December 16
Webinar: What Packaging EPR Means for Haulers and MRF Operators
Register here
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December 18
Webinar: Update to Best Management Practices for Recycling Facilities During COVID-19
Register here
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Webinars On Demand
PSI's Webinar Library Is At Your Fingertips
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Happy Holidays from Your IRA President
Alan Schumacher, IRA Board of Directors President
Inevitably, we are about to come to terms with having to close this calendar year. What many could describe as the dumpster fire of the century, home plate is within the frosty breath of old man winter. Like many organizations, both public and private, we have had to adjust on the run to how we manage our day-to-day lives and initiate a “function-on-the-go” mentality.
A year ago at this time, we were celebrating the results of what was financially one of the best recycling and solid waste conferences in the history of our organization. Six short months later, we were having to make the toughest decision in the history of our organization to cancel our 2020 conference.
Consequences were lost revenue, disappointed vendors, and subsequently paying our host conference center based upon an agreement should we fail to show, a penalty, and loss of monies as agreed upon from a contractual agreement. Fortunately, we negotiated with the host center to return this coming calendar year and use a portion/percentage of the penalty payment to go toward a 2021 conference.
Even in a tough year, we must celebrate our successes. We are very proud to be partnering with the United States Composting Council to start a new state chapter. Landfilling food scraps is a waste of our landfill space and is needless when we have the ability to reuse via inland applications that can enrich our vital Iowa soil. Please keep an eye out for this exciting effort as it moves forward, and offer support. I cannot give enough accolades to the grassroots organizers in this state who have vested a tremendous amount of time and effort towards this process. Congratulations, you are almost touching home plate!
This is what we must keep our focus on going forward. How do we continue to reduce, reuse, and recycle? After all, isn’t that what this great organization is really about?! As we close out 2020, we want to express our appreciation to all our members for their perseverance and hard work in a difficult year. We know it has not been easy, but we thank you for continuing your efforts to better our state, protect our environment, and reduce waste. Here’s to 2021!
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Let's Celebrate the Recycling Accomplishments of 2020
Kate Bartelt and Eden Vellinga, Foth
With all the ebbs and flows of 2020, all aspects of recycling in Iowa have been deeply affected. However, despite all the challenges this year has brought, one thing remains the same; recycling is and always will be an essential service.
With the increase of many professionals across the United States working from home, along with schools closing, there has been a significant increase in household recyclables. Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) stated that residential waste and recycling volume was twenty percent higher than normal from March to April.
On top of that, SWANA and Glad came together to expand the Sanitation Workers Support Fund to provide financial assistance to the United States and Canadian solid waste and recycling workers adversely impacted by COVID-19[i]. As of October 29, 2020, SWANA has approved more than 260 applications for the fund and has distributed nearly $120,000.
Despite the increase in residential volumes, commercial volumes significantly decreased due to large industries shutting down permanently or temporarily. Yet, with businesses and industries reopening, the commercial volumes are expected to increase. Another positive recycling trend in 2020 has been the growth of domestic markets and the shift of those markets from China to the United States. The growth of local markets is expected to support local recycling facilities[ii].
2020 posed many challenges for our recycling coordinators. These coordinators had to scrap established and scheduled community engagement programs. However, through hard work, creativity, and talent, coordinators found innovative ways to engage residents. Examples include appearing in virtual classrooms and hosting drive-through facility tours. This innovation will create positive ripples throughout Iowa for years to come.
This year reminded us that solid waste and recycling are essential services. The logistics of collecting, processing, and managing trash and recycling while keeping the drivers, staff, and visitors safe challenged every part of the system. The Iowa Recycling Association Board of Directors wants to thank you for rising to those challenges and ensuring Iowa recycling systems remain strong.
The Iowa Recycling Association Board recognizes, respects, and is thankful for all the individuals involved in the recycling industry.
[i] https://swana.org/news/swana-news/article/2020/10/29/swana-and-glad-expand-eligibility-for-solid-waste-and-recycling-workers-impacted-by-covid-19-pandemic?utm_campaign=Sanitation%20Workers%20Support%20Fund&utm_content=144239041&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-112312448792426
[ii] https://www.wastedive.com/news/waste-expo-2020-recycling-policy-epr-covid-coronavirus/585150/
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Legislative Day at the Capitol - January 21
Join Us For Breakfast
This year's Legislative Breakfast in the Capitol Rotunda is happening early in the session. Mark your calendars and join other IRA members on Thursday, January 21 from 7-9 a.m. in the Capitol to discuss the IRA's legislative positions and other waste-management issues with each other and with your legislators.
IRA Room Block Now Open
A block of rooms has been reserved for January 19 through January 22 at the Staybridge Suites in Downtown Des Moines, 201 E. Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309.
