bales its cardboard and shrink wrap, and collects plastic strapping and other hard-to-recycle plastics in Gaylords. Casella receives trailer loads of these items and manages them to market.
  • Trailer loads of damaged and out-of-code beverage products are delivered to Casella’s depackaging partner facility, which separates beverage products from their containers. Casella recycles the aluminum and plastic and directs the liquids to anaerobic digestion facilities for energy and nutrient recovery.
  • Plastic vs. wood pallets. By using plastic pallets, CCNNE has saved over 256,000 oak trees.
  • Plastic vs. cardboard trays. By using plastic trays, CCNNE has saved over 145 million pounds of cardboard.
  • When the plastic pallets and shells are broken and no longer serviceable, they are sent back to the manufacturer, ground up, and turned back into new pallets and shells.
  • Stretch wrap (industrial-strength cling wrap) is used to secure products on pallets for shipment. The stretch wrap is recycled and becomes Trex decking, a popular alternative to pressure-treated decking.

With this new system in place, CCNNE and Casella want others to know the true meaning of this achievement. “’Landfill-free’ is too often a code word for ‘incineration,’ which doesn’t necessarily maximize diversion through reuse, recycling, or other forms of recovery,” says Paul Ligon, Senior Vice President at Casella Resource Solutions. “Anyone can divert their waste from a landfill to an incinerator and say they’re ‘landfill-free’. What is truly unique and praiseworthy about the CCNNE program is that they’ve put in the full effort to reduce waste and recycle everything they possibly can. This is true resource management, and it’s what we’re all about.” As a team, CCNNE and Casella will continue to collaborate and evaluate this process to seek out any possible solutions that can better everyone involved.

CCNNE and Casella are both members of New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR). CCNNE is also a business partner of the Green Alliance, and is a leading sponsor of New Hampshire the Beautiful which has helped initiate recycling programs for New Hampshire communities.

For more information about Coca-Cola of Northern New England visit www.ccnne.com.  For more information about Casella Resource Solutions, visit www.casella.com

Maine Resource Recovery Association Announces 2017 Board of Directors

Maine Resource Recovery Association (MRRA) announces the election of their 2017 Board of Directors to serve one-year terms.  Joining the Board of Directors is Sandy Carrey. Ms. Carrey is the Manager of the City of Belfast Transfer Station and joins past members to round out the seven-member board.

 

Reelected board members are:

  • Irene Belanger - Town of China, Selectman
  • George Buswell - Penobscot County, Deputy Director Unorganized Territories
  • Mark Draper - Tri-Community Recycling & Sanitary Landfill, Solid Waste Director
  • Trampas King - Mid Maine Solid Waste Association, Superintendent
  • Lee Leiner - City of Bath, Deputy Director of Public Works
  • Ross Nason - KVCOG, Environmental Planner

MRRA also expresses thanks for years of dedicated service to MRRA board member Jim Guerra, Manager of Mid-Coast Solid Waste Corporation and Municipal Review Committee Board Vice-President. Mr. Guerra will no longer be serving as a Board member but remains a dedicated member and volunteer.

 

The elections were held on Monday, October 24th at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston, ME during MRRA’s fall workshop and annual meeting for industry professionals, municipal officials, and environmental organizations.

 

For more information, please go to www.mrra.net or call 942-6772.

Maine Resource Recovery Association Announces 2017 Maine Conference Dates

Maine Resource Recovery Association (MRRA) announces a return to the Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME for the 24th Annual Maine Recycling and Solid Waste Conference & Trade Show.

The two-day event, “Forging Ahead: Maine’s Sustainable Future” will be held April 24-25, 2017 with a vendor and welcome reception on Sunday, April 23rd.  Municipal officials, industry experts, solid waste professionals and over 35 vendors will gather for education, networking and exhibits.

Plan to join us for Maine's only integrated conference for the Solid Waste Industry.

Vendor and Registration packets will be available online soon.

For more information, please go to www.mrra.net or call 942-6772.

