News &
Updates

To view our archived Bulletins, click on a date below.

March 2012

NERC’s Advisory Members

Distinguished Benefactors

Benefactors

Sustaining Members

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

MEMBERSHIP

New Supporting Member:

Glass Packaging Institute

Renewing Sustaining Members:

Casella Waste Systems
Metech Recycling
Steel Recycling Institute
WeRecycle!

NERC NEWS

TOXICS IN PACKAGING CLEARINGHOUSE NEWS

STATE UPDATES

Vermont

Green Restaurants Designated

ADVISORY MEMBER NEWS

To join the EMail Bulletin list send an email to executive.director@nerc.org making the request, and please be sure to include your full name and organization.

NERC's mission is to advance an environmentally sustainable economy by promoting source and toxicity reduction, recycling, and the purchasing of environmentally preferable products and services.

State and Advisory Member Updates, as well articles of General Interest are provided as submissions to NERC and may not reflect the policy or position of the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.

NERC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MEMBERSHIP

We are delighted to welcome a new Supporting Member — the Glass Packaging Institute — as well as renewing Sustaining Members Casella Waste Systems, Metech Recycling, the Steel Recycling Institute, and WeRecycle!.

A hallmark of NERC is the strength of multi-stakeholder involvement and problem solving. This is a direct result of the active participation and support of NERC's Advisory Members. NERC has more than 50 Advisory Members. To see a complete listing and the benefits of membership, visit the NERC Advisory Membership web page.

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

NERC NEWS

Workshop April 17 – Busting the Myth

About Mattress Recycling in the Northeast

Usually when you hear people in the Northeast talk about recycling mattresses, they often finish the conversation by saying that there aren't many opportunities available here. You may be surprised to find out that there are more companies offering mattress management services in the Northeast than you might have known. You can learn about these companies and talk to them in person at NERC's Environmentally Sound Mattress Management Workshop. The Workshop will be held April 17 at the Hotel Northampton in Northampton, Massachusetts. It's time to register!

Exhibitor Space & Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, contact: Mary Ann Remolador, NERC.

Sponsors

What Do Corks, Dental Amalgam, Tennis Balls, and X-Ray Film have in Common?

These items are all recyclable and listed on the NY Recycling Markets Database!

Do you need to find a way to recycle an old yoga mat? Are your municipal leaders looking for a recycling outlet for mattresses? Is your business cleaning out old file cabinets, equipment or other items? Markets for these materials and more are included on the Recycling Markets Database.

The Database contains seventeen primary, searchable material categories, ranging from electronics to organics. Each primary category is subdivided into secondary material types to allow for refined searching. There are more than 150 secondary categories on the Database. The user has the capability to search by primary material, secondary material, and service provider type within specific geographic boundaries.

The Database currently contains more than 1,300 service provider listings, including materials brokers, processors, end-users, reuse organizations, haulers, and more. New listings are added and current listings are updated regularly. Service providers include those who deal with "common" recyclables like paper, metals and plastics, as well as more difficult to recycle items, such as mattresses, carpeting, and roofing materials. Recycling and reuse opportunities for more unique items, such as industrial by-products, reusable medical supplies and equipment, and plastic tubs and lids can also be found.

Although the database was originally established to serve the New York recycling community, its listings go beyond state borders. It is a regional resource, providing contacts to service providers through the Northeast, the East Coast, and the U.S. The best part about the Database: It's Free! There is no cost to be listed as a service provider or to search for reuse and recycling options.

The Database is housed on the New York Empire State Development Website. For more information contact Athena Lee Bradley, NERC's Projects Manager.

Composting in the Classroom

As a follow-up to her successful USDA School Waste Reduction, Recycling, & Composting Project, Athena Lee Bradley, NERC Projects Manager, was asked by Resource Recycling magazine to submit an article on school composting for the magazine's "composting edition" (published just in time for distribution at the United States Composting Council Annual Conference in January). "Composting in the Classroom" details the key actions necessary for implementing successful composting in schools.

A follow-up article in Resource Recycling's February edition, ''Bringing Composting into Schools," by Roger Guttentag, highlights the Web resources developed by NERC in its two-year school project. NERC's Composting at School presentation, School Composting Options, School Cafeteria Waste Reduction, and other school waste reduction and recycling articles are available for download from the NERC Website.

For more information on the school project, contact Athena Lee Bradley, Projects Manager.

Switzer Foundation, Resource Recycling, Waste & Recycling News

NERC staff have been published and recognized in several leading publications recently. As noted above, Athena Lee Bradley, Projects Manager, had an article published in Resource Recycling magazine about composting, last fall Lynn Rubinstein, NERC Executive Director, also had an article published in the November issue of the magazine: Whatever Happened to Mandatory Recycling? As a result of that article, the Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation asked Lynn to write a blog for them on the same topic. It was posted on February 1st of this year. Lynn was awarded a Switzer Fellowship in 1993. And, recently, NERC's conference was profiled in the "Picture this Page" of Waste & Recycling News. To stay current on all of NERC's publicity, visit the regularly updated NERC in the News section of the website.

