November 2015
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 Sustaining Member
Renewing Sustaining Member
Renewing Supporting Member
- Newspaper Association of America (NAA)
Member Spotlight - The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR)
NERC NEWS
- Record Number of Registrants for NERC’s Glass Forum - Don't Miss Out
- The Big Event — Webinar on Best Practices for Implementing Reuse Events
- NERC Receives National Award from NRC!
- NERC Needs Your Support & Involvement
- NERC Staff Speaks on Composting
- Recyclers Have Their Say - Response to the NYT Article
- Want to Do a Better Job with your Electronics & Get Recognized for It? Free Webinar
- Introducing Biosolids – A NERC Blog Worth Repeating
NEWLY POSTED
STATE UPDATES
CONNECTICUT
MASSACHUSETTS
VERMONT
ADVISORY MEMBER UPDATES
- Foam Ban Overturned in New York City
- ISRI, JASON Learning Announce “Bigger Than the Bin” Student Video and Poster Contest
- ISRI Names Terry Cirone New Vice President of Safety
- Carpet & Mattress Recycling Made Simple with Newly Released How-To Guides
NERC’s mission is to promote sustainable materials management by supporting traditional and innovative solid waste best practices, focusing on waste prevention, toxics reduction, reuse, recycling and organics recovery.
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
Membership is key to NERC's regional and national committment to sustainable materials management. We are delighted to welcome our newest Sustaining Member - the Council of State Governments/Eastern Regional Conference (CSG), which enhanced its membership from the Supporting level. We also welcome renewing Sustaining Member swissRTec America, Inc. and Supporting Member the Newspaper Association of America (NAA). Thank you!
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 - The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR)
When you want to know about plastics recycling, the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) would undoubtedly be your go-to group. APR represents more than 90% 
of the post-consumer plastics recycling capacity in North America. Its members include purchasers, recyclers and reclaimers of collected plastic bottles.
APR understands the need to be a representative for plastic recyclers on solid waste and packaging initiatives that may impact the industry. It also knows the importance of speaking out for its members and actively engaging legislative decision-makers about issues facing the industry.
Its mission is clear—in order for the plastics recycling industry to grow and be sustainable, the volume of plastic that can be recycled back into marketable products must dramatically increase. Moreover, to be successful in this effort, the quality of the stream should be protected. Keeping contaminants out of the materials destined for reprocessing is crucial in order to ensure the recyclability of otherwise “good” plastic.
Recognizing that in order to achieve its mission it requires a cooperative effort, APR works with the food and packaging industry, environmental community, recycling industry, and government to ensure the long-term success of recycling. It also actively participates in forums to exchange ideas, experience and knowledge on recycling alternatives.
“The Voice of Plastics Recycling”
APR supports its members and plastics recycling through several member-driven committees.
- The Association’s two Technical Committees—PET Recycling and Olefin Plastic Recycling—support its members with a range of undertakings. These include: maintaining the APR Design™ Guide for Plastics Recyclability; developing and maintaining test methods to aid packaging innovators, and, developing model bale specifications. The Technical Committees also undertake special programs that are of broad interest to APR members, such as evaluating methods for separating mixed PP and PE plastics and updating lifecycle analyses for PET and HDPE.
- Its Communications Committee supports APR’s efforts to be the “The Voice of Plastics Recycling” with a goal of increasing quality supply through communication and education. The committee develops general public and industry information to ensure that the public understands how plastics can be recycled and fosters greater participation in collection programs.
- APR’s Film Reclamation Committee develops and implements strategies and tactics that boost polyethylene film recovery and markets. The committee works with stakeholder groups to advance its mission, including ACC's Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG) and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) to promote APR's message that plastic film is recyclable, regardless of how it is collected.
- APR created the Rigid Plastics Recycling Program to stimulate recycling of rigid plastics beyond #1 and #2 bottles. Rigid plastic recycling “stakeholders” - collectors, recyclers, brand users, resin producers and public policy makers – have joined together to address the issues, concerns, problems and possible solutions.
Enriching Recycling through Plastics Education
APR is well known for its education programs benefiting a wide audience—industry, the general public, state and local solid waste management officials, legislators, and others.
