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September 18
IOWA RECYCLING ASSOCIATION WEBINAR:
Greening the Food Industry
Information below.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
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 Alan Schumacher, Sales Manager
Quincy Recycle
Here we go!
The 2019 Iowa Recycling and Solid Waste Conference is about to hit us, and this year's event is looking great! The line-up of events, speakers and exhibits is impressive, and anticipated attendance is high. We've sold out the entire block of 160 rooms!
Our conference planning co-chairs, Christine Collier and Bev Wagner, along with their team and ISOSWO partners have spent an incredible number of hours organizing this event; they should be congratulated! And we're not surprised to see that our first-year event coordinator, Shannon Meister, is navigating the challenges with aplomb. It's going to be a great event and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there!
On a different note, please be sure to get those membership renewals in! We're so grateful for your support. Thank you!
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MEET FALL CONFERENCE KEYNOTE
DAVID ALLAWAY
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 David Allaway, senior policy analyst in the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Materials Management Program, has helped create and progress Oregon’s sustainable materials management policy and programs. David’s plenary session Oregon’s Journey to Sustainable Materials Management: Why, What and How will provide perspective as Iowa develops its own solid waste vision plan.
The Iowa Recycling Association recently worked with David on a Q&A to give conference attendees a preview of what they’ll learn at his sessions.
A portion of that Q&A follows. Click below to read the full article.
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Q: How is sustainable material management (SMM) different than traditional solid waste management system?
A: SMM is a big tent that includes traditional solid waste management but also addresses the other elements of the life cycle of materials: resource extraction, production and consumption. In this bigger view, we aim to accomplish higher-order goals – not landfill avoidance, but resource conservation, pollution reduction and sustainability writ large. Read more >>
Q: How were the initial discussions and adoption of a SMM approach received politically as state policy?
A: Very well. Before we started initial discussions about adopting SMM as our policy framework, we spent several years learning and sharing information about the environmental impacts of materials through the lens of the full life cycle. Read more >>
Q: How has Oregon's approach to SMM policy changed since adoption and initial implementation?
A: That’s a great question! We’re still learning a lot as we explore the SMM’s new frontiers. I’ll offer five brief examples here and hope to elaborate on some of these at the conference. Read more >>
Q: Why should states and communities look toward this approach for evaluation of solid waste management policy and practices?
A: Solid waste programs don’t operate in a vacuum. How we manage our wastes impacts our economy and environment. Good public policy requires we consider the larger system. Even if you don’t embrace the broader scope of SMM, as Oregon has, the fact remains that waste management programs can support – or inhibit – broader social objectives such as equity, well-being, and a clean, healthy environment. SMM calls on us to understand those impacts so we can make decisions that better serve our ratepayers, residents and constituents.
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IOWA STATE DEVELOPS TECHNOLOGY TO BOOST USE OF RECYCLED TIRES
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Submitted by Brittany Hallmark-Haack, ISU Dept. of Chemical & Biological Engineering
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A research team at Iowa State University, in collaboration with Lehigh Technologies, a subsidiary of Michelin, has developed a technique to expand the use of recycled tires as an asphalt modifier.
Asphalt binder, the product of crude oil distillation, has mechanical properties that make it useful for road surfaces. However, asphalt binder on its own is not sufficient to sustain a healthy transportation system on higher-trafficked roads; it needs an extra additive to support the binder and enhance performance. Most often, a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) polymer is selected. Since SBR polymers are a raw feedstock elastomer, more sustainable options need to be considered.
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GTR/polymer pellets. Extrusion helps evenly distribute polymer throughout the GTR, creating a product that does not separate from asphalt binder.
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Sustainable alternative: Ground tire rubber (GTR)
Ground tire rubber (GTR) is a good candidate to replace SBR in asphalt due to its high rubber content. There are several advantages to modifying asphalt binder with GTR. First is a performance benefit. Among other things, GTR-modified asphalt has less rutting and fatigue cracking. Second, GTR costs less than most SBR polymers, thereby offering potential cost-savings. Third, in addition to removing tires from landfills, replacing SBR with GTR will reduce energy consumption and CO2 production.