NERC Likes to be Liked

And, who doesn't! Remember to "like" NERC on its Facebook page, and become a Twitter follower. We appreciate your support!

NERC Staff to Serve on RONA National Standards Certification Board

Athena Lee Bradley, NERC Projects Manager

Cities, institutions, and businesses are increasingly adopting sustainability, resource management, and/or zero waste policies. A trained and qualified workforce is best suited to meet the needs of a changing world, where budgets for recycling professionals are limited and programs are geared toward "cost efficiencies." Currently there is no national professional certification standard to support state or provincial training programs for the recycling and resource management industry.

The Recycling Organizations of North America (RONA) has set out to change this with its recent adoption of "The Plan for National Standards for Certifying Sustainable Resource Management Training Programs and Professionals (the Plan)." The process was initiated by RONA and the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), who collaborated on a federally-funded project to develop new resource management curriculum and a certification process.

A National Standards Certification Board has recently been created to oversee governance and implementation of the Plan. Through a survey process, as well as media and industry outreach, RONA solicited potential candidates to serve on the Certification Board; a total of 33 candidates applied for appointment.

Candidates were ultimately appointed to serve on the Certification Board based on the following criteria:

Industry experience and technical knowledge of the industry and/or certification programs;
Involvement with Recycling Organization Certification programs and the RONA National Standards process to date;
Geographic distribution;
Under-represented interests; and
Whether they are involved with higher education.

Board members were selected for their involvement and support of state and provincial Recycling Organizations throughout North America, as well as those representatives who could help with strategic alliances to other groups and who had strong experience in policy-making and program development roles.

Nine candidates were approved by the RONA Board to serve on the Certification Board:

Athena Lee Bradley, Northeast Recycling Council (NERC)
Bert Jacobson, Kankakee Community College, Illinois (and involved with all 47 community colleges and the Illinois Recycling Association new certification program)
Cary Oshins, U.S. Composting Council
Gary Liss, RONA Board
Joanne Shafer, Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, Pennsylvania and Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) – NERC Advisory Member
John Frederick, RONA Board – NERC Advisory member
Judi Gregory, CA Resource Recovery Association
Marie Kruzan, Association of New Jersey Recyclers – NERC Advisory Member
MaryEllen Etienne, Reuse Alliance

Under the Plan the RONA Certification Board could establish a "Content Committee" that would provide advice and expertise to help develop the content for the program and proficiency exam. As originally conceived, the Plan calls for its training certifications to meet ISO standards. The Certification Board (the governance committee) and the Content Committee (a "scheme" committee of subject matter experts) are required to comply with ISO guidelines for establishing certification training programs. Content Committee members are in the process of being invited and selected. The Certification Board will make its recommendations to the RONA Board for approval.

A great deal of work has already been put into developing the Plan. Extensive research was conducted into existing training programs, such as SWANA and USCC, as well as state-based programs, including the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP). The first steps of the Certification Board will be to follow-up on research conducted into existing certification efforts, and build upon the jobs and skills analysis and student learning outcomes outlined in the Plan to devise a national standard that can be accredited by post-secondary institutions and meets ISO approval requirements. Board members will be developing criteria for state/provincial recycling training programs and a proficiency exam for certifying professionals.

As recycling and resource management professionals you are encouraged to take a look at the Plan and provide input to the Certification Board. As a member of the Certification Board, Athena Lee Bradley, NERC Projects Manager, will be soliciting input and guidance into this important new project. Please contact her for more information.

TOXICS IN PACKAGING CLEARINGHOUSE NEWS

TPCH Testing Leads to $15,000 PetSmart Settlement for Packaging Violation

The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) recently provided test data that led to a $15,000 settlement between the State of New Hampshire and PetSmart, Inc. (PetSmart).

TPCH testing discovered cadmium above limits set by state regulation in flexible PVC packaging of several PetSmart products. The test data was shared with NH state officials, who subsequently collected additional data to support the enforcement action.

TPCH routinely screens packaging for the presence of regulated metals using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. "It's the most effective way to educate manufacturers and distributors about state toxic in packaging laws," according to Sharon Yergeau of New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services. "Companies often assume they are in compliance with state laws because they have packaging specifications that require their suppliers to meet applicable laws."

PetSmart is among several companies to pay settlements to states following the discovery by TPCH of packaging in violation of state laws. Forever 21, Inc., a mall-based retailer, settled with the State of California in 2006 for $165,000 for distributing shopping bags that exceeded regulatory limits for lead. Similarly, a Barnes and Noble shopping bag led to enforcement by several TPCH member states.

