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Author Archives: Sarah DeSouza

NRC Annual Elections and Awards

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NRC Board of Directors Elections

The NRC is seeking candidates for the Board of Directors. If you are interested in applying or nominating someone, please complete the following form or share the link with your contacts. Deadline for nominations is August 14th. In order to be eligible for Board membership, individuals must be over 18 years of age and have been an NRC member for over a year OR be a designated representative of a state recycling organization that has been a member of the NRC for at least one year. All candidates must also agree to the following Board of Director’s letter of commitment.

 

NRC Elections and Voting

All members of the NRC are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections that will be held via email during the period between August 27 – 28, 2019. Affiliated Recycling Organizations will be receiving an email from the NRC on July 30th that will include instructions on how to submit their organization’s membership data to the NRC in order for all of their members to be registered to vote in the NRC elections. Direct members of the NRC do not have to submit any additional information.

All NRC members will receive election-related information, including individual access codes, that will allow them to log onto the NRC website to cast their votes for the Board of Directors during the specified election period on August 27th and 28th.

We encourage you to vote during these important upcoming elections. If you have any questions about the Board of Directors elections or your NRC membership, please contact Sarah DeSouza at [email protected]

 

NRC Awards and Scholarships

The NRC is proud to award the Murray J. Fox Scholarship and other important awards on an annual basis at the Resource and Recycling Conference and Trade Show.

Since 1994, the Murray J. Fox Scholarship Trust Fund has awarded over $125,000 in scholarships to more than 70 college students who planned to study in fields related to recycling and waste prevention.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, August 5th. Winners will be announced August 12th.

Submit questions to Jack DeBell, Campus Council Chair: [email protected]

This year, the NRC is awarding three scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each. Recipients will also receive complementary admission to the Resource Recycling Conference Awards Ceremony in New Orleans as well as a one-year membership to the Coalition. Scholars will be selected based on the following criteria:

1. Enrolled in a NOLA area college or university;
2. Strong academic achievement;
3. Interest in the recycling field; and
4. Available to attend the Resource Recycling Conference Awards Ceremony in New Orleans, August 28th.

Click here to apply for the Murray J. Fox Scholarship

The NRC also recognizes leaders in the recycling world by presenting the following awards on an annual basis:

  • NRC’s Lifetime Achievement Award (person)
  • Bill Heenan Emerging Leader Award (person)
  • Outstanding (State) Recycling Organization
  • Outstanding (For-Profit) Business Leadership
  • Outstanding Non-Profit Business Leadership
  • Outstanding Community or Government Program
  • Outstanding (Community/Agency) Outreach Program

To nominate an individual for one of these award, click here. Deadline for application/nomination is August 1st, 2019.

Posted in NRC Update|

Next NRC Markets Workshop to be held in New Orleans, LA

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The importance of robust recycling markets cannot be understated. The demand for material is a driver of programs and volume security brings manufacturers to the table. Come spend an afternoon with your peers discussing what recycling market development means, what it takes to make recycling market development work, how it’s done, and lessons learned. The NRC hosted a series of regional workshops in 2018-2019 focused on local and regional recycling market development. Presentations and conversations helped participants within the targeted regions to re-imagine and reanimate their efforts to attract and develop new opportunities for recycled commodities. Leading national experts will build understanding about the nuts and bolts of the process, share success stories, financing opportunities, and identify the alliances that will be necessary to close the loop on domestic recycled material markets. Be a part of the movement to secure demand for recycled material right here at home.

The Market Development Workshop at the RRC will take place on Monday, August 26th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. More information can be found here. The draft agenda for the workshop is as follows:

Welcome/Intros — Dave Keeling, National Recycling Coalition President and Steel Recycling Institute, Director of Recycling
Recycling Market Drivers — Betsy Dorn, Circular-Matters
State Recycling Market Development Highlights Panel
Chantal Fryer, Director of Recycling Market Development, South Carolina Dept. of Commerce,
Wayne Gjerde, Recycling Market Development Coordinator, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
Matt Flechter, Recycling Market Development Specialist, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Moderator, Marty Seaman, RRS
Hard to Recycle Plastic Markets Snapshot – Brian Gaughan, IntegriCo Composites
Group Discussion – Small group facilitated discussions to identify what recycling market needs are that NRC and its allies can assist with. Facilitation by Marissa Segundo, RRS
Discussion Harvest & Next Steps – Learn about the newest tools that NRC will be offering to facilitate market development across the U.S. Facilitation by Marissa Segundo, RRS
Networking to follow at the NRC/SRDC Welcome Reception

Posted in Guest Article|

Want to help evolve recycling? Join us in New Orleans!

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This August, some of the most influential decision-makers in municipal materials recovery will come together at the 10th Annual Resource Recycling Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans from August 26-28 which will offer a valuable opportunity for industry professionals from across the Southeast region to learn to build better programs and add their voice to the conversations shaping the future of the industry.

This year’s conference agenda tackles issues at the heart of the municipal recycling world, including the following:

  • Contract negotiations in turbulent times
  • Analysis of today’s shifting markets
  • Where local programs fit into the wider plastic debate
  • How to set winnable diversion goals
  • Where regulations and markets stand in Asia
  • And much more!

