Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments

Sophie Leone • September 24, 2024

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) is a public agency with representatives from twenty-two towns, cities, and boroughs, formed to provide a basis for intergovernmental cooperation in dealing with a wide range of issues. The primary focuses of the agency are centered around regional planning and extend to transportation, environmental, and inter-municipal planning. SCCOG undertakes numerous studies and initiatives each year, under the guidance of its member municipalities.


The most recent report released by SCCOG is their Municipal Solid Waste Report. At the direction of its Solid Waste Subcommittee, SCCOG staff analyzed municipal solid waste data in the southeastern Connecticut region, including disposal tonnage and municipal cost data, for the five-year period from 2018-2022. The report highlights the cost and infrastructure challenges that municipalities are facing, while also providing some potential solutions and next steps to tackling the waste crisis.


“Connecticut’s solid waste crisis is impacting southeastern Connecticut municipalities, residents, and businesses. Our region has historically taken a proactive approach to solid waste management, and SCCOG seeks to support this approach by becoming a member of the Northeast Recycling Council. Participating in the Organics Management Committee especially will allow us to collaborate and exchange ideas with others facing similar issues, and collectively advance sustainable organic waste management practices.” – Amanda Kennedy, SCCOG Executive Director.


NERC is pleased to welcome the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments to its team of Supporting Advisory Members. We look forward to working with SCCOG and providing the necessary tools and support to their expansive community and network.

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Black History Month

February 28, 2025
A Time to Learn, Reflect, and Celebrate

RecycleMe

February 20, 2025
As a leader in sustainability, RecycleMe has become an expert in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Globally, they are relied upon by leading brands to help them achieve sustainable product packaging with top-tier EPR consulting. This expertise is fueled by their four guiding principles: Innovation, Sustainability, Global Best Practices, and Teamwork. As an innovator, RecycleMe ensures its team of experts remains ahead of the curve, using the latest solutions when working with their clients to meet their needs at the highest level. Conserving resources and closing loops is a longstanding leading commitment of theirs. By keeping those commitments at the forefront, sustainability is always at the foundation of their work. Recycle ME has locations in 10 countries worldwide, allowing them to build a strong global community network. NERC is excited to welcome RecycleMe to its team of Advisory Members. We look forward to working with them and supporting their extensive engagement and dedication to sustainable practices. For more information on RecycleMe click here.

Drop in Commodity Values and Expansion of Participating States and Material Recovery Facilities

By Megan Fontes • February 11, 2025
NERC’s Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) Commodity Values Survey Report for the period October - December 2024 showed a drop in the average commodity price for Q4. The average value of all commodities decreased by 23% without residuals and 26% with residuals compared to last quarter. Single stream decreased by 28% without residuals and 32% with residuals, while dual stream / source separated decreased by 15% without residuals and 17% with residuals compared to last quarter. This is the 23rd quarterly report in NERC’s series of reports on the market value of commodities from MRFs in the Northeast. This report includes information from twelve (12) states with the addition of Connecticut: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. The number of participating MRFs increased from 15 to 19 as compared to last quarter. These survey results reflect the differing laws and collection options in the participating states. Five of the states included in this report have beverage container deposit laws. As a result, fewer glass bottles, PET bottles and aluminum cans are processed in MRFs in those states. Those MRFs are also likely to have less revenue from those recyclables. In addition, the report reflects a mix of single stream, dual stream, and source separation to collect recyclables with single stream being the most common approach. The type of collection used will have an impact on MRF design and operation. Thus, the data from this report reflects the unique blend of facilities and statewide laws in the reporting states. Residual refers to the incoming material that cannot be marketed and goes to disposal. The value without residuals reflects the value of a perfect ton of marketed material, while the value with residuals reflects the value of each ton processed with the costs associated of disposing unmarketable material. Note: In many cases, recovered glass goes to market but at a negative value. This data is not intended to be used as a price guide for MRF contracts. NERC’s database represents single and dual stream MRFs, states with and without beverage container deposits, a wide variety in markets and geographic access to markets, and variety of materials collected for processing at the participating facilities. As a result, it represents the diversity of operating conditions in these locations and should not be used as a price guideline for a specific program. For more information, contact Megan Schulz-Fontes, Executive Director, at megan@nerc.org .
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