One recently video, Baling Recycled Grocery Rigid Plastics, targets grocery stores with the message about how to generate revenue through baling and recycling rigid plastics. As Liz Bedard, director of the APR Rigid Plastics Recycling Program, states “there is great value in grocery store plastics and we want to make it easy for grocers to see how they can enhance the value of the material by baling it.”
An APR website devoted to recycling grocery rigid plastics contains additional resources.
APR is a partner in PlasticFilmRecycing.org and the Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP) which are designed to increase plastic film packaging recycling. An online Drop Off Directory helps people locate opportunities for plastic film recycling. The PlasticFilmRecycling.org site also offers information for businesses and communities wanting to establish collection programs, including tip sheets and sample promotional materials.
Among its many plastics marketing resources, is APR’s Plastic Recycling Market Information and Services Directory; a complete directory of materials that APR Members purchase and sell, as well as the services (grinding, densifying, washing, pelletizing, compounding and solid stating) offered.
Its Champions for Change™ Program encourages innovators to conduct testing and confirm any impact of new plastics designs and components on recycling. APR’s Plastics Recycling Showcase highlights innovations that support the plastics recycling industry.
APR even has a Kid’s Recycling Zone for recycling information, “super hero” training, and magic tricks.
APR became a Sustaining Member of NERC in 2014. States Ms. Bedard, “we want the general public, state officials, and others to understand how plastics can be recycled and to encourage participation in collection programs. We know NERC supports these efforts and works to promote recycling through its many projects, and being an active member of NERC has been a meaningful step in achieving these goals.”
NERC NEWSRecord Number of Registrants for NERC’s Glass Forum - Don't Miss Out
The high number of registrants for the Northeast Recycling Council’s Glass Forum is proof that the time is right to discuss recycled glass and recycled glass markets. NERC’s Forum - Glass Recycling—Exploring Possible Solutions - will take place November 9 – 10 in Providence, Rhode Island.
We can listen to the naysayers that recycling glass doesn’t work or we can learn from the people who are successfully collecting, processing, and manufacturing products from cullet. NERC’s Forum will feature the companies that have figured solutions to making recycling glass and recycled glass markets work. This event will be an opportunity for learning and discussing different strategies for recycling glass, ways in which glass is being processed to meet manufacturers’ specifications, and the different products that are being made from cullet. T
The tour being offered by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation’s (RIRRC) Single Stream Materials Recovery Facility and Strategic Materials’ satellite glass processing facility at RIRRC’s compound in Johnston, Rhode Island is full.
Join us on November 9 – 10 and be part of the future for developing recycled glass markets! Registration closes November 5th.
November 9 - 10, 2015
Location: Providence Biltmore, Providence, Rhode Island
Forum contact: Mary Ann Remolador, NERC’s Assistant Director & Events Planner
The Big Event — Webinar on Best Practices for Implementing Reuse Events
A FREE webinar will be offered on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm EST to discuss the role of reuse events in materials management, best practices for staging events, forming reuse committees, event success, and more!
Reuse can foster both environmental and economic sustainability. Reuse conserves resources by extending product lifecycles, and it presents the world with exciting and innovative business models that benefit social good.
Reuse events help foster the concept and benefits of reuse within the community. They allow residents to understand that reuse offers a relatively easy and low cost way to extend the lifecycles of products while benefiting the environment.
“The Big Event” will present insights into planning reuse events, tips for success, the role of reuse committees, lessons learned from event organizers, costs and benefits, and tips for reuse event success in rural, small town, and tribal communities.
Presenters and Topics:
- Reuse Events BMPs Overview
Athena Lee Bradley, Projects Manager, Northeast Recycling Council
- Reuse Event Success and Reuse Committees
Susan Waite, Recycling Coordinator, Northampton, Massachusetts
Mac Everett, Northampton Reuse Committee
- Reuse Benefits for Tribal Communities
Larry Thompson, Recycling Coordinator, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (Akwesasne)
NERC Receives National Award from NRC!
NERC is delighted to announce that NERC was awarded the National Recycling Coalition’s 
Outstanding Business Leadership – Non-profit Business Award.
Patty Moore, Moore Recycling Associates presents Mary Ann Remolador, NERC Assistant Director, with NRC award.