Despite the numerous benefits, ground tire rubber is not widely used due to its tendency to separate from the asphalt binder. Over time, the GTR can “float” to the top of the asphalt, negating performance benefits and potentially creating problems while laying pavement.
Addition of polymer improves GTR performance
The ISU team has developed a method to reduce this separation behavior. Before mixing, the GTR is extruded with a small amount of another compatible polymer. Extrusion helps to evenly distribute the polymer throughout the GTR and to integrate the rubber and polymer together into a cohesive pellet. With the support of Lehigh Technologies, ISU is continuing to work on the GTR + polymer pellets to create the highest performing product while maintaining cost effectiveness. Once a product has been identified, it will undergo further testing on a larger scale to demonstrate viability and versatility, and will be used in a demonstration project on a real-world road surface.
 Solid waste agencies with interest in partnering on a demonstration, road-surface project may contact Eric Cochran, ISU chemical and biological engineering professor or Chris Williams, director of the Asphalt Materials and Pavements Program and ISU civil engineering professor.
Goal: Boost GTR markets
Lehigh Technologies currently has a customer base interested in utilizing GTR in asphalt, and the goal is to create a product that can be marketed to a wider audience and make GTR a more common asphalt modifier. Upcoming legislation is encouraging more sustainable asphalt technologies, including the use of recycled material. GTR has the potential to fill this requirement. LT has focused on the southwestern region of the U.S., while ISU has Midwestern connections, so the collaboration can lead to a broader implementation of the technology across the country, offering new life to old tires.
Read more about this work in the following ISU press releases:
Institute for Transportation News (August 2019)
College of Engineering News (February 2019)
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PLAN TO ATTEND THIS IRA WEBINAR!
Registration information will be sent to IRA members this week.
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GREENING THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY WEBINAR PRESENTATIONS WILL INCLUDE:
WINNOW SOLUTIONS:
Winnow will present on where and how food waste occurs in the hospitality industry, and how managing, reducing and preventing this food waste all starts with getting data that is accurate and easy to capture.
About Winnow Solutions:
Winnow builds artificial intelligence tools to help chefs run more profitable and sustainable kitchens by cutting food waste. Kitchens that use Winnow tend to see a 40-70% reduction in their food waste within 6-12 months, driving food cost savings in the range of 2-8%, improving margins while doing the right thing for the planet. Since launching in 2013, Winnow has now been adopted by more than 1,400 commercial kitchens in over 40 countries, with offices in London, Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai and Iowa City.
IOWA GREEN BREWERY CERTIFICATION:
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) will present on how they developed an industry-specific environmental program for craft breweries with a focus in four main areas: environmental planning, energy efficiency, water quality and conservation and solid waste diversion and disposal.
About IWRC and Iowa Green Brewery Certification:
"For over 30 years, the IWRC has provided environmental assistance to Iowa’s small businesses, so it was a natural fit for us to start working with Iowa craft breweries. In 2017, we launched the Iowa Green Brewery Certification as a way to reward the great breweries of Iowa for their implementation of sustainable practices and their commitment to the environment. The certification also allows breweries to benchmark themselves against their peers across the state and gain valuable public exposure for their efforts." (Source: https://iwrc.uni.edu/green-brewery)
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RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM THE 2019
RESOURCE RECYCLING CONFERENCE
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Submitted by Troy Willard
 Needless to say I was excited to attend this year’s conference just for the fact that it was in New Orleans. The food and atmosphere did not disappoint. This being my third RRC, I was curious how the conference might differ from my past two experiences given the change in conference ownership. I was also curious what would come from the NRC/ROC meetings about their new deposit system policy. Apparently, it was more about the procedure rather than the policy that lead to most of the tension on the issue.
Recycling is like the way politics should be. Generally, we want the same thing but may disagree on the best way to achieve the desired results. Obviously, I’m a little biased in my thinking, but I also get good information and a different perspective on recycling at these conferences.
