Resource Recycling is keeping track of how the novel coronavirus is affecting the business of materials recovery and processing.

HERE you’ll find all of their in-depth reporting and analysis on the topic, plus a growing list of resources for programs and businesses impacted by the pandemic. 

NERC & the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) have formally announced their new partnership to grow a groundbreaking campaign that expands market demand for recycled resins and improves plastic recycling in North America. The Government Recycling Demand Champions, a companion to APR’s well-established Recycling Demand Champions Campaign, will be tailored to state, regional and local governments around the United States.  It will be hosted by NERC, working in close collaboration with APR.

Republic Services foresees major changes in the residential and commercial recycling landscape due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Construction and Demolition Debris Management in the United States

DEQ’s Materials Management Workforce Development grants for repair and reuse businesses are accepting applications now through May 8th. Grants will support repair and reuse activities.  DEQ is seeking proposals for projects that will extend the lifespan of products and materials already in circulation through reuse, repair, salvaging, refurbishment or remanufacturing (together referred to as “reuse and repair”).

Agency Continuing Halt of Enforcement of Redemption Requirements until April 30

Portland, OR -- The Oregon Liquor Control Commission will extend its non-enforcement posture with Oregon retailers that choose not to accept empty beverage containers for redemption because of continuing pandemic-related staffing concerns for grocers and supermarkets. The enforcement suspension will now stay in effect until April 30, 2020; if stores don’t take back empty beverage containers during the temporary period the OLCC will not issue them a notice of violation.

Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) released a seminal report that provides guidance for stabilizing and modernizing fragmented U.S. municipal recycling systems that have strained under the weight of major market disruptions. The report outlines problems faced by U.S. recycling programs and how extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs in four Canadian provinces have increased packaging recovery and recycling, reduced contamination, and developed markets for difficult-to-recycle materials.

What is your name? Shelly Paredes

Where do you work and what do you do? JLL. I am the Sustainability and Compliance Manager (Solid Waste Program) for a large chip manufacturer.

Tell us how you enbrace recycling/sustainability into your home or workplace? I oversee solid waste program development for our global client and practice recycling at home. I am also a Metro/Master Recycler.