NRC’s awards were presented at a luncheon during the Resource Recycling Conference in Indianapolis. NERC was one of six NRC awardees:
- Outstanding Business Leadership - Non-profit Business: Northeast Recycling Council
- Outstanding Business Leadership - For-profit Business: Rumpke
- Outstanding Recycling Community or Government Program: Catawba County Utilities and Engineering Department
- Outstanding Recycling Organization: Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin
- Outstanding Higher Education Award: Michigan State University- Lansing
- Lifetime Achievement Award: George Dreckmann, City of Madison, WI Streets Division
NERC Needs Your Support & Involvement
We know you like NERC and the work that we do, so please consider supporting our efforts and taking advantage of our expertise.
There are a number of ways you can do this:
And of course, liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and signing up for the NERC weekly blog.
For more information please be in touch with Lynn Rubinstein, NERC Executive Director.
NERC Staff Speaks on Composting
NERC' Project Manager, Athena Lee Bradley, had the opportunity to present at October’s BioCycle REFOR15 in Danvers, Massachusetts. She presented on “School Cafeteria Waste Minimization and Composting” as a part of the School, Institution and Corporate Food Scraps Composting Session.
The BioCycle Conference proved to be its usual mix of engaging sessions featuring a wide range of topics. Experts in composting and anaerobic digestion from around the world were in attendance. Tracks included: AD Project Development Strategies; Capturing, Utilizing Surplus Food; Compost and Digestate Markets, Land Application; State Organics Bans; Codigestion with Biosolids; Residential Food Scraps Collection and Composting: Case Studies; AD, Composting on Small Footprints; Hot Topics: Engaging the Public; and, more.
The Exhibit Hall was packed with more than 50 exhibitors. And, of course, networking opportunities abounded!
Ms. Bradley will also be presenting at the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3) Pre-Conference Workshop on November 4. “Resources Not Wasted - Food Recovery” is an all-day workshop featuring panelists and discussion on food scrap reduction and recovery. Ms. Bradley will speak on “Instituting Best Management Practices for Commercial/Institutional Settings.” Ms. Bradley is a member of the NYSAR Organics Council and assisted in developing the agenda for the workshop.
Recyclers Have Their Say - Response to the NYT Article
There were so many informative responses to the New York Times, October 3, 2015 Sunday Review | Opinion piece, The Reign of Recycling by John Tierney, that we thought we would post hyperlinks to many of the articles.
Athena Lee Bradley, NERC | October 6, 2015
“I’m not sure what’s more appalling—Tierney’s lack of regard for the impact our production and consumption has on developing nations, the environment, and the loss of resources for future generations or his advocacy for simply burying everything because civilizations have been doing so for thousands of years.”
Here’s what John Tierney left out of his anti-recycling screed
Adam Minter, Shanghai Scrap| October 5, 2015
“Over the weekend the New York Times’ John Tierney published “The Reign of Recycling,” his attempt to show that recycling is more sentiment than it is good environmental stewardship, much less, good business. I’ll have much more to say about the meat of his work soon, but for now I’d like to make one small point about context, and how Tierney twists it.”
Op-Ed Misses Important Benefits of Plastics Recycling
The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Plastics Division | October 6, 2015
“A recent New York Times op-ed (“The Reign of Recycling,” Oct. 3), spotlights current challenges with recycling in the United States. Unfortunately, this piece misses the mark when it comes to plastics.”
NYT Missed the Mark. Keefe Harrison Responds.
Elizabeth Schussler, Recycling Partnership | October 6, 2015
“Recycling isn’t about feeling good. It’s not even solely about doing good. It’s about good solutions for long term economic and environmental health in this country and others. Finding an engaging, factual story (or series of stories) should be a cinch…”
Is recycling as awful as the New York Times claims? Not remotely
Ben Adler, Grist| October 6, 2015
“Tierney selectively and dishonestly presents evidence to argue that mandatory recycling programs cost more than they are worth. He writes as if he were just a dispassionate arbiter of common sense, but his analysis is laden with questionable value judgments. His case is at best ideological, at worst nonsensical… “
ISRI Responds to Misinformed Claims About the State of Recycling in The New York Times
Robin Wiener, ISRI October 7, 2015
“In a recent New York Times Magazine column (The Rein of Recycling, Oct. 3), John Tierney paints a confusing and misinformed picture of recycling, calling it “wasteful,” “ineffectual,” and “costly.” The reality couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Recycling IS Our Future: Responding to John Tierney’s Criticism
Eco-Cycle Solutions | October 8, 2015
“New York Times columnist John Tierney got it all wrong. Let’s set the record straight on why recycling matters for our climate and our future…”
Idiocracy in the New York Times: John Tierney on recycling
Lloyd Alter, TreeHugger| October 8, 2015
“We used to write a lot about New York Times op-ed columnist John Tierney; a professional contrarian and what I called an "everything denier", I found his writing to be a matter of real concern, as he tried to debunk every issue we supported.”