I always enjoy the “Measurement Matters” track. I think standardized measurement is a good thing when discussing policy or goals. Thirty-six states are now reporting their data; Iowa is not one of them. As the discussion continues at the state level about Sustainable Materials Management, I wonder if this could be a useful tool.
I was also keenly interested in the “Deep Dive into Glass.” It’s a great circular example of recycling the right way. It was in this session the d-word came up (deposits), which rarely happens at these conferences. My takeaway from this session was there is demand for glass for recycling but a reluctance by processors to accept it for obvious reasons. More was discussed about re-purposing the glass in an end-of-life application than a circular one. It makes your head spin trying to calculate all the variables of any particular practice and its net benefit.
“Bold Projects Shaping Recycling:” A lot of discussion here again about how some of these projects fit someone’s definition of recycling. Some of the neat things from this session: drones; robotics; Uber-like, on-demand recycling services and "Beyond 34," a project to improve recycling beyond 34% nationally. Other projects I wasn’t so excited about: dirty MRFs and waste-to-fuel, or chemical recycling.
My final thought: Regardless of the methods you choose for recycling, it's going to require a lot of education, technology and policy to be effective. Is it possible to create the momentum needed to see it through or will we go down the path of least resistance and convenience and settle for something less?
Resource Recycling Conference and Trade Show 2020, Austin, Texas
August 10-12, 2020
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SAVE THE DATE & INVITE YOUR LEGISLATOR!
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This fall, the Iowa Recycling Association will offer two opportunities to gain knowledge about Iowa’s bottle bill and its benefits, and how to share the message and lobby for positive change.
Panel speakers:
- Susan Collins, President, Container Recycling Institute, Culver City, CA
- Troy Willard, Owner, Can Shed, LLC, Cedar Rapids, IA
- Mick Barry, Owner, Mid America Recycling and Chairman of the Board of National Recycling Coalition
- Representative of Brown Winick, IRA Legislative Liaison, Des Moines, IA
Who is this Summit for?
IRA members, redemption center owners, recycling and solid waste professionals, advocacy groups and legislators.
Cedar Rapids (Sunday, November 17)
Des Moines (Monday, November 18)
Times and locations to be announced.
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THOUGHTS FROM A VETERAN RECYCLER:
Chuck Goddard
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Our latest recycling veteran retired six years ago, but is still seen at industry events. A familiar face at the annual fall conference, Chuck will be volunteering again this year in Dubuque. He's also serving his seventh year as the Iowa Recycling Association representative on the DNR's Derelict Building grant review team, and has maintained an individual IRA membership since retiring in 2013.
Prior to a 15-year tenure as Administrator at the Dubuque Metro Area SWA, Chuck spent 13 years as Administrator at the Clinton County Area SWA. He became active with the IRA during its first month of existence 30 years ago, and served two separate six-year terms on the IRA Board.
 What did you enjoy most about your career?
Working with like-minded people across the state.
Why have you stayed active in the industry since retiring?
I like staying in touch with everyone and keeping up with current events in recycling, especially those related to deconstruction.
Tell us about your award-winning work in the deconstruction industry.
Sustainable deconstruction has been a passion of mine throughout my career … which is why I enjoy being involved with the Derelict Building Program.
When I was at Dubuque we created a good deconstruction program. We had over 150 projects … some of which won awards. In one project alone – the demolition of a packing plant – we diverted the equivalent of a year’s worth of waste from the landfill. The deconstruction and reuse industry has come a long way, but I still think there’s not enough being done. We need stronger leadership!
What advice do you have for young people entering the industry?
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Since I retired I started collecting lard cans and have over 200 now. It’s the hunt for the cans I enjoy.
 Other than staying connected to the solid waste industry, what have you been doing in your retirement?
I was elected to two terms on the Clinton County Extension Council where I’ve been able to use my leadership abilities as Chairman. My wife and I have spent considerable time traveling, and we also spend lots of time visiting our four children and seven grandkids in various locations.
