March 2023
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
Advisory Member Spotlight
New & Renewing Members
- AMP Robotics
- International Bottled Water Association
- Plastics Industry Association
- Revolution
- TOMRA
- HW Green Company Inc. *New
- MassRecycle *New
- National Center for Electronics Recycling
- Quantum Biopower
- Tetra Tech
Building a Diverse Workforce for Sustainable Materials Management
- Less Than 2 Weeks Away! Building a Diverse Workforce for Sustainable Materials Management, April 3-4 1:00-3:30 PM eastern.
- Thank You to NERC's DE&I Committee
NERC News
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Supply Side Policies Committee
- Consistent Downward Trend in Material Values for Quarter Ending December 31
- We Can’t Give Up on Plastic Recycling: We Must Do Better
- Why reuse programs shouldn’t wait for consumers
- Lithium-ion Battery Fires Continue to be a Growing Threat
- The enormous opportunity of e-waste recycling
Seminar Recordings and Presentations
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Collaborative Solutions to Automate MRFs
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Environmental Justice Mapping Tool Training, April 19, 12pm est.
- Cheryl Coleman of ISRI to Deliver Keynote Address at Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference
- Blended average prices continued to fall in Q4
- Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference: Meet the Speakers
Seminars
State Updates
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CT DEEP Seeks Environmental Analysts
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DC DPW Seeks Manager, Office of Waste Diversion
- EPR for Packaging Stakeholder Meetings
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Waste Diversion Grant Program RFP
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DEC Meeting on Chemicals and Reporting Thresholds Recording & Feedback Solicitation
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2022 Report to the Governor and Legislature on the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling law
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9th Annual New York State Organics Summit
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Recent Studies on Vermont’s Food Waste Law and Plastic Bag Ban
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Vermont Legislature introduces Household Hazardous Waste EPR bill H.67.
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Vermont Legislature introduces Bottle Bill expansion, H.158 bill, that includes modernization with EPR principles.
ADVISORY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Bright Feeds
New England-based Bright Feeds, NERC’s newest Supporting Advisory Member, is a “startup solving the food waste crisis by diverting unwanted food from the waste stream and converting it into a high-quality, nutrient-rich animal feed replacement for soy and corn.” Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art drying technology, Bright Feeds accepts all types of food waste from a variety of businesses across the food industry. The company then produces blends for use in a variety of poultry, swine, aquaculture, and cattle feeding operations. The company’s mission, it states, “is pioneering a new pathway to combating climate change and meeting global food insecurity challenges through innovations in waste management.” Continue reading.
NEW & RENEWING MEMBERs
Membership is key to Northeast Recycling Council's regional and national commitment to circularity and sustainable materials management. For more information about NERC's Advisory Member program, please visit Nerc.org/Advisory-Members/What-Is-A-NERC-Advisory-Member and view our Advisory Membership Brochure.
Thank you to the following members for their support. We appreciate your commitment to Northeast Recycling Council and its mission.
Sustaining Members
Supporting Members
- HW Green Company Inc. *New
- MassRecycle *New
- National Center for Electronics Recycling
- Quantum Biopower
- Tetra Tech
building a diverse workforce for sustainable materials management
With less than two weeks away, you are invited to register for our virtual conference Building a Diverse Workforce for Sustainable Materials Management on April 3-4 1:00-3:30 PM eastern. Building diversity in your workplace is more than an HR task. It leads to organizational success by bringing different perspectives to the same table to tackle complex issues.
Both days include sessions focused on cultivating inclusivity in the workplace and in hiring practices. On Day 2, attendees will break-out into groups to reflect on sessions, discuss challenges and successes in hiring and retention strategies, and share ideas with one another about best practices.
Registration Details:
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Use code ‘RECYCLE’ to apply a 20% discount on your admissions (Expires on Friday, March 24th).
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State agency staff, Board members, and students are able to register at no cost through the registration form.
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Students, please send a copy of your student ID, resume, and a brief explanation about why you would like to attend the conference to Mary Ann Remolador, NERC’s Assistant Director & Conference Organizer at maryann@nerc.org.
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Advisory members should contact Robert Kropp at robert@nerc.org to redeem one (1) complimentary admission.
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State Recycling Organizations should contact Robert Kropp at robert@nerc.org to redeem two (2) complimentary admissions.