Spacious suites feature a fully equipped kitchen & sofa sleepers, Breakfast Included, 24/7 Fitness Center, Heated Indoor Pool and Spa, High-Speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 Business Center, and convenient on-site Parking available.
Reserve Online with Link: Iowa Recycling Association
Note: Link will direct guests to the Hotel page. On top right of page, click on “Check Availability” and change arrival/departure dates to display the special rates & room types available! Guests can book directly on the website.
Reserve by Phone: 515-280-3828 and mention the Group Name or Block Code “IRA”
Last day to make reservations at the special rates: January 9, 2021
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Legislative Updates
Content sourced from BrownWinnick
Elections Update
This year Iowans elected 26 new lawmakers to the state legislature. Republicans maintained control of both the House and the Senate. On the House side, 18 new legislators will be sworn-in this January—14 Republicans and four Democrats. And in the Senate, seven newly elected Republicans and one Democrat will be seated. Click here to access a report which includes photos and brief biographies of this year’s legislative leadership and new lawmakers.
We encourage you to reach out to these officials to introduce yourselves and discuss policy initiatives before the legislature convenes on January 11. With the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, you might find that some new lawmakers prefer to communicate by phone, email, or video chat. While we normally encourage in-person meetings, given current circumstances, introducing yourself “from a distance” can be just as valuable. Although the representatives- and senators-elect are not yet listed on the Iowa legislature’s homepage (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/) many of them maintain campaign and/or personal Facebook pages, through which you can gain contact information or directly message them.
Updates on Iowa Bottle Bill Administrative Filings
The Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) recently filed a Petition for Judicial Review in Polk County District Court. Intervening parties have until December 11th to file a notice to appear in the review proceedings. The Iowa Capital Dispatch discusses the grocers’ lawsuit here.
IGIA has filed a new Petition for Declaratory Order with the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR). This latest petition addresses a bottle bill provision in Iowa Code § 455C requiring beer distributors to provide one redemption facility per county. In its petition IGIA also asks DNR to notify noncompliant beer distributors, and for the agency to subsequently enforce the requirement.
DNR declined to issue a response regarding IGIA’s previous Petition for Declaratory Order focused on dealer equity. The grocers had argued that all retailers selling deposit beverages should be required to redeem containers. Under Iowa Code § 17A.9(8), this non-response is the same as denying the petition.
For more details and links to the administrative filings, please see the following overview.
IGIA’s Administrative Filings Regarding Iowa’s Bottle Bill
Petition for Declaratory Order re: Beer Distributors’ Redemption Obligations: IGIA filed this petition asking DNR to enforce a bottle bill provision requiring beer distributors to provide redemption centers in every county seat. The provision also requires additional redemption centers for every 25,000 people in cities with populations of more than 25,000.
As the petition states compliance with, and enforcement of, this legal provision is nonexistent across Iowa. It claims DNR asserts that the agency has no enforcement authority, and the only remedy is to work through local law enforcement (just like with noncompliant retailer redemption practices).
IGIA’s petition questions whether DNR’s failure to enforce is a violation of the department’s duties and obligations mandated by code. They are asking DNR to take the following steps:
- Notify each violating beer distributor of their noncompliance; and
- Work with the Iowa Attorney General and local law enforcement to identify noncompliant distributors and enforce this requirement.
Status: Consistent with the previous petition, IGIA requested a meeting with the DNR director and DNR legal staff.
Petition for Declaratory Order re: Dealers Equity: IGIA filed this petition claiming DNR is selectively and unequally enforcing redemption requirements against IGIA members – putting their membership at a competitive disadvantage. In its filing IGIA identified the following noncompliant retailers: Dollar General; Family Dollar; Dollar Tree.; Menards; Lowe’s Home Improvement; Home Depot; Theisen’s Home Farm & Auto; and Fleet Farm.
Status: DNR did not issue a response within 60 days, which per Iowa Code Chapter 17A.9(8) amounts to rejecting the petition.
Petition for Declaratory Order regarding Dealer Access: This petition challenged numerous aspects of the retailer/redemption center business relationship. Among other things, IGIA requested that DNR create rules preventing redemption centers from charging fees to serve as a retailer’s point of redemption. Today, retailers typically pay redemption centers located within the convenience zone a monthly fee, which helps defray the cost for redemption centers handling a much higher volume of containers.
Status: DNR did not issue a response within 60 days, which per Iowa Code Chapter 17A.9(8) amounts to rejecting the petition.
Petition for Declaratory Order re: Convenience Standard: IGIA also filed a petition challenging DNR’s authority to administer a 10-minute “convenience zone”. Currently, to ensure easy access for consumers, retailers can only decline to accept containers if they sign a service agreement with a DNR-certified redemption center within the convenience zone.
