Association News

ASSOCIATIONS BATTLE WASTEPAPER TERM

Mention the word "wastepaper" and many in the paper recycling industry will cringe at the association of usable materials with waste. In fact, several associations are so bothered by the term that they have joined forces in an effort to "rid the recycling industry of the terminology menace."

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Washington, American Forest & Paper Association, Washington, and Canadian Pulp & Paper Association, Montreal, believe that the term should be replaced by more accurate phrases such as "recovered paper," "secondary fibers," "paper stock," "recovered fiber" or "scrap paper."

"It should be noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, has recently changed its use of paper recycling terms," says Herschel Cutler, ISRI’s executive director. "Today, EPA uses the term ‘recovered fiber’ instead of ‘wastepaper.’" By