Get Plugged in at the 2017 ISRI Convention & Exposition

Registration is now open for ISRI’s 2017 Convention and Exposition. Each year, ISRI brings you new and exciting sessions, entertainment, and unique networking opportunities across commodities, jobs, and generations. Next year is no exception. Take a look at some of the best that ISRI2017 has to offer:

  • New Commodity-Specific Networking Events
    Networking is the single most important reason people come to an ISRI Convention. This year, we’re making it easier to network with colleagues and consumers in your commodity field with three different Commodities receptions planned.  On Tuesday, April 25, ferrous metals experts will gather immediately following the Ferrous Spotlight at the convention center.  On Wednesday, April 26, ISRI hosts a similar nonferrous reception immediately following the Copper and Aluminum Spotlights. Later that evening, experts in paper, plastic, tire and rubber recycling and MRF operations are invited to a reception at the New Orleans Marriott. These are just a few of the ways to network with those who you need to see.
  • The Art of Perception, Presented by Amy Herman
    Astute observation is critical to professional success. The ability to observe is grounded in the perception of visual information and the effective articulation of what the eye sees and what the brain interprets. Learning to reconsider how we perceive the world around us renews the critical nexus between the eye and the mind.  Whether you are interviewing a potential new employee or closing a deal that will change your life, improving your observation and communication skills can radically affect outcomes. Amy Herman is a lawyer and consultant who works with medical professionals in many fields as well as law enforcement agencies as diverse as the New York City police, the FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service. She has recently published Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life.
  • Just for Fun for All
    ISRI2017 will offer three unique “Just for Fun” programs designed not only for spouses and friends of the industry, but for anyone fully registered. Offerings will include City and Cemetery tours, a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking, and a Wednesday evening Ghost Tour through the streets of the French Quarter!
  • Comprehensive Paper, Plastics, Electronics and MRF Programming
    ISRI conventions have long offered some of the best programs available for recyclers of all commodities and ISRI2017 will be the best yet. ISRI2017 offers a full program of workshops for those interested in plastics, paper, electronics, tire, and rubber recycling. There will be workshops on Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) and how specifications can improve the quality and the flow of goods. 
  • PSI Paper Summit
    This year, ISRI’s Paper Stock Industries Chapter is co-locating their important Paper Summit with the ISRI Convention, offering a comprehensive two days of programs available separately, or as a part of the ISRI convention. 

Join ISRI in New Orleans April 22-27, 2016, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

ISRI Celebrates America Recycles with State of Recycling Address & Livestream Event

On America Recycles Day, ISRI was invited by Senate Recycling Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) and Senator John Boozman (R-AR) to present a Senate Briefing on the State of Recycling, highlighting the current economic, environmental, and social impacts of recycling in the U.S., and related policy issues.

In her address, ISRI President Robin Wiener detailed the vibrancy of the industry as well as its status as the first link in the global manufacturing supply chain. She also highlighted the recycling industry’s recognition as one of the world’s first green industries, born out of the need to recover and conserve valuable resources, and the fact that since earliest of times, people recognized the intrinsic value of recycling and the benefits associated with using and re-using existing materials to create new products.

Wiener emphasized the importance of remembering that recyclable materials are commodities, not waste. They are highly valuable and tradeable products, produced according to globally recognized specifications for purchase by industrial consumers – including steel mills, metal refiners, plastic manufacturers, foundries, and paper mills - to meet their raw material needs. Manufacturers value the use of scrap for the significant cost and energy savings provided.

A recording of the State of Recycling Address and Livestream event is available on the ISRI website.

Sony Hosting Free eCycling Event in Hawaii as Part of PGA's Sony Open

Kicking off the 2017 PGA’s Sony Open, Sony Electronics Inc., Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful (KHIB) and Waste Management (WM) are hosting free eCycling event at Kapolei High School. The event offers residents an opportunity to give new life to their old residential electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner that is free, convenient and secure.  As an added incentive, event participants will receive 2 free one-day admission tickets to the Sony Open PGA Golf Tournament (2 per vehicle).

This one-day event will take place Saturday, December 3th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kapolei High School, 91-5007 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, Honolulu, HI. Residents in the areas will be able to drop off acceptable items for recycling without even getting out of their vehicles. eCycling crew members will collect electronics from trunks or pickup beds and unacceptable items will be left in vehicles. 

Consistent with the goal to recycle in a responsible manner and protect personal data, this event allows area residents to help the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. It also serves as an example of businesses and organizations showing leadership in the area of responsible environmental stewardship. 