Status: On September 29th, DNR denied this Petition for Declaratory Order. In its response, DNR recognized that the Iowa legislature enacted the bottle bill in the interests of consumers. Since Iowa consumers didn’t have an opportunity to participate in the proceedings, the department noted it cannot issue a declaratory order in favor of IGIA. DNR also noted it would be “prudent” to wait for legislative guidance before taking unilateral action.
Click here for DNR Response.
Click here for Cedar Rapids Gazette article regarding DNR Response.
Petition for Judicial Review: IGIA has submitted a Petition for Judicial Review in Polk County District Court following DNR’s denial of the group’s petition challenging the department’s authority to administer the convenience standard. IGIA claims they have exhausted their administrative rights, were aggrieved, and are asking the court to issue an order that would:
- Determine DNR’s use and application of the convenience standard is invalid;
- Order DNR to stop denying applications based on the convenience standard policy; and
- Order DNR to initiate formal rule-making procedures to define “convenience standard” to customers.
Status: Any party who filed a Petition to Intervene in the DNR administrative stage has until December 11 to file a request to participate in the Judicial Review proceedings.
Click here for Iowa Capital Dispatch article regarding IGIA court filing.
In the News
IGIA’s administrative filing campaign has also gained significant media attention. Most notably, Des Moines Register Readers’ Watchdog Lee Rood has reported a four-part series, “Kick the Can,” diving into the need to modernize and enforce the bottle bill. All four pieces are available online through the links below:
- Kick the Can: Iowa’s bottle bill was falling apart—and then the pandemic made things worse
- Kick the Can: Redemption centers are a lifeline to needy Iowans, charities during the pandemic—if they can find one
- Kick the Can: Almost 42 years later, can Iowa’s bottle redemption law be enforced?
- Kick the Can: As bottle law languishes, Iowans ask: Why not rely on curbside recycling? Hint: Some stuff isn’t recycled
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Thank You To Our 2020 Legislative Sponsors
 
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The IRA Forms State Composting Council Chapter
Nominations for Chapter Officers End December 15
In partnership with the US Composting Council (USCC) and the Iowa Recycling Association (IRA), the State of Iowa now has a newly formed Chapter of the USCC to promote infrastructure building and training to address increasing amounts of organics in the landfill and encourage use of compost for healthy soils.
The Iowa Composting Council (IACC) is now an official USCC Chapter housed within the IRA. Alan Schumacher, President of the IRA said, "It just makes sense. The IRA is here to promote recycling. Organics are the largest waste stream in Iowa. Of course we should promote the recycling of organics through composting. It's a perfect fit."
The group, which is seeking Iowa members, will educate state regulators, local officials and the public about the importance of the compost manufacturing industry to local waste management programs, jobs and business development, as well as the benefits of using compost in commercial and residential landscaping and farm fields. Educational outreach will also include the benefits of using compost for storm water management, erosion control and green infrastructure. The IACC, IRA and USCC will jointly take positions on regulations and legislation that affect the industry and the market for compost in the state.
“The USCC — and the compost industry — is most effective in states where a local and organized
industry group is at the table,” said Frank Franciosi, executive director of the USCC. “Our chapters are
important because their leadership is directly in touch with the members we work to serve.”
Currently, the IRA is soliciting nominations for officers to serve on the IACC board. Nominees must be either a member of the IRA and/or the USCC. For more information about the IACC or to submit a
nomination, contact Jenny Trent at Jennifer.trent@uni.edu.
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Meet Your Iowa Waste Exchange Representative
Content sourced from Iowa Waste Exchange/Iowa Waste Reduction Center
Paige Alesch serves Area 1 as an Iowa Waste Exchange Resource Specialist. Paige was born and raised in Sac City, Iowa, and after high school attended South Dakota State University majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.
She started her career with the Iowa Waste Exchange in June of 2019 and has enjoyed getting to know the industries and recycling markets in her territory ever since!
Paige is passionate about preserving the planet and natural resources for future generations and believes this is the perfect position to contribute to that goal! In her free time, Paige enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Josh, two children Nina (3) and River (4 months), and their dog, Ruger.
Area 1 Counties: Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Sioux, Obrien, Clay, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Woodbury, Ida, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Monona, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Guthrie, Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Fremont, Page, Taylor, Ringgold.
Paige can be reached by phone at 712-775-7813 or by email at palesch@region12cog.org.
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Call for Papers for Virtual 2021 Conference
Content sourced from NERC
The Northeast Recycling Council invites all who are interested in presenting at its virtual Spring Conference on March 30 - 31 to submit a presentation abstract.