RECYCLE...IT'S WORTH IT!
MassRecycle | October 9, 2015
“On October 3rd, 2015, the New York Times ran an article by John Tierney, a follow-up of sorts to his article from 1996 also dismissive of recycling. In the article, he attempts to highlight the current status of the recycling industry, the stagnant recycling rate nationally and a smattering of statements from various sources as indicators that recycling is not worthwhile.”
Fact Check: Reign of Recycling
Rob Kaplan | October 9, 2015
“The New York Times (NYT Opinion) printed an opinion piece by John Tierney (@JohnTierneyNYC) that astounded us by the sheer number of inaccurate statements and misrepresentations about the economic and environmental impact of the recycling industry. We thought it would be helpful to point a bunch of them out and share third-party, verifiable sources. - Closed Loop Fund Team”
Americans Want to Recycle — Let's Help Make It More Successful
Keep America Beautiful | October 9, 2015
“At Keep America Beautiful, our primary concern about the piece is that it may discourage the most important audience we serve: the American people.”
Is Recycling Dead?
Michael Durfor, Northeast Resource Recycling Association | October 9, 2015
“It essentially says it costs too much to recycle when markets are down (or up, in his view) and that it is not environmentally friendly but, in fact, more harmful.”
Waste Not, Want Not
Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center| October 9 2015
“You may have heard about the recent New York Times article by science columnist John Tierney entitled “The Reign of Recycling” which disparages the recycling process as ‘wasteful,’ or have seen his segment this week on CBS This Morning called ‘Recycling is a Waste.’ Unfortunately, Mr. Tierney does not offer an informed audience the entire perspective of the saying, ‘waste not, want not.’”
Where Our Trash Goes
SundayReview | Letters | October 10, 2015
“Readers take issue with a Sunday Review essay that said recycling has failed in economic and environmental terms.”
The Value of Waste Reduction, or, What the New York Times Got Wrong About Recycling
Waste Zero | October 13, 2015
“Tierney’s argument is too narrow, and his evidence is too weak. He’s looking at—and misunderstanding—just one small piece of the puzzle, while countless examples of success shine just outside his line of vision.”
An Open Letter: National Recycling Coalition’s Response to Media Attacks on Recycling
Mark Lichtenstein, National Recycling Coalition, Inc. | October 14, 2015
“John Tierney’s effrontery with his “The Reign of Recycling” piece in the New York Times (10/3/15) has once again become evident with his feeble attempt to lay waste to the recycling industry, this after his original 1996 piece in the New York Times Magazine, “Recycling is Garbage.”"
Want to Do a Better Job with your Electronics & Get Recognized for It? Free Webinar
Being sure you buy "green", save energy and paper, and of course doing the right thing at the end of life - the State Electronics Challenge is the program for you: free technical assistance, a personalized annual sustainability report, an award and recognition for your efforts. The Challenge provides it all. Learn about the program with a free 1-hour webinar on November 18, 3 p.m. eastern.
For more information, contact Lynn Rubinstein, Program Manager.
Introducing Biosolids – A NERC Blog Worth Repeating
Introducing Biosolids—was written by Ned Beecher,Executive Director of the North East Biosolids & Residuals Association. It was first posted on September 29, 2015.
Management of wastewater solids is a continual challenge for wastewater treatment facilities, representing anywhere from 15 - 50% of operating costs. At the same time, there is growing recognition of the resources in biosolids, especially nutrients, organic matter, and energy – the recovery of which can lower net costs for biosolids management. Leading wastewater professional groups are emphasizing “resource recovery” from wastewater and biosolids.
For example, the Water Environment Federation emphasized in a 2011 policy statement that it “supports a comprehensive approach to wastewater treatment and solids management that ensures the recycling and recovery of valuable resources including water, nutrients, organic matter, and energy. In addition, WEF recognizes that biosolids, natural byproducts of the wastewater treatment process, are a renewable resource that is too valuable to waste….”