The PGA’s Sony Open in Hawaii in 2016 became the largest sporting event in the state to be honored with a Hawaii Green Business Award by the Hawaii State Energy Office. The award recognized Sony for its innovative work to conserve energy, engage communities and implement sustainable practices that protect the environment and help Hawaii meet its clean energy goals.  For more information, please see: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/csr/SonyEnvironment/initiatives/pdf/2016_SOIH_Report_v1.pdf

CANDI Plastic Opts for UNTHA’s New QR Series for Material Recycling

In July this year, CANDI Plastic Recycling began using an UNTHA QR1700 shredder for the shredding of plastics. The company is located in Lower Austria and specialises in the collection and treatment of non-hazardous waste. Several features proved this high-performance UNTHA single-shaft shredder was the best-fit machine for the brief, such as its versatility, low energy consumption and multi-functional flap.

Extensive know-how in material shredding

The production of shredders for material recycling has long been a staple of the UNTHA service portfolio, and as an industrial shredding specialist, UNTHA is continuously working to develop its technologies further. With the particularly reliable QR class, UNTHA has managed to combine several advantages in a single product range: The machines reduce costs for the customers while increasing their operational performance and simplifying their maintenance schedule at the same time.  After a two-year period of extensive research and development, the QR class was first introduced at the IFAT 2016 in May this year and is now in use at south Austrian company CANDI Plastic Recycling.

An all-rounder for CANDI Plastic

CANDI Plastic Recycling went into business in the collection and treatment of non-hazardous waste in 2001, with a focus on the processing of plastics into recyclable regranulates. The company is based in the south Austrian town of Sollenau and processes approximately 3,500 tonnes of plastics per year. Expectations for the new shredding system were high: "The customer was particularly looking for a unit that would be easy to clean and could deal with a wide range of different materials - the shredding of filament strings and big bags in particular were key applications", says UNTHA Project Leader Arno Urbanek.

A key success factor: Involving the customer in the development process

To ensure that customer requirements could be met in full, UNTHA provided CANDI Plastic with a prototype of the QR series when trials first began. This meant that the customer was able to participate in the development process and that all findings could be integrated in the manufacture and fine-tuning of the end product.

This process was one of the main reasons why CANDI Plastic opted for a UNTHA unit. The untha qr reader candi_plasticQR1700 combines all the benefits that were crucial to the business. The shredder deals effortlessly with all kinds of plastic, independent of form, condition and properties, and is easy to clean thanks to a screen system that can be lowered hydraulically and its multi-functional flap. A safety coupling protects the unit from damage caused by

Mr. Gheorghe Campan, CEO - Candi Plastic Recycling GmbH

foreign objects. This shredder also achieves higher throughputs than previous models, thanks to the large diameter of the rotor and the increased screen surface, combined with the maintenance-free pusher technology.

"So far, the QR1700 has fulfilled all my expectations. I am particularly impressed with the multi-functional flap that makes foreign objects easy to remove and the hopper easy to clean. Thanks to its large rotor diameter, the shredder is extremely versatile and able to process all different kinds of plastics", says Gheorghe Campan, Managing Director of CANDI Plastic. 

Cost reduction thanks to high energy efficiency

When it comes to developing new machines, energy efficiency is always a core requirement for UNTHA, and the new QR series is no exception. With a rated capacity of 75 kW – and a robust, universal cutting system – the unit combines maximum throughput with low energy consumption. This significant reduction of energy costs is yet another advantage that made CANDI Plastic opt for the QR1700.

Outlook: More customers choose QR series

UNTHA Project Leader Arno Urbanek regards the close cooperation with the customer during the development phase as a key success factor: Thanks to this cooperation, technical features were developed that correspond exactly to industry user requirements. The fact that customers appreciate this approach is reflected in the UNTHA order book – in addition to CANDI Plastic, two more customers have now opted for the UNTHA QR technology in only a matter of weeks.

of general interesT

Simple Seasonal Offerings with the 3R's

“'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free…”

"Simple Gifts" is a Shaker song written and composed Joseph Brackett in 1848. Keeping in mind the simple things for the holidays is sage advice. Incorporating the “3R’s” into the holiday season allows for a focus on “the simple.” 

