May 2013
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
Renewing Sustaining Member
Renewing Supporting Members
NERC NEWS
- NERC's Workshop Delved into the Details of Textiles Recovery
- Save the Date for NERC's 2013 Conference this Fall
- Organics Management Workshop in New Hampshire
- NERC Introduces Fee for Service Program
- Environmental Impacts of the State Electronics Challenge - Proven
- Congratulations to the State Electronics Challenge 2012 Award Winners!
- Learn about the State Electronics Challenge – introductory webinar May 14
- Sims Recycling Solutions Steps Up to Support the Challenge
- NERC's Blog Worth Repeating, Thinking about Spring, Special Events, & Composting
- NERC Gets a Logo
- NERC in the News
ADVISORY MEMBER NEWS
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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 and guest blogs 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 Electronic Recycling International, as a renewing Sustaining Member and R2 Solutions, the National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER), and hibu, publisher of Yellowbook, as renewing Supporting Members.
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 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
NERC's Workshop Delved into the Details of Textiles Recovery
Eight hours of intense presentations and discussions on textiles reuse and recycling programs were discussed at NERC's Workshop — Textile Collection Programs: Make it Work for Your Community — in Storrs, Connecticut. Presentations by for-profit and nonprofit textile collectors, processors, graders, and recycling manufacturers were all part of the day in discussing today's textile reuse and recycling industries.
Attendees came out of the workshop with a good understanding of the types of non-profit organizations and private businesses that are part of the textile industry, how they operate, what textiles are marketable and where the markets exist, as well as the details for setting up textile collection programs.
| Here's what some people had to say about the Workshop: | |
| • Eric Stubin, President of the Council for Textile Recycling, a Workshop presenter, commented that "(he) never saw so many people in one room so interested in textiles reuse and recycling before, and that everyone should receive a Master's Degree for their active participation in the Workshop." | |
| • Marilyn Cruz Aponte, Assistant to Director of Public Works for the City of Hartford, said, "Best (workshop) I think I have been to…speakers, topic, location…top notch!" | |
| • Brucie Molten of Vision 2020 Sustainable in Arlington, Massachusetts, a workshop attendee, wrote, "I want to tell you again what an excellent event I found the Textiles Recovery Workshop to be. The speakers were very interesting and the resources should prove quite useful." | |
The Workshop presentations will be available on NERC's website in the near future. For more information, contact Mary Ann Remolador, NERC's Assistant Director & Events Coordinator.
Save the Date for NERC's 2013 Conference this Fall
NERC will be holding its Annual Conference on October 29–30 at the Hotel Northampton in Northampton, Massachusetts. The conference will be followed by NERC's Board of Director's meeting. For more information, contact Mary Ann Remolador, NERC's Assistant Director & Events Coordinator.
Organics Management Workshop in New Hampshire
or•gan•ics
noun
- Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms: organic matter.
- Yard and landscape trimmings — leaves, grass clippings, and tree and brush trimmings.
- Food scraps and food processing residues.
- Non-recyclable/Soiled paper-napkins, paper towels, other paper products.
- Items manufactured from organics-compostable bags, utensils, plates, cups and bowls made from corn and potato starch, bagasse, PLA and similar materials.
Through its Best Management Practices for Organics & Debris Management In Rural Towns project NERC is working with towns and solid waste districts in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to develop strategies for better managing organics, from reduction to composting.
Through the project NERC is providing workshops and webinars on a range of organics management topics. While in the states, NERC is also delivering on-site technical assistance for handling organics, starting a municipal composting program, or expanding or improving an existing organics management system, and debris management preparedness.
An upcoming workshop is being offered in New Hampshire. The workshop is free, but registration is requested.
| Belknap & Carroll County Organics Management Workshop & Roundtable Friday, May 17 • 9 a.m. - noon Meredith Community Center One Circle Drive, Meredith, NH 03253 |
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| Compost Operation & Biodiesel Facility Tour Friday, May 17 • 2 p.m. Organic Matters/White Gates Farm 2153 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH 03886 |
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The workshop is designed to serve as a gathering for decision makers, municipal officials, commercial and institutional organics materials generators, haulers, and others interested in advancing organics management and composting.
This workshop provides continuing education hours for New Hampshire Solid Waste Operator Certification. Sponsors include: NERC; New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services; and Belknap County Conservation District.
Interested individuals can register or receive more information by contacting Athena Lee Bradley, NERC.