What happens with biosolids in this region? Connecticut and Rhode Island incinerate most of the solids produced at their wastewater treatment facilities, while a diversity of disposal and beneficial uses are the norm in the three northern New England states and many parts of the Mid-Atlantic. For example, Maine has long led the region in recycling wastewater solids: in 2011, 74% of the state’s 29,900 dry U.S. tons were recycled, with 26% landfilled. In those states with large areas of farmland, such as upstate and western New York and Pennsylvania, use of biosolids on farms is also common, although much biosolids is still landfilled.
More densely populated regions, such as New Jersey and urban New York, rely on outlets farther away from their wastewater treatment facilities, including landfills, incinerators, and farm and land reclamation sites. However, most recently, several northeastern cities are researching urban and suburban uses of highly treated, Class A biosolids products, so as to reduce transportation needs and put the nutrients and organic matter in biosolids to use more locally.
Massachusetts provides an in-between example of recent biosolids use and disposal practices and trends:
- First, as in many places, the total mass of solids produced in the state has risen slowly but steadily over time. The total mass of solids managed in Massachusetts increased from an estimated 153,300 dry U.S. tons in 2005 to 201,700 dry U.S. tons in 2011.
- As total production increased, the percentage beneficially used through application to soils – almost all of which is Class A EQ (Type 1) compost and heat-dried pellets (from MWRA/Boston and Greater Lawrence Sanitary District) – increased slightly, from 35 - 36%. Much of this Class A EQ product is used on turf farms, in agriculture to grow corn and hay crops for animal feed, for land reclamation (i.e. creating new topsoil on gravel pits), and in landscaping (e.g. parks, sports fields).
- The percentage incinerated (e.g. Upper Blackstone/Worcester) decreased from 38 - 36% during the same period, and this decline has continued since 2011, with the Fitchburg incinerator closing, in part due to new, stricter EPA air emissions requirements. The amount of solids combusted in Massachusetts in 2011 included about 3% of heat-dried pellets from MWRA/Boston that was used as an alternative fuel in cement kilns – a relatively new use.
- Landfill disposal of wastewater solids has also decreased slightly in recent years, from 27% in 2005 to 25% in 2011.
- Now, with the new ban on landfilling of food scraps coming into effect in Massachusetts, the markets for processing organic residuals in general – biosolids and food scraps included – are changing. For example, both MWRA/Boston and Greater Lawrence have considered taking in food scraps for co-digestion with their biosolids. Interest in digestion is booming in this region and across the continent, as it becomes widely recognized as an alternative, green fuel for production of electricity and heat. Some wastewater solids incinerators, such as the Synagro facility in New Haven, CT, are also capturing energy from the combustion process and generating electricity.
Wastewater exists – and its volume increases with the population. So wastewater solids must always be managed, 24/7, 365 days a year. Our region’s wastewater treatment facilities keep pace, finding safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sound ways to manage solids. And the steadily growing trend is to recycle biosolids, putting to work the nutrients and organic matter they contain and reducing the negative impacts that this organic material can have in landfills.
By Ned Beecher
NEBRA is a non-profit professional association advancing the environmentally sound and publicly supported recycling of biosolids and other organic residuals in New England, New York, and eastern Canada. Visit NEBRA’s website to find out more about biosolids, including many references, links, & the science.
NERC welcomes Guest Blog submissions. Disclaimer: Guest blogs represent the opinion of the writers and may not reflect the policy or position of the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.NEWLY POSTEDNew Resource Available on Power Management
The State Electronics Challenge has updated its popular resource guide on power management of office electronics! Check it out -Saving Energy with Office Equipment: A Best Practices Resource Guide.
The guide offers practical, actionable tips for saving energy with computers and computing equipment, as well as peripherals and imaging equipment. It reviews the biggest opportunities, explains them in layman's terms, and provides practical tips for leading an initiative to increase IT energy efficiency.
The guide is primarily intended for non-technical audiences, including sustainability, facility, energy, procurement, and business managers. Our hope is that it will provide you with the information and resources you need to drive computer and office equipment energy savings in your organization – even if you don't work in IT. The guide also provides IT professionals with an overview of IT energy efficiency opportunities and resources.