The initial list of speakers is finalized. A few of the critical stakeholders who will be delivering presentations and taking part in panel talks follows:

Jenna Jambeck, University of Georgia
Renowned researcher outlines global scope of plastic marine debris in opening keynote

Jay Hunsberger, Sustana Group
The steps to boost recycled fiber consumption by domestic paper mills

Chris Cui, Closed Loop Partners
What can North American stakeholders expect from China?

Michael Sangiacomo, Recology
Hauler/processor CEO details his policy vision

Tim Tonwnsend, University of Florida
Diving into the intersection of measurement and sustainable materials management

Andrea Rodriguez-Pinero, FCC Environmental Services
How a growing MRF company brought curbside glass back to Houston

April Crow, Circulate Capital
A finance-backed strategy to curb plastic pollution

Kate Bailey, Eco-Cycle
Protecting the recycling stream in turbulent times

Secure your spot at the Resource Recycling Conference now!

Posted in Feature Article 1|

What’s Happening with the ROC?

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The ROC’s monthly call took place last week with open roundtable to discuss recent legislative and market issues State Recycling Organizations (SRO’s) have been dealing with and special guest Tricia Tiedt from The Recycling Partnership who shared recycling resources available to all SROs.

The Recycling Organization Council is led by Amy Roth, Resource Director of the Association of Oregon Recyclers. If you would like to join ROC, please email [email protected] or [email protected]

Posted in ROC Update|

Recycling Policy Happenings

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Here are some interesting policy happenings around the country:

  • California – Ban of sale of single use plastics in state buildings – Read more here. [break]
  • Maine – Statewide Foam Take-out Container Ban – Read more here. [break]
  • Maryland – Statewide Foam Take-out Container and Cup Ban – Read more here. [break]
  • Pennsylvania – Series of Zero Waste Bills – Read more here. [break]
Posted in NRC Policy Watch|

California Resource Recovery Association

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The California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), founded as a 501c3 in 1974, is California’s state recycling association. It is the oldest and one of the largest non-profit recycling organizations in the US. CRRA is dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability in and beyond California through zero waste strategies including product stewardship, waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting. CRRA’s members represent all areas of California’s reduce-reuse-recycle-compost economy, different levels of government and businesses, community, nonprofits, and allied professionals.

Each year, CRRA organizes a comprehensive and informative conference dedicated to recycling and sustainable materials management in California and beyond wherein CRRA offers training and educational sessions. The Annual Conference and Tradeshow attracts over 600 attendees, hosts approximately 30 sessions, and features 100 industry experts. The theme of this year’s conference, held August 11 – 14, 2019, is “The Culture of Zero Waste. Create. Implement. Succeed.” Find the outstanding program here.

Tracie Bills is the current interim Executive Director of CRRA. She is working with CRRA staff to continue the organizations movement forward as they continue to seek a new Executive Director. Recently, CRRA finalized a strategic plan calling for development and implementation of a sustainable funding plan, an increased role in leadership in Sacramento, an 80% membership retention, provides three SWANA CRRA Zero Waste Principles and Practices courses, and furthers strategic partnerships. CRRAn continues to work with the EPA on markets and consults with them to develop a national plan to address market conditions. Lastly, CRRA looks forward to hosting, along with the Northern California Recycling Association, the next NRC conference in March 2019.

Posted in Member Spotlight|

Consider Joining a Committee or the Board of Directors

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Interested in applying or honing your leadership skills at the national level? The NRC wants you. As we work to strengthen the organization, we’re looking for members to serve on committees and rise through the ranks to serve on the Board of Directors. Contact Sarah DeSouza at [email protected] to see where your skills and interests might fit as the NRC moves towards a bright future. Click here for membership information.

Posted in Get Involved|

Upcoming Recycling Conferences

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The following conferences and events are up coming over the next few months. If you would like to add an event on the NRC calendar, please see the link below.

  • California Resource Recovery Association Annual Conference: August 11 – 14, 2019
  • Georgia Recycling Coalition Conference: September 15 – 18, 2019
  • Arkansas Recycling Coalition Conference: September 30 – October 2, 2019

View NRC’s comprehensive recycling conferences and events calendar anytime and add your own event for all to see. Access the calendar here.

Posted in Events|

Recycling Resources at the Ready

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The following resources are provided for educational purposes only. The NRC has not been paid to advertise any of these resources and this list does not constitute an endorsement.

NRC/SERDC Welcome Reception

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Laissez les bon temps rouler! Get Social!

Planning to attend the Resource Recycling Conference? Get a taste of New Orleans among friends, expand your networking game at the conference, and support a great cause. You’re invited to the Gravier Street Social for the annual NRC/SERDC fundraising reception at 523 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130 from 6-9pm on Monday, August 26th. Education is important; but the best networking always happens over a tasty bite and a refreshing beverage. Tickets are $60 and include drink tickets and heavy appetizers; proceeds go to support NRC and SERDC’s noble causes!

Register here for the Gravier Street Social reception

A note about NRC: NRC is busy re-energizing and impacting recycling in the US. We’ve organized three market development workshops this year and are planning more for Fall 2019 (San Antonio, Tx on October 7th) and others in 2020. Also, we are re-building the Buy Recycled Campaign and Buy Recycled Business Alliance which you will hear more about the conference! Now more than ever is the time for leadership and action in recycling, so please consider joining us in New Orleans to learn more! Register here for the NRC reception and here is a link to membership if you are not a member yet.

Thanks and see you in New Orleans!