WHAT is going on with the cheerleader outfit??
I didn’t want the fall conference to become dull. So when it was held in Coralville with a college-sports theme I thought I’d brighten up the reception by wowing everyone with my cheerleading outfit.
It must have been remarkable, because I’m still asked if I’ll show up in the outfit at the next conference.
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COMMUNITY RESALE EVENTS PROMOTE REUSE BY GIVING REUSABLE ITEMS A SECOND CHANCE
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Submitted by Jane Wilch
 University towns, such as Ames and Iowa City, see increases in waste generated at the end of July when the bulk of rental leases change over resulting in thousands of students and locals on the move. Moving creates waste, as evidenced by the piles seen at dumpsters and curbsides this time of year.
These two communities saw this as an opportunity to capture usable materials that would have otherwise ended up in the trash. As Cyclones and Hawkeyes move out, Rummage RAMPage in Ames and Rummage in the Ramp in Iowa City offer temporary spaces during lease turnover time for students to donate gently-used items. Similarly, as students move in to their new homes, the Rummages offer a variety of treasures to furnish living spaces at great prices.
Every year, these sales are held at the end of July and the start of August to capture this movement of “stuff,” including couches, upholstered chairs, tables, houseware, books and more. A variety of local organizations and nonprofits volunteer, and at the end, money raised goes back to the groups to support the great work they do in the two communities.
Rummage RAMPage, Ames
(July 26 to August 3, 2019)
At the 4th annual Rummage RAMPage, several programs were supported beyond just the resale event. RAMPage accepted non-expired food items for food banks, clothes for thrift stores, linens for the animal shelters, and school supplies for the Back to School Bash fundraiser. The event partnered with local animal shelters to re-home pets.
To recap, 22 non-profit groups volunteered and more than $33,000 in revenue was generated to support these volunteer groups. Over 58 tons of materials were diverted from the landfill.
Rummage in the Ramp, Iowa City
(July 25 to August 3, 2019)
At the 13th annual Rummage in the Ramp, many unique treasures were donated including a collection of hundreds of National Geographic magazines dating from 1930 to 1970. During the event, an upcycling competition was held called Rummage Redux to encourage locals to get creative with upcycling, repurposing and repairing ordinary items.
To recap, the event diverted more than 32 tons of materials, as over 800 residents donated usable items. This year, 31 groups volunteered and will share the more than $21,000 raised.
A few images from this
summer's events in Ames and Iowa City.
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Vote for IRA Board candidates by this Friday!
Four positions are open on the Iowa Recycling Association Board of Directors. Six candidates are applying for these positions. Read about each candidate, then cast your vote by 5 p.m., Friday, September 13.
ARE YOUR DUES CURRENT? Please note, only votes cast by IRA members whose 2019-2020 dues have been paid will be counted. If you would like to pay your dues prior to Friday, contact IRA Treasurer John Foster at 319-234-8115 to pay by credit card.
Candidate information and election ballot
Consider mentoring a student
The IRA Student Membership Committee is seeking IRA members to mentor students. General expectations of an IRA Student Mentor:
- Mentors will provide mentees with general career/professional guidance, support and advice.
- Mentors and mentees will set realistic goals for the year to be achieved based on interests.
- Mentors and mentees will plan to meet at least monthly over the course of a year virtually, phone calls or in-person at annual conference & expo or workshops. Mentors will commit to be available for a period of one year.
Contact committee chair Ayodeji Oluwalana to learn more.
The Recycling Partnership offers free online DIYSigns
DIYSigns is an online tool with editable templates available in a variety of sizes from a bumper sticker to a poster – to fit just right wherever it’s needed. A beta launch of the online resource was announced last month.
Read more
NERC Bottle Bill webinar audio and slides now available
In July, the Northeast Recycling Council presented Bottle Bills—Benefits and Challenges. The webinar explored popular discussion points: proposed changes to bottle bills and why, how a bottle bill and EPR for packaging might work together and how bottle bills impact a MRF's revenues.
Listen to the audio
View the slides
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