NERC is seeking abstracts about the following:
- Demystifying Recycling Markets
- Refillables/Reusables
- Existing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs (E-waste, Mattresses, Paints, Thermostats, etc.)
- Other Topics
Submission Deadline: December 16, 2020
For more information and/or to submit an abstract, visit NERC's website.
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EPA Updates
Content sourced from EPA
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the National Recycling Goal to increase the recycling rate to 50% by 2030.
This goal will help EPA, stakeholders, and the public see how the United States is managing materials more sustainably. It will help governments to make necessary changes to collection and sorting systems and help industry determine the supply of available materials and make investment decisions.
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Grant Opportunities
Funds may be used for evaluating current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the operation and maintenance of active landfills; provide technical assistance and/or training to help communities reduce the solid waste stream; provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development and implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements. Proposal deadline: December 31, 2020
The Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) works to reduce the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa. Through a competitive process, financial assistance is available for a variety of projects, including source reduction, recycling and education.
Any unit of local government, public or private group or individual is eligible to apply.
Funds can be used for such items as:
- Waste reduction equipment and installation
- Recycling, collection, processing, or hauling equipment (including installation)
- Development, printing and distribution of educational materials
- Planning and implementation of educational forums, workshops, etc.
- Purchase and installation of recycled content products
- Salaries directly related to implementation and operation of the project
Proposal deadlines: 4:00 PM on January 2 and July 1.
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In Case You Missed It
Des Moines Register: Photos: Recycling cans and bottles inside Iowa's largest recycling center
See the photos here.
EPA: EPA Encourages Americans to Avoid Food Waste Over the Holidays
As America celebrates the holidays, EPA reminds families and communities to consider the environment when planning their meals and be mindful about wasting food. EPA estimates that more food reaches landfills than any other material in everyday trash, constituting 24 percent of municipal solid waste. This wasted food contributes to landfills being the third largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States.
Visit the website for more tips on how to reduce food waste.
EPA: EPA Releases Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts & Figures Updates
In November, EPA released new Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures data on national municipal solid waste (MSW) and construction and demolition debris for the year 2018.
Visit the website for more information on the Facts & Figures 2018 data.
EPA: EPA Releases Updated Recycling Economic Information Report
In November, EPA released the 2020 Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report. The report estimates changes in recycling’s total economic impacts, including wages, employment and tax revenue generated to support recycling activities as an aggregate and for each material.
Visit the REI report web page for more information.
Glass Recycling Coalition: Recycling Survey Results
Ninety percent of residents and consumers still expect to be able to recycle glass, according to members of the recycling value chain. The third annual survey by the Glass Recycling Coalition (GRC), released at the GRC Fall 2020 Member Meeting, queried more than 200 municipal officials, top glass industry professionals, and materials recovery facility (MRF) operators in an open survey from August to September 2020.
Read more...
Product Stewardship Institute: FPA and PSI Reach Agreement on Legislative Elements of an EPR Bill for Packaging and Paper Products
The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), the leading advocate and voice for the growing U.S. flexible packaging industry, and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), a leader of the U.S. product stewardship movement, announced an agreement on eight legislative elements of an extended producer responsibility (EPR) bill for packaging and paper products (PPP).
Read more...
Resource Recycling: Pandemic Shifts are a Mixed Bag for MRF Operators
In recent weeks, Bill Keegan has been forced to store recyclables in a warehouse for the first time in the six-year history of his Twin Cities-area MRF.
The problem for Shakopee, Minn.-based Dem-Con Companies is tied to both the supply and demand sides of the business. COVID-19 has brought a substantial increase in the PET containers flowing into the MRF at the same time a fire temporarily interrupted shipments to Dem-Con’s PET bale buyer.
Read more...
Waste Advantage: Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
According to OSHA, more than 65 percent of falls in the workplace are caused by a slip or trip. The other 35 percent of falls occur when workers fall off an object such as a ladder, loading dock or piece of equipment. Slips and trips can be prevented with good housekeeping, proper footwear and best practices to keep the workforce safe.
Read more...
Waste Advantage: New Wind Turbine Blades Could be Recycled Instead of Landfilled
Researchers have developed a wind turbine blade that costs less and appears to be recyclable, two attributes that could accelerate the rapid growth of both onshore and offshore wind around the world. The innovation may also reduce rising transportation costs because blades for taller turbines can now be as long as 262 feet, almost the length of a football field.
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Waste Dive: MRF Summit: Despite Pandemic Setbacks, 2020 Shows Bright Spots for Recycling
Speakers at the event highlighted the booming use of robotics, declining contamination and improved market pricing as positive signs; while international trade policy presents complications.
Read more...
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