|
|
|
|
May 10, 2019
All Things Recycling
|
|
|
|
Almost time to pack your toothbrush - We're putting to final details on the Conference and its promises to be another good one!
Members, don't forget to vote for your Board - Look for your Election Ballot sent on April 15th.
Plan to hang out on Wednesday night - After the reception in the Exhibit Hall we'll hang out in the Michigan Ballroom and have some quality networking time. Support the work of the Coalition at the Tin Can Raffle and Silent Auction, enjoy some tacos, and team up for some serious trivia fun!
Hotel sleeping rooms are also sold out - But there are other hotel options close by:
- Hyatt Place Ann Arbor - 734-995-1234
- Courtyard by Mariott Ann Arbor - 734-995-5900
- Holiday Inn & Suites Ann Arbor - 734-213-1900
- Hampton Inn Ann Arbor - 734-665-5000
|
|
SE MI adjusts to life without incinerator - The abrupt closure of the city's incinerator is prompting some residential pickup delays as more of Metro Detroit's waste heads to area landfills. The most significant disruption for the suburbs is the increased amount of time it takes to travel back and forth to the Pine Tress Acres landfill. The centrally located Detroit Renewable Energy site is now being used as a transfer station, making the current burden a bit easier for City collection. Read more...
Domicology forum - The Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development will be hosting an Domicology Forum on May 17th at the MSU Kellogg Center. The event will highlight advancements in Domicological research, policy, and practice. Learn about the progress in the theory and practice of reducing structural abandonment while increasing material salvage. Learn more...
RRRASOC featured in news segment - Good reminders about what goes in and does not go in your recycling cart. Check out the video...
Dealing with tighter fiber standards - China’s shutdown of 5 million tons of mixed paper imports has caused a ripple effect in the U.S. and beyond. It has driven materials recovery facilities (MRFs) to secondary markets that don’t have capacity for the volume. It has resulted in depressed pricing, and at the same time, MRFs are needing to invest more to make cleaner bales due to increased quality demands. Vietnam, India and Indonesia are receiving a fair amount of these materials but expect cleaner bales, and as supply continues to outpace demand, some domestic markets have more rigid expectations, too. MRFs are hyper focused on quality - slowing lines down, installing optical sorters, removing brown materials, and now considering robotics. Read more..
Maine bans foam - On April 30, Maine officially became the first state to ban single-use polystyrene, cups and containers. The measure will ban grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops and food trucks, among other businesses, from using Styrofoam cups and containers. The bill will go into effect January 1, 2021. Read more...
DC finds success in consistent messaging - Based on waste characterization studies conducted by Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), the city's recycling program saw a notable 8% drop in contamination and a 9.5% increase in collected recycling — an additional 200 tons per month. The reduction in contamination follows a comprehensive outreach campaign. Learn more...
EPA moves landfill guidelines in 5 states - The EPA has been required by a federal judge in California to move forward on implementation of 2016 Emission Guidelines for landfills. Per the ruling, the agency must now review compliance plans from the five states that have submitted them by Sept. 6 and set forth a federal plan by Nov. 6. Read more...
Best practices for transfer stations - Reminders are always good. Check out these best practices to keep your transfer operation in good shape.
Software tracks materials through cycle - The End of Waste Foundation (EOW), a California-based startup, is set to launch a software platform with blockchain technology that will track material from haulers to MRFs to processors to manufacturers. This will result in a certificate verifying tonnage, path to recycling and greenhouse gas emissions offset once the loop is complete. Learn more...
Robots may be coming to MRFs near you - After compiling data from major robot providers, Resource Recycling estimates over 80 robots are either working or have been purchased in the U.S. and Canada. They’re sorting residential and commercial recyclables, mixed-waste, plastics, shredded electronics, and construction and demolition debris. Read more...
Biodegradable requires certain conditions - According to a three-year study conducted by the University of Plymouth in the UK, biodegradable plastic bags billed as "biodegradable" may not break down as quickly as expected. The study exposed five types of bags to the natural environment to examine how their chemical composition and tensile strength changed. All bags broke down within nine months when exposed to air. After three years in seawater, the biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable and conventional HDPE bags were able to carry a load of groceries successfully. The compostable bag broke down in water after three months, but survived in soil for 27 months. Read more...
Recycle-friendly paper cup - Cascades Inc. and Sonoco Products Company, through their joint venture, invested $17 million in 2018 to expand their Birmingham, Ala. production facility. The investment went toward a “water-based functional coating solution to create recyclable, repulpable and compostable containers." Learn more...
Republic gets new president - Jon Vander Ark, former COO, has been named president of Republic Services. He will continue reporting to Don Slager, chief executive officer. Tim Stuart has been appointed chief operating officer (COO), succeeding Vander Ark.
|
|
Opportunities, Resources, Grants...
EGLE Market Development Grant RFP - This grant will provide funding to for-profit and nonprofit entities to increase the use of recycled materials in new products and uses in Michigan. There is $2,000,000 available in 2019 for grants of up to $500,000 with a 25% match requirement. Proposals are due June 5. Learn more...
Natur-Tec seeks National Sales Representative - Preferably located in Minneapolis, Denver, or Detroit, the rep would cover all sales functions nationwide, forecasts, solicits, and secures orders from potential and existing customers. Learn more...
Genesee County RFP - Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission (GCMPC) is requesting a consultant to conduct a study on the following: Learn more...
- Evaluate Genesee County's current waste management operations to determine methods for enhancing waste collection and diversion including shared services and cost savings opportunities
- Explore the feasibility of establishing a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Genesee County including where the MRF should be located and how it would be funded
- Explore the feasibility of establishing a permanent recycling center in Genesee County where items such as household hazardous waste and/or household recyclables could be collected
Taste the Local Difference seeks coordinators - Taste the Local Difference is Michigan's local food marketing agency. They are looking for a West Michigan and Southwest Michigan Local Food Coordinator. These coordinators would be responsible for meeting collectively determined sales goals, building new partnerships with local food businesses, fulfilling services and contracts in the region, attend regional local food meetings and events, and contribute written and visual content as outlined in communications plan. The ideal candidate would be immersed in the local food scene for that region and passionate about community. Learn more...
On-going Curbside Recycling Grants - The Recycling Partnership offers supplemental funding and support for advancing cart-based curbside recycling in communities across the United States through financial and technical assistance. Grants applications are accepted on an on-going basis. Learn more...
Want more recycling news? - If you're not currently receiving this newsletter on a weekly basis it's because you're not a member of the MRC. Join to receive this newsletter weekly and receive many other benefits of membership. Also, send us your news, jobs postings, and fresh content!
Recycle, MI signs, shirts, recycling bins, compost bins, and more! Check out our Recycle, MI website and Swag Shop to gear up for all of your summer recycling program needs!
Looking for a contact? MRC Member Directory! - Members have access through our member website to the "Member Directory" and "Member Organization Directory" listed under "Quick Links" in the right side of the screen. Join us to get access to these directories and other great benefits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