STATE UPDATEsCONNECTICUT
Annual Conference & Trade Show - Connecticut Recyclers' Coalition
The Connecticut Recyclers’ Coalition Annual Conference and Trade Show will be held on 
January 27, 2016 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, Connecticut. The conference theme is “Getting to Sixty: Today’s Vision, Tomorrow’s Reality,” examining how Connecticut will get to its mandated sixty percent diversion goal by building on past successes, discussing lessons learned and new approaches to waste and materials management moving forward.
2016 is a big year for recycling in Connecticut! Public Act 14-94 requires Connecticut’s top regulator – the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection - to release a draft Comprehensive Materials Management Strategy by February 2nd. The “CMMS” will present an actionable six-part plan to achieve the sixty percent diversion goal by 2024. In addition, work continues in earnest to redevelop the CT Solid Waste System Project, which will have a significant impact on the waste stream and markets in Connecticut.
Our panels will feature topical discussions among regulators, market participants, consumers and legislators about the path forward for waste and materials management in Connecticut.
We hope you will join us!
MASSACHUSETTS
216 Municipalities Awarded Recycling Grants: Funds Invested Will Maximize Recycling, Composting and Waste Reduction Efforts
The Baker-Polito Administration has announced more than $1.4 million in Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) grants to 216 municipalities and regional solid waste districts to help maximize recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.
"Some of the most important environmental protection work happens every day in communities across the Commonwealth," said Governor Charlie Baker. "With this assistance, we are ensuring that local officials, residents and small business owners can continue to protect our neighborhoods and natural resources."
"Recycling and waste reductions efforts are critical to our goal of reducing the waste stream," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "These grants bring much needed assistance to municipalities that struggle to educate residents about why recycling can make a difference in their communities and bottom line."
Out of 216 awardees, 137 communities qualified for the SMRP's "Recycling Dividends Program" (RDP) and will receive payments ranging from $1,200 to $66,000, for a total of $1.18 million statewide. The RDP recognizes municipalities that have implemented policies and programs proven to maximize materials reuse and recycling, as well as waste reduction.
Communities that earn RDP payments must reinvest the funds in their recycling programs for things such as new recycling bins or carts, public education and outreach campaigns, collection of hard-to-recycle items and the establishment of recycling programs in schools, municipal buildings and other public spaces.
"The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to reducing trash disposal by 30 percent below 2010 levels, which is about 2 million tons per year." said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. "Every ton of material that is recycled instead of disposed as trash puts resources back into the Massachusetts economy and supports local businesses throughout the collection, processing and manufacturing chain. The RDP helps communities leverage the benefits of increased recycling for a healthier economy and environment."
As part of the SMRP, all 210 municipalities that also applied for "Small-Scale Initiative Grants" were awarded funding. These population-based grants range from $500 to $2,000 each and help communities purchase modest, but critical recycling materials and outreach tools needed to sustain their existing recycling program or to facilitate new, low-cost initiatives. Both of these SMRP programs are administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
"These new funds give communities the opportunity to make critical investments in their recycling programs, capturing more materials that can be reused, and helping them to reduce their waste disposal costs," said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. "This is another example of this Administration's commitment to building strategic partnerships with our local communities."
The RDP was rolled out in 2014 as the newest initiative under MassDEP's Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, which was created by the Green Communities Act of 2008. The Act requires that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Waste Energy Certificates (WECs) be directed to recycling programs approved by MassDEP.
"I would like to commend the Baker-Polito Administration on their continued support of the environment," said Senator Anne Gobi, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. "Promoting recycling and waste reduction is vital to a sustainable future. It is tremendous to see such a large increase in municipalities receiving grants."
"This is great news for Fall River and New Bedford," said Representative Paul A. Schmid, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. "Thank you to the Baker Administration for recognizing the recycling efforts in both Fall River and New Bedford and for providing the resources for their continued success."
The WEC payments received by MassDEP are deposited into the SMRP Expendable Trust, which is used to fund grants, technical assistance and education to help communities, businesses and institutions increase recycling and reduce waste.
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
VERMONT
Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law Feeds Hungry Vermonters
Burlington – Today State Agency officials, representatives from the Vermont Foodbank, 
and local grocers joined together at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf to recognize the contribution of food rescue to hunger relief. Since July 2015, when requirements for food diversion took effect for medium- sized institutions under Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law, the Vermont Foodbank has seen a 24% increase in food donations from retailers over last year. Food shelves are fuller, and less waste is going to the landfill.