NERC Introduces Fee for Service Program
For many years, NERC has performed consulting work on behalf of government entities, organizations, and companies. This has been in addition to grant and dues-funded projects. The Board of Directors, at its April meeting, voted to formally announce and launch NERC's "fee for service" program.
Today's economic climate requires non-profit organizations, including NERC, to broaden their funding sources. Federal grant programs, a longtime main funding source for NERC, are quickly waning and not likely to return to previous levels. Funding from foundations is limited. By broadening its base of service, NERC will continue to promote its mission by delivering value-added projects that support the recycling community. Strategic financial planning will position NERC to best serve its state and advisory members and allow it to continue its valuable undertakings.
NERC is interested in projects in which it serves either as the lead organization, or as a subcontractor. For more information, or to partner with NERC, contact Lynn Rubinstein, Executive Director.
Environmental Impacts of the State Electronics Challenge – Proven
Every year participants in the State Electronics Challenge — known as 'Partners' — report on their activities in purchasing green, power and paper conservation, and reuse and recycling of computer equipment. This year, 42 Partners reported on their activities in 2012. The environmental results of their activities are extremely impressive.
| 2012 Partner Benefits |
Purchasing EPEAT® Products |
Operations & Maintenance |
Equipment Reuse & Recycling |
TOTAL BENEFITS |
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Reduction In |
How Much? |
How Much? |
Equivalent To |
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Energy use |
3.85 million kWh |
50.27 million kWh |
35.67 million kWh |
59.79 million kWh |
Electricity to power 7,051 U.S. households/ year |
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Greenhouse gas emissions |
645 metric tons of carbon equivalents |
9,477 metric tons of carbon equivalents |
5,928 metric tons of carbon equivalent |
16,050 metric tons of carbon equivalents |
Removing 7,955 cars from the road/year |
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Toxic materials, including lead & mercury |
885 lbs. |
2,029 lbs. |
766 lbs. |
3,680 lbs. |
Weight of 817 bricks |
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Municipal solid waste |
57 tons |
301 tons |
493 tons |
851 tons |
Waste generated by 415 households annually |
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Hazardous waste |
12 tons |
32 tons |
104 tons |
148 tons |
Weight of 1,088 refrigerators |
And that's just one year! The total results from the five years of the program (2008 – 2012) are posted on the SEC website. Take a look. I think you'll be impressed. For more information about the State Electronics Challenge, visit its website at www.stateelectronicschallenge.net, or contact Lynn Rubinstein, Program Manager.
Congratulations to the State Electronics Challenge 2012 Award Winners!
This year, the State Electronics Challenge is recognizing nine Partners for their activities in the State Electronics Challenge in 2012: 5 Gold awards for successful implementation of all three lifecycle program requirements; 2 Silver awards; and 2 more Bronze awards.
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Partner |
Recognition Level |
Lifecycle Phase |
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City of Corvallis, Oregon |
Gold |
Purchasing, Use, & End-of-Life Management |
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City of Providence, Rhode Island, School Department |
Gold |
Purchasing, Use, & End-of-Life Management |
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DuPage County, Illinois |
Gold |
Purchasing, Use, & End-of-Life Management |
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Manitou Springs School District, Colorado |
Gold |
Purchasing, Use, & End-of-Life Management |
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City of La Crosse, Wisconsin |
Silver |
Purchasing, Use, & End-of-Life Management |
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Vermont Agency of Natural Resources |
Silver |
Purchasing, & End-of-Life Management |
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City of Tacoma, Washington |
Bronze |
Purchasing |
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Ohio Environmental Protection Agency |
Bronze |
Purchasing |
Learn about the State Electronics Challenge – Introductory Webinar May 14
Last month we reported that the State Electronics Challenge had grown to the point of having 112 Partners. In just a few weeks, four more Partners have joined the program, including the first library. So, the program now has 116 Partners in 36 states, representing 160,000 employees. Interested in learning more?
A free webinar on May 14, 2:00 p.m. eastern, will introduce the State Electronics Challenge program and explain how its tools and resources can help state, regional, and local government entities meet sustainability goals by greening the lifecycle of office equipment.
The State Electronics Challenge offers the public sector — including schools, colleges and universities — a simple and straightforward strategy to buy office equipment with reduced environmental impact, use it efficiently, and recycle it responsibly. Organizations that sign on to the program — known as Partners — get free access to implementation tools, support and technical assistance, and receive an annual sustainability report that documents the impacts of the program on material and energy conservation, greenhouse gas avoidance and solid and hazardous waste reduction.