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Thank You to NERC’s DE&I Committee
We’d like to give a special thanks to NERC’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Committee for working with staff to develop such an informative and robust Spring Conference Agenda—Building a Diverse Workforce for Sustainable Materials Management. The Conference will focus on developing a lens of inclusivity in recruitment and hiring practices, clearing career pathways for underrepresented individuals, and creating retention strategies for an inclusive workplace. The DE&I Committee is made up of NERC Board of Directors and Advisory Members. They include:
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Jessica Levine, The Recycling Partnership (Committee Chair)
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Megan Pryor, Maine Department of Environmental Protection
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Lauren Craig, Coca Cola Beverages Northeast
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Billy Connelly, Vanguard Renewables
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Cherish Changala-Miller, Revolution
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Anne Bijur, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
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Shelly Forcier, Delaware Solid Waste Authority
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Cheryl Coleman, ISRI
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Robin Ingenthron, Good Point Recycling
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Randy Hartmann, Keep America Beautiful
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Danielle Fortunato, Plastics Industry Association
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Mary Ann Remolador & Megan Fontes, NERC
If you are interested in learning more and joining the DE&I Committee, contact Mary Ann Remolador at maryann@nerc.org.
NERC NEWS
New Committee
NERC and NEWMOA have jointly convened a Committee to focus on supply side policies. The Committee is tasked with exploring, discussing, and writing the Supply Side Policy Guide about strategies for increasing the supply of post-consumer plastics, clean glass and paper to the marketplace. The Guide is intended to be used as a complementary document to the Glass Minimum Post-Consumer Recycled Content Model Legislation and the Minimum Postconsumer Recycled Content for Plastics Products and Packaging Model Legislation. If you are interested in learning more and joining the Supply Side Policies Committee (SSPC), contact Mary Ann Remolador at maryann@nerc.org.
Press Releases
Consistent Downward Trend in Material Values for Quarter Ending December 31 | NERC’s MRF Values Survey Quarterly Report for the period October – December 2022 again showed a sharp downward trend in values, with a -28% change from the previous quarter for values without residuals1, and -31% change for values with residuals. Download the Report.
Blog
We Can’t Give Up on Plastic Recycling: We Must Do Better
by Kristen Rinehart, Advanced Drainage Systems
Why reuse programs shouldn’t wait for consumers
by Olga Kachook, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, GreenBlue
Lithium-ion Battery Fires Continue to be a Growing Threat
by Ryan Fogelman, Fire Rover
The enormous opportunity of e-waste recycling
by Jon Smieja, GreenBiz Group
Seminar Recordings and Presentations
Collaborative Solutions to Automate MRFs
Environmental Justice Mapping Tool Training: EPA is hosting a virtual public training about the EJScreen 2.1, the updated version of the Agency's environmental justice screening and mapping tool. The training includes training about how to use the EJScreen, information about the newest updates to the tool, and a demonstration of the available features. Registration is not required. Join the Environmental Justice Mapping Tool Training on April 19, 12:00 p.m. eastern with this meeting link.
NERC IN THE NEWS
Cheryl Coleman of ISRI to Deliver Keynote Address at Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference
March 14, 2023 | Waste Advantage | Building a Diverse Workforce for Sustainable Materials Management is a necessary component of working towards sustainability. By inviting and valuing all voices and stepping out of our comfort zones, we create the opportunity for sound decision-making. “Developing a culture where a diverse workforce is considered to be the norm in our industry, is what we are striving to achieve,” said Cheryl Coleman of ISRI.
Blended average prices continued to fall in Q4
March 14, 2023 | Marissa Heffernan, Resource Recycling |The blended average price of recovered material dropped again in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to a recent market report. The Northeast Recycling Council’s (NERC) Recycling Market Report covered prices from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 of 2022. MRFs reported that in the fourth quarter of 2022, the average value of a ton of material was $79.30 without residuals and $69.35 with the cost of residuals included.
Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference: Meet the Speakers
March 14, 2023 | Waste Advantage | The Conference will convene individuals across the material management value chain to discuss approaches to diversifying staff. Sessions will focus on developing a lens of inclusivity in recruitment and hiring practices, clearing career pathways for underrepresented individuals, and creating retention strategies for an inclusive workplace.