Over the past several years, TPCH testing projects have demonstrated that manufacturers and distributors must be vigilant about their packaging materials, particularly when sourced from overseas. About 15 percent of retail packaging screened by TPCH in recent years exceeded regulatory limits. Most companies work cooperatively with TPCH and member states to avoid state enforcement.

Lead and cadmium may be added to flexible PVC packaging as an inexpensive plasticizer or to inks and colorants to produce certain vibrant or longer-lasting colors. Although these substances may pose no threat to those handling the packaging, when the packaging material is disposed of in landfills or incinerators, these toxic metals can enter the environment and pose a risk to health and safety.

More information on the State of New Hampshire settlement with PetSmart is available in the State Attorney General press release.

Olympus Innov-X Systems Awards Grant to TPCH

Olympus Innov-X Systems has awarded the TPCH a Making a Difference Academic Grant Award. This grant, valued at $8,000, will loan the TPCH an Olympus Innov-X DELTA handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument for its upcoming packaging screening project. The TPCH project will test inks and colorants found on single-use shopping and mail order bags for the presence of lead and cadmium.

This study is a follow up to two previous projects by the TPCH that identified inks and colorants as a potential source of lead and cadmium in packaging. XRF screening allows for the inexpensive and rapid detection of elemental composition. Samples that screen positive for the restricted metals will be sent to laboratories for confirmatory testing. As with past projects, the TPCH member states may use the test results to pursue enforcement of their state laws if violations are discovered.

STATE UPDATES

Vermont

Green Restaurants Designated

Ten restaurants have been designated as Green Restaurants in the Green Mountain State in the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership (VBEP). The VBEP is a state program that recognizes businesses of all sizes for their environmental stewardship efforts. VBEP is a joint program of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vermont Small Business Development Center that is free to participating businesses.

Vermont businesses joining the VBEP go beyond compliance with existing environmental regulations, using resource conservation strategies and implementation of environmental best management practices. In addition to attracting customers seeking environmentally responsible businesses, Green Restaurants can save thousands of dollars a year by reducing energy and water use, reducing waste disposal costs, and reducing costs for material purchases. They benefit from the operational advice and knowledge of VBEP representatives.

The restaurants are charter members in the Green Restaurants in the Green Mountain State program that started in 2010. Green Restaurants have implemented a variety of environmental best management practices to green their businesses. Energy conservation measures include lighting upgrades, purchase of Energy Star appliances and refrigeration equipment, heating system upgrades, and improved weatherization. Water conservation methods include low flow dishwashers, sinks, and toilets. Resource conservation and sustainability is achieved through bio-based and paper to-go containers, buying locally sourced products, maximizing reuse and recycling, collection of food waste for composting, adding solar energy and solar hot water systems, and the use of green cleaners and post-consumer recycled paper products. Green Restaurants can take advantage of existing Vermont resources to identify environmental opportunities such as Efficiency Vermont assessments, Vermont Fresh Network connections, and municipal solid waste district food composting programs.

Current Green Restaurants in the Green Mountain State include: Michael's on the Hill, Waterbury; The Wayside Bakery & Restaurant, Berlin; Ye Olde Tavern, Manchester; Mio Bistro, Dorset; Cloudland Farm, North Pomfret; Restaurant Verterra & Lucy's Tavern at The Inn at Weathersfield, Perkinsville; Rira's Irish Pub, Burlington; The Stone Hearth Inn and Tavern, Chester; Works Bakery and Café, Brattleboro and Manchester; and The Tamarack Grill at Burke Mountain, East Burke.

Participating businesses are listed on the VBEP web site and are encouraged to identify themselves as green businesses on their Websites and in their marketing programs and literature. They proudly display the Green Restaurant in the Green Mountain State emblem at their businesses.

More information on the program can be found at: http://www.vbep.org/.

ADVISORY MEMBER NEWS

Northeast Recycles Over One Million Pounds of Batteries in 2011

Call2Recycle® is pleased to announce that the Northeast Recycling Council's (NERC) ten member states increased their 2011 collections of rechargeable batteries by 26%, recycling a total of 1,108,840 pounds of rechargeable batteries through their participation in the Call2Recycle program. Thirty percent of collections came from the public service sector, with the majority coming from Woodside, New York in Queens County with a total of 19,319 pounds.

"The Northeast continues to make strides in recycling rechargeable batteries and demonstrate a firm commitment to our environment," said Todd Ellis, Account Manager at Call2Recycle. "We commend NERC's members for continuing to promote battery recycling within their communities and the eco-safe reclamation of these materials."

Recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones diverts potentially hazardous materials from the solid waste stream, and ensures that valuable resources are reused.

For more information or to find participant support materials, please visit call2recycle.org.

Deconstruction Trends & Markets – March 29th, 1:30–2:30

This Webinar will look at the current and emerging trends of deconstruction, salvage and recycling markets for building materials. We will also explore how some municipalities are making deconstruction a viable alternative to demolition.