“Food rescue from Vermont retailers and producers is the Vermont Foodbank’s biggest priority. The increases in the amount of food we’ve been able to rescue over the past year have enabled us to increase the variety of fruits and vegetables we distribute to network partners and directly to clients and better serve traditionally underserved areas of the state including the Northeast Kingdom and Rutland County. From the Foodbank’s perspective, it’s clear that the law is gaining momentum statewide and we expect to see increased conversation lead to increased donations,” said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO
In 2012, when Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law was adopted, more than 60,000 tons of food was sent to the landfills annually, of which 30 to 40% was estimated to be edible. The phased-in food recovery requirements in the Universal Recycling Law have successfully diverted large amounts of quality food from landfills to kitchens.
“This is a wonderful result of getting the word out about the July 2015 recycling and food
recovery deadline,” said Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz. “By joining efforts with hunger relief organizations we can get the food out of the landfill and into the hands of those who need it, while saving money for retailers.”
Vermont is the first state in the nation to adopt a food recovery hierarchy, placing a priority on the reduction of food waste. After waste reduction, the priorities for food diversion in order of importance are food for people, food for animals, food for composting, and food for energy production. By donating edible food to food rescue organizations, Vermont businesses deliver on a triple bottom line – economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Hunger insecurity continues to be a problem in Vermont. Nearly 13% of Vermont families face food insecurity, a 4% increase since 2001. Approximately 18,700 Vermonters access food from the Vermont Foodbank in a typical week and 153,000 people (24% of the population) are served annually.
The Farm to Plate Network praised the collaboration among partners that has led to the sharp increase in food donations. “The Universal Recycling Law has created partnerships between food retailers and hunger relief organizations that did not exist before. The food recovery movement is expanding with new energy and new opportunities,” said Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Network Manager.
TWEET: Fruitful #VT Partnership: #Recycling #Compost #FoodRescue & #HungerRelief Committed to#FoodRecovery in #Vermont #HungerActionMonth
ADVISORY MEMBER UPDATES
Foam Ban Overturned in New York City
The New York State Supreme Court overturned Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia’s decision to ban foam foodservice items. This clears the way for the City to embrace a recycling program that would cover 100 percent of polystyrene products and generate new revenue for the City.
“This decision is a victory for the environment and for New York City, which can now become a national leader in recycling by removing every piece of polystyrene from its waste stream – and making money in the process” said former City Councilman Robert Jackson, who heads the Restaurant Action Alliance that was a part of the lawsuit. “The judge has ended the debate about polystyrene by making clear it can be recycled and there is a market for it. Now it’s time for the City to capitalize on this development.”
The ruling from Judge Margaret Chan overturns the ban completely, stating clearly that the “one undisputed short answer to whether EPS is recyclable is yes: single serve EPS is recyclable.” The ruling refers the matter to the Department of Sanitation for further consideration consistent with the court order, allowing for recycling of the city’s foam and #6 rigid polystyrene to move forward.
“We’re gratified by Judge Chan’s decision and look forward to working with the City to implement a comprehensive recycling plan that will reduce the volume of our City’s waste stream and generate revenue for the City,” said Randy Mastro, partner at the law firm Gibson Dunn.
ISRI, JASON Learning Announce “Bigger Than the Bin” Student Video & Poster Contest
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and JASON Learning are once again holding a contest for young filmmakers, artists, and recycling advocates to build awareness around the variety of items that can be recycled. The theme this year is “Bigger than the Bin.” Students in grades K-12 are challenged to select an item that is too big for the blue bin, research how that item is recycled, and create an original video or poster on the subject.
The theme comes from the idea that most people have very little knowledge on recycling beyond the blue bins they have at home, and the recycling industry is “bigger than the bin.” The contest allows for students to explore the vast world of recycling in a fun and artistic way, share with their peers the information they’ve learned, and possibly get them interested in a career in the industry.
The contest is open to all students living in the United States and enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2015-16 school year. Entrants must create an original video or poster in the style of an infomercial or awareness campaign to illustrate the process and challenges that go along with recycling their chosen item into a reusable form. One poster will be selected as a finalist from each of three grade bands: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12; and one video will be selected as a finalist from each of two grade bands: 5-8 and 9-12, with two overall grand-prize winners awarded.
Entries must be submitted by December 18, 2015, and the winners will be notified by March 1, 2016. Prizes for the finalists include being featured on the JASON and ISRI websites, a year of JASON online access, a contest t-shirt, a certificate, and, for the grand prize winners, a trip to Las Vegas, April 2-7, 2016, with a parent or guardian to participate in ISRI’s Annual Convention and Exposition.
ISRI Names Terry Cirone New Vice President of Safety
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) recently hired Therese (Terry) Cirone for 
the position of Vice President of Safety, with the responsibility of leading all of ISRI’s safety efforts. She will be providing safety guidance to members, serving as a liaison with OSHA, and working with ISRI’s team of safety professionals to strengthen and develop new tools and resources for members to enhance their safety programs.
The new position of Vice President of Safety was created to further emphasize the importance of safety at ISRI and throughout the recycling industry. Ms. Cirone’s history proves that she is fit for the job. Before joining ISRI’s safety team, she was the Vice President of Health, Environment, Safety and Security (HESS) at the Chlorine Institute (CI). Among leading and supporting the Health and Safety Team, the Environment and Security Team, Ms. Cirone developed guidelines, safety and health alerts, projects, regulatory updates and training seminars/workshops.
Ms. Cirone’s environmental and safety background includes a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, and a law degree from the South Texas College of Law, Houston. She is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, Environmental Auditor, and Registered Environmental Manager.
Carpet & Mattress Recycling Made Simple with Newly Released How-To Guides
The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) has released two new "how-to guides" for recycling scrap carpet and used mattresses to help state and local government officials address the multi-million dollar challenge of managing these bulky products safely, responsibly, and cost-effectively.
More than 50,000 mattresses are discarded each day in the U.S., the equivalent of close to 20 million annually. While as much as 90% of mattress components - steel, cotton, and foam - are recyclable, only a tiny percentage - less than 5% - of mattresses are salvaged annually; the rest present operational problems for our nation's landfills and waste-to-energy plants. Scrap carpet also poses a looming threat, with Americans discarding nearly 3.9 million tons of carpet and rugs each year and recycling only about 7.5%.
In May, Connecticut became the first state to implement legislation that requires manufacturers to manage, and consumers to fund, mattress recycling programs. Rhode Island and California will implement similar programs in 2016. California, the only state with a similar "producer responsibility" law for carpet, launched its program in 2011.
"Recycling used carpet and mattresses saves resources, creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy use," said Scott Cassel, PSI's chief executive officer and founder. "Currently, the cost of recycling or disposing of these products falls on government and taxpayers, and that is not sustainable. The burden needs to be shifted to manufacturers and consumers for these valuable materials to enter the circular economy."
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the guides lay out key steps to reduce waste and set the stage for successful product stewardship programs. More specifically, the guides provide tools for state and local governments to:
- Increase awareness of recycling opportunities and best practices
- Implement convenient and effective collection systems
- Collaborate with various stakeholders in the carpet and mattress life cycle, including consumers, suppliers, dealers, recyclers, and manufacturers, to facilitate and advance recycling
- Increase market development opportunities for recycled carpet and mattress components
- Lay the groundwork for extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation
"Connecticut is already seeing the benefit of mattress stewardship legislation, including the creation of private sector recycling jobs," said Tom Metzner, environmental analyst at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP). "More than 80 towns now have collection containers specifically designated for mattress recycling, making it possible to divert mattresses from solid waste disposal."
Even so, state and local governments don't need to wait for EPR legislation to pass to proceed with the development of carpet and mattress recycling programs. Effective programs can be created through coalitions of key players working together to ensure the existence of sufficient and convenient collection systems, appropriate storage, and adequate outreach to carpet and mattress consumers.
"Bulky waste recycling depends on the collaborative efforts of all involved stakeholders - including manufacturers, collectors, storage facilities, processors, and state and local governments," said Kathy Frevert, senior environmental scientist at the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). "Ensuring that materials are properly managed as they flow from one link to another in the management chain, and that the economics are viable at each link, is important for developing an effective program."
Interested in advancing carpet or mattress infrastructure in your community? Learn more by accessing the Advancing Carpet Stewardship How-To Guide, and the Advancing Mattress Stewardship How-To Guide.