Seminars
NERC Seminars are offered at no cost and are open to anyone.
Recycling carpet creates jobs and achieves substantial reductions in GHG emissions. Yet, despite decades of discussions and voluntary agreements to recover carpet, only ~1 percent of carpets are recycled in the US. Join this conversation with a carpet policy expert, an established recycler, and a local official about the opportunity and impact of carpet EPR. Register.
Hear from experts on EPR for packaging and bottle bill programs and how these two systems can work together. Presenters include representatives from Circular Materials, National Stewardship Action Council, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Register.
Proper management of waste from e-cigarettes and vaping, including any opportunities for recycling the materials is the focus of this Seminar. Presenters will talk about the different devices and their waste streams, the classification of the waste and requirements for handling the material, and overall challenges. Register.
This quarterly deep dive forum discusses issues impacting the reuse of durable items—construction materials, consumer and household items, electronics, books, textiles, and fixtures and furnishings. Forum 3 will focus on data about the economic impacts of reuse at Finger Lakes Reuse, Reuse Minnesota and Zero Waste Washington. Register.
State News
Connecticut
CT DEEP Seeks Environmental Analysts:
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Environmental Analyst 1: The State of Connecticut, Office of Planning and Program Development (OPPD) within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) seeks a qualified Environmental Analyst 1 to support DEEP’s Permit Assistance function. Learn more and apply.
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Environmental Analyst 2: The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Office of Planning and Program Development (OPPD) is seeking to fill multiple openings for an Environmental Analyst 2 to work with either our Client Concierge Team or our Environmental Review staff. Learn more and apply.
District of Colombia
DC DPW Seeks Manager, Office of Waste Diversion: A highly skilled professional is sought to lead Washington DC’s Office of Waste Diversion (OWD) located in the DC Department of Public Works (DPW). DPW plans to release its Zero Waste DC Plan in April, and the OWD Manager will lead its implementation, including a curbside compost pilot slated to launch this summer. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply no later than April 4, 2023. Learn more and apply here.
Maine
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Maine’s EPR for packaging stakeholder meetings will be taking place through March; interested persons can sign on to attend remotely or in person. Learn more here.
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The Waste Diversion Grant Program RFP closed for the spring and now in review. Grants will be awarded over the course of the next month, with another round of waste diversion grant funding anticipated for the fall.
New York
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On February 16, 2023 DEC held a third virtual public meeting to present and discuss an expanded list of about 600 chemicals and chemical groups and potential reporting thresholds. A recording of this meeting (link leaves DEC website) is available for review. Please note that DEC is soliciting feedback on the chemicals under consideration for listing, which are included in Table 1 (COCs) and Table 2 (HPCs) of the document posted here. DEC will also be accepting comments on the test methods, reporting thresholds, and other topics identified in the document until March 20, 2023. Please submit comments via email to TCCPprogram@dec.ny.gov.
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View the 2022 Report to the Governor and Legislature on the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling law. The report provides an overview of the implementation of the NYS Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling law since its passage in 2019, and DEC’s efforts to develop a successful food donation and food scraps recycling program in New York State with assistance from established partners NYS Pollution Prevention Institute, Center for EcoTechnology and Feeding NYS.
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The 9th Annual New York State Organics Summit will take place April 3-5, 2023 in Syracuse, NY at Marriott Syracuse Downtown. The first two days of the summit will feature full-day programming in a hybrid format allowing attendees the opportunity to participate in-person or remotely. As an add on, in-person attendees will also have the opportunity to tour OCRRA Amboy Compost Facility and see equipment demonstrations on April 5. Email nysorganicssummit@nysar3.org with questions or for exhibitor/sponsorship inquiries.
Vermont
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Two recent studies on Vermont’s food waste law and plastic bag ban by the University of Vermont indicate success and room for improvement.
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Vermont Legislature introduces Household Hazardous Waste EPR bill H.67.
Advisory Member News
AMP Robotics: Film and Flexibles Recycling Coalition Grant Advances Film Recovery | System solutions for film recovery and recycling are desperately needed to help address the full scale of the plastic waste crisis and save millions of tons of plastic materials from landfills. The Recycling Partnership’s Film and Flexibles Recycling Coalition is on the cutting edge of this work, making grants that advance film collection, sorting, and processing. A recent grant to Colorado-based AMP Robotics supports the collection of film at AMP’s secondary sortation facility outside Atlanta, Georgia, using AMP Vortex™, an AI-driven solution for film recovery. The company develops artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and infrastructure for the recycling and waste industries. Read the full announcement.
