|
NRC News and Events
|
|
|
|
|
A Note from the President
by Bob Gedert, NRC Board President
|
As the incoming NRC President, I value the input and thoughts of each member of the NRC. As the NRC Board enters into a strategic planning process, it is extremely important that we open the channels of communication and listen to the needs of the members. What are your priorities? What do you want from the NRC in the next few years? Write to me with your thoughts at [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Scaling Toward Circularity
By Marialyce Pedersen and Nina Butler
|
While 2020 has been tough for almost everyone and everything, including US recycling, it is nevertheless emerging as a pivotal year. Diverse stakeholders are under pressure to address growing threats of climate change and waste, and are finding alignment on necessary actions to build a rational, national (and international) circular economy. This includes adopting meaningful policy.
|
Placing value on natural capital (the world's stocks of natural assets, including geology, soil, air, water and all living things which create a livable planet), in association with sustainable materials management philosophies, has the potential to build a vibrant future American economy which enhances and does not degrade. Measurement and accountability are foundational to progress toward a successful transition.
|
|
|
|
In Case You Missed It...
|
|
|
Countdown to Conference
The National Zero Waste Conference & National Recycling Congress starts Tuesday December 1st-3rd! It's not too late to register...in fact, you can register up to the day of the conference. But why wait, do it now!
|
|
|
|
|
NRC Member Spotlight - Recycling Markets Focus in Pennsylvania
By Marta Keane, NRC Board Member
|
A 1988 law in Pennsylvania established funds for a variety of recycling efforts across the state but unlike others, when market development was identified as a base need for progress, the PA Environmental Protection division partnered with Penn State to create a unique new organization: The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center (PennRMC). Created by law in 2002 and established in 2004, this non-profit organization stands alone but works with financial oversight and research partner Penn State. Its mission: To develop and expand recycling markets within the State.
|
With a staff of six full time employees, two part-time and some student assistance, this group is led by Robert “Bob” Bylone, the current president of the ROC and a member of the NRC Board. They focus their time on economic development, manufacturer feedstock, and improving the environmental end use of surplus materials. This involves direct work with companies across the state, technical research, and the development of information that they curate in a library. Coupled with monthly webinars since 2011 (yes, they were doing this before COVID) they are able to attract businesses interested in utilizing discarded materials as feedstock. (See them at https://pennrmc.org/webinar-library/ )
|
They have addressed issues hindering black plastic plant container recycling while finding ways to allow glass to be used in highway and utility construction, on lot and municipal wastewater systems, as sand blast abrasives and more. Currently they are examining solar panel recycling issues.
|
|
|
|
NC Marine Debris Symposium Call for Papers & Save the Date
The NC Marine Debris Symposium will take place February 10-12! If you are interested in speaking at the symposium, please email your submission by December 1st to [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Recycled Material Standard – Seeking Comments
A newly released Recycled Material Standard (RMS) was introduced at a National Zero Waste Conference pre-conference webinar on October 22, Rethink & Redesign, by Nina Goodrich, Executive Director of GreenBlue, the parent non-profit of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC). A public comment period will open in November and a two-part webinar with FAQs were held October 28 and November 4.
|
|
|
|
Join NRC, Get Involved, Do Something!
The National Recycling Coalition has many opportunities for you to get involved, including the Recycling Organizations Council, Campus Council, the Market Development, Communication & Membership Committees, the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council, and more. You can use these opportunities help yourself with additional resume building experience, network with industry leaders, and help advance recycling at a national level at the same time.
|
|
|
|
National Recycling Strategy & Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System
The draft National Recycling Strategy identifies strategic objectives and actions needed to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. Recycling has been a critical component of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decades-long efforts to implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and its more recent efforts to pursue a Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) approach, which aims to reduce the environmental impacts of materials across their lifecycle. Building on the National Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System and EPA’s long history of providing data, tools, information and other resources to support recycling in the United States, the draft strategy identifies strategic objectives and actions needed to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.
|
|
|
|
Missed the National Zero Waste Conference Webinars?
No problem! You can watch them all online!
|
|
|
|
Thank You National Zero Waste Conference Sponsors!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