Holiday Cards

Sending locally made cards helps promote local artists or cards made of post-consumer recycled content.  If you are inclined to save greeting cards from past occassions, they make great gift tags. Cut out shapes, write a message on the blank side, make a hole in the tag, and attach with ribbon (used of course!) or yarn.

Wrapping Paper

Dish towels, scarfs, unwanted paper maps, and similar items make practical and reusable gift wrapping. Of course, saving wrapping paper and gift bags for reuse is also thrifty and environmentally-minded. To keep this year’s used wrapping paper in good shape, iron (on low) as necessary, fold, and store flattened. There are loads of tips on reusing wrapping paper, including “green gifts” on Gift Decorating.

Holiday Decorating

Buying locally grown trees helps to support the local economy. Consider environmentally-friendly decorating, such as sprinkling the tree with baking powder to make a “snowy” appearance. Be sure to find out about Christmas tree mulching opportunities. For those with large yards or acreage, consider reusing the whole tree to provide cover for birds, rabbits, and other critters during inclement weather. The tree can also be covered with strands of popcorn and cranberries for wildlife or as a holder for a pine cone feeder for birds.

Hosting a holiday decorating party with family and friends is a wonderful way to share the season. Making homemade holiday decorations out of paper and other natural items or found objects can be fun.  Edible ornaments such as cookies, and popcorn or cranberry “strings” are a creative and delicious ways to decorate.

Simple Gifts

Got talent? Consider the following:

  • Create a photo collage of memorable photos as a gift.
  • Make a recipe booklet of your favorite recipes, family cooking traditions, or holiday theme meals.
  • Compile a list of memories and display them in an artistic manner.
  • Video or record an interview with parents, siblings, or other relatives about childhood memories, how they met, family history and events, etc., and present it to family members. 
  • Make flavored oils, homemade granola, or spice mixes for gifts and put them in reused containers.
  • Bake homemade treats and pack them in a recycled tin or basket.

Not so crafty?

Consider purchasing locally-made items, crafts, or other gifts to support the local economy and artists. Music lessons, gift certificates to local events, school and sporting needs are welcomed creative gifts. Reusable baskets or containers of local cheeses and other local items are another thoughtful idea. Consider “themed” gift baskets, such as a “breakfast basket” (locally made bread, jam) or “special evening” basket (wine, cheese, and crackers).

Gifts of “experiences” are different and exciting. A fun idea for kids is a subscription to a “monthly surprise family activity.” This gift can be made practical to fit any family budget, provides for family together time, and fosters new explorations as a family. Gift certificates to a spa, sports game, concert hall, or movie make great “experience” gifts as well.  The gift of “time,” such as “gift certificate” for mowing the lawn, cooking a meal, walking the dog, or other helpful chores will be appreciated as well.

A compost bin or kitchen collection bin make great holiday gifts and composting is a wonderful New Year’s resolution!

Gifts with a reuse theme

  • Clean out the closets and fill an old trunk or suitcase with fun clothing, hats, shoes, and gaudy jewelry for children to play dress-up.
  • A trip to a local reuse center or thrift store offers a wealth of gift options, including vintage clothing, jewelry boxes, vases, lunch boxes, games, and more. Used clothing, jewelry, and other items can be repurposed into a variety of “new” gifts.
  • Buy a used book and inside the cover write a dedication to the gift recipient explaining why you chose the book for the person.
  • Make envelopes out of magazine pages and combine these with blank stationary paper purchased from an office supply or craft store to make homemade stationary sets for gifts.
  • Host a “swap party” gift exchange for an entertaining reuse activity. Add extra fun by playing the gift-switching game White Elephant.
  • “Re-gifting” (with tack) is also an appropriate reuse option.

The holidays give us an opportunity to remember the needs of those that are less fortunate. Consider involving the family in donating usable clothing, toys, household items, and other items to local charities. Building Reuse Centers accept usable building materials, tools, and hardware; many will also accept appliances.

Holiday meals and parties

Advanced preparation for meal leftovers will not only reduce waste, but also allow holiday meal guests to enjoy leftovers. Plan now by saving yogurt and butter containers for leftover storage; also, encourage holiday guests to bring their own containers for taking home leftovers.

Be ready with extra containers for freezing leftovers. And, be creative by exploring new dishes with holiday leftovers. The Internet is filled with creative cooking ideas for leftovers!

 Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the Coming Year from the NERC Staff!!