Casella: Save the Date for the NYS 2023 Conference | The 34th NYS Recycling Conference and Trade Show will be held on November 14-16, 223 at the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, NY. Stay tuned for the agenda and registration coming late Summer 2023! Visit Nysar3.org for more information.
RRS: Foam Recycling Coalition Grant Program Opens | The Foam Recycling Coalition has opened the 2023 application period, now through April 25, 2023, for public and private entities seeking to start or improve foam polystyrene recovery in their recycling programs. Eligible entities must engage in operating a material recovery facility, manage residential curbside recycling programs, or manage a drop-off or convenience site recycling program. Previous grant awardees have used FRC funding to purchase equipment, including collection bins and foam densifiers, that aid in the efficient collection and on-site material preparation prior to shipping. No cash match is required. However, additional costs by the grantee may be incurred for related items, such as site preparation, electrical infrastructure, freight, etc. Learn more.
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe: Compost Survey in Akwesasne | It was a snowy day in Akwesasne during the MSW Blue Bag service run. The garbage truck driver picked up the blue trash bags while the Recycling Coordinator handed out the Composting Food Survey to each household that is subscribed to the MSW Blue Bag Service. The results will help us determine outreach and assistance. It will also help to plan and construct a small-scale composting pilot program that produces rich soil material. Read more.
Salem Recycles: Repair Cafe | Over 50 residents attended the SalemRecycles Repair Cafe on Saturday February 11th to have items repaired. We are thrilled to see this event growing as we welcomed new fixers and new stations to this reuse/repair event. The Next Repair Cafe will take place on May 20th at the Community Life Center. Repair volunteers will be available to mend clothing, sew buttons, sharpen scissors and knives, tinker with or rewire electronics and lamps, computer diagnostics, glue wooden furniture and ceramics, repair bicycles or preform bike tune-ups, and more. Salem residents can schedule an appointment by contacting Janelle Rolke at jrolke@salem.com or 978-619-5672.
Sonoco: All-In On Recycling | The design of Sonoco’s EnviroCan™ allows it to meet a brand’s ongoing challenge of balancing responsible materials sourcing with product and food safety. The design of EnviroCan™ allows it to be recycled in the steel stream in the U.S., and EnviroCan™ is eligible for the relevant recycling label in Canada. Sonoco is committed to reducing packaging’s negative impact on our world with ongoing efforts to increase the recycling rate of EnviroCan™ through both the paper and steel recycling streams. To learn more, visit https://www.sonoco.com/yes-we-can or contact michelle.jeffords@sonoco.com.
Sustainable Packaging Coalition: Podcast, Publication, and Compostable Packaging Collaborative 101 Infographics | Two subject matter experts, Dr. Ruth Maust and Mr. Tom Pollock, talked to the host of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast, Cory Connors, specifically about packaging in regard to recovery. Listen here. Dr. Ruth Maust explores the technical side of bio and chemical recycling in “‘Biorecycling’ is Chemical Recycling, and Biorecyclable Packaging Already Exists.” The Compostable Packaging Collaborative designed 15 Compostable Packaging 101 infographics which can all be accessed and downloaded from this page under the "Resources" section.
The Recycling Partnership: Study of Extended Producer Responsibility Policy Across 7 Jurisdictions Worldwide Shows it Dramatically Increases Recycling Rates | The Recycling Partnership analysis shows that U.S. states could expect an increase in recycling rates with the introduction of EPR law. States can expect significant increases in recycling rates for packaging (including plastic, glass, aluminum and steel) and printed paper with the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, a new study from The Recycling Partnership finds. Read more.
Urban Mining: Two Connecticut Innovators Receive National Awards | Build With Strength, an initiative of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), recently celebrated industry innovators at the 2023 Concrete Innovation Awards in Las Vegas, NV. Winners were selected by a panel of judges for their commitment to improving the resilience, performance, and sustainability of concrete. Two Connecticut innovators received awards; Urban Mining Industries in Beacon Falls and the new Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s West District Headquarters, currently under construction in Black Rock State Park in Watertown. Read the full press release.