To learn more about the State Electronics Challenge, register for the introductory webinar: Tuesday, May 14, 2:00 p.m. Eastern/1:00 p.m. Central/noon Mountain/ 11:00 a.m. Pacific.
For more information, contact info@stateelectronicschallenge.net or visit the website at www.stateelectronicschallenge.net.
The State Electronics Challenge is supported by its sponsors-Samsung, Panasonic, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Sims Recycling Solutions, and the R2/RIOS program-as well as a grant from the EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Sims Recycling Solutions Steps Up to Support the Challenge
Sims Recycling Solutions has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting voluntary actions to decrease the environmental impact of computer equipment by continuing its generous sponsorship of the State Electronics Challenge.
For the third year in a row, Sims Recycling Solutions has provided funding to support national outreach and education about responsibly recycling electronic equipment at its end of life. "Sims has not only provided financial support, but provided direct education about the recycling process and the importance of certification," Lynn Rubinstein, Program Manager, indicated. "Their participation in the program has made a true difference," she added. Thank you!
NERC's Blog Worth Repeating: Thinking about Spring, Special Events, and Composting
It's that time of year again — time to consider implementing composting at your special event.
| Why special event composting?
Virtually all communities — from small towns to large cities—have special events. Whether a block party or music festival, events offer a perfect opportunity for hands-on education about composting. Special events present a microcosm of our society. People gather, they do activities together, and they generate waste. As much as half (or more) of the special event waste stream is compostable. Composting can be successful at virtually any type of special event. Events frequently offer recycling, a very laudable undertaking. However, taking that next step — to implement collection of compostables — often seems daunting. Admittedly, the tasks to implementing successful event composting are often unfamiliar and can be challenging — finding a hauler, convincing vendors to only use compostable service ware, and securing more volunteers. Composting at special events doesn't usually happen without extremely dedicated organizers or outside "intervention" from solid waste experts…and, often both! Getting startedPre-event preparation is best handled by a coordinator or committee who can work directly with the event manager. Ideally, particularly for large events, a pilot composting project will be undertaken at the event, before scaling it up to the entire operation. The pilot should include a vendor survey and outreach to vendors about event composting and the use of compostable service ware. An event food waste management plan, including estimated volumes of compostable materials, can be put together based on vendor survey results and the pilot. The plan can then be used to guide future composting. The following tasks should be undertaken at the start of the event planning season:
Consult the event's recycling hauler and other haulers in the area. Talk with solid waste officials. Smaller towns may find a farmer willing to accept materials. Depending on the size of the event, materials might be self-hauled using a pickup truck or trailer. Larger events will want to consider issuing a bid or request for proposals for a package of service provisions (waste, recycling, and composting). Vendor communication — early and oftenThe most effective special event composting occurs when vendors are required to only use ASTM/BPI compostable service ware and the event prohibits the use of non-compostable/non-recyclable service ware. Talking with vendors and phasing in this policy will gain their support. Make it optional the first year or offer a discount for those vendors that only use compostable service ware. Clearly outline acceptable service ware in the vendor contract and in all outreach. Be sure to inform health inspectors about the compost collection. Other vendor tips:
Green stations Convenient and visible "green stations"-compost, recycling, and trash — need to be placed in food vendor and other high traffic areas. Collection containers can be anything from wheeled carts to regular trash receptacles or five gallon buckets. Collection works best when the containers are easily distinguished from recycling and trash containers — either a different shape or color. Place big, bright, easy-to-read signage overhead or at eye level on each station, with containers labeled on the top and sides. Simple and consistent signage is most effective — "Food Waste, Plates, Cups." Attach sample compostable service ware to signage and containers for added visual effect. Eliminating "free-standing" trash cans not associated with the green stations will encourage recycling and composting. The collection systemCollection ease relies on setting-up a parallel system to event recycling and trash collection. Equal visibility and support must be given to composting as is given to recycling and solid waste management. Collection containers tend to fill up quickly due to the bulkiness of service ware. Depending on the volume generated, attendee traffic, and the event footprint, a wheeled cart or motorized golf cart, will be needed for moving collected materials to a consolidation point. The location of the collection dumpster or truck (the "service area") must be pre-arranged with the hauler and accessible for easy dumping of materials. Some events will find it helpful to establish staging areas for temporary storage of full bags or carts until these can be emptied at the service area. These can be located behind vendor booths, trees, portable toilets, or other out-of-the way location(s). Have an easily accessible area for storing compostable bags and volunteer supplies, including litter pick-up sticks, disposable gloves, and sanitizing solution. The compost teamAn essential key to successful composting is active monitoring of the green stations. One monitor per station ensures that:
Compost coordinator duties include:
The compost coordinator must provide station monitors with an overview of what is compostable and what isn't, as well as composting/recycling logistics, and safety (lifting, not sticking hands directly into containers, etc.). Monitor duties include: providing a brief "compost talk" to event attendees and helping them sort materials; notifying the coordinator when bins need emptying; and, keeping the stations clean. Most event attendees will be unfamiliar with compostable plastics, so it is important that monitors let them know that the items are made from corn (or potato starch, bamboo, etc.), and that yes, they are compostable at a commercial operation. Larger events may want to assign "floaters" to help in emptying containers and moving full bags or carts to the staging or service area. Clean-up is busy and volunteers need to be pre-assigned to help remove collection bags/carts to the service area or leave in designated locations for hauler pick-up; set-up for the next day (if the event continues) or breakdown stations if the event is over; and pick-up litter. PublicityJust as with recycling, promotion is effective at both helping to educate attendees and also gaining recognition for the event's greening efforts. Use the event website and social media, press releases, fliers/posters, green station locations on maps, and stage announcements to get the word out. NERC's Guidance for Special Event Food Waste Diversion is a practical and detailed resource for developing and implementing organics diversion programs. The guidance document includes several case studies, sample contracts, signage, a food waste management plan template, volunteer training tips, a sample food waste vendor survey and introductory letter, and more. For additional information contact Athena Lee Bradley, Projects Manager. |
NERC Gets a Logo
With a pending revision to its website, NERC has finally developed a logo. You may not have noticed that we never had one before, but now we do!
NERC IN THE News
In the past several weeks, NERC and its programs have been mentioned in publications as varied as the New York Times to the National Association of Counties newsletter, to the Cape May County Herald. Take a look for yourself!
ADVISORY MEMBER NEWS
Electronic Recyclers International Launches New York Offices
Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), a leading recycler of electronic waste, has announced the official opening of its New York City offices.
ERI's New York location is centrally perched above the Grand Central Terminal in the iconic Met Life Building in midtown Manhattan.
"I'm very proud to be back in New York City, my hometown, and to be opening our newest ERI offices here," said John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of ERI. "This is where it all started for me and we at ERI are passionate about putting our resources toward this wonderful city. We are currently in the process of conducting interviews for some regional salespeople and operational executives and are excited to see our presence here grow as it has all over the country."
Shegerian added that the ramping up of the new location has just been completed and the Manhattan offices are now open for business.
For more information on general recycling needs, visit www.electronicrecyclers.com, or http://1800recycling.com.
Now the largest privately held recycler of electronic waste in the U.S., and the world's first dual-certified electronic waste recycler, Electronic Recyclers International is licensed to de-manufacture and recycle televisions, computer monitors, computers and other types of electronic equipment. ERI processes more than 200 million pounds of electronic waste annually at eight locations in seven states, including California, Washington, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Texas & North Carolina.
UNTHA America Welcomes Austrian Intern
UNTHA shredding technology America, Inc. of Hampton, NH welcomes Austrian student intern Verena Haym. Haym, who is studying international marketing and sales management, will be working at UNTHA America through May. UNTHA America is a division of the Austrian-based UNTHA shredding technology GmbH, one of the world's leading providers of size reduction equipment for the recycling industry. Haym, a senior at FH-Campus 02, University of Applied Sciences in Graz, Austria, was pleased to gain experience working overseas with an international firm.
"My University program requires that we go abroad so we receive real experience working in the international marketplace," she says. "I was happy to work with UNTHA because they are an Austrian-based company, and I am especially interested in business-to-business marketing."
While in the States, Haym has been working with UNTHA's marketing director, Maggie Flynn, and has been educated about the company's marketing strategies and goals. She has also taken responsibility of specific marketing research projects while here, delving into fiber and other industrial recycling opportunities.
"I am enjoying working in the recycling field," she says. "It is very interesting, especially because the recycling industry in America operates much differently than in Austria."
Haym has had a chance to explore some of America while here, having visited Washington DC and Philadelphia, and she will soon embark on a trip to New York City. "I have enjoyed my time here in the States very much," she says. "Everyone has been very nice. Even the people I have called on the phone in the course of my research have been helpful. It has been a great experience!"
Only one element has been a bit frustrating. "You have had so much snow, and for so long!" she says. "I hope I get to see spring before I leave in May!" Hopefully, Mother Nature will cooperate.
To learn more about UNTHA America, call (603) 601-2304 or visit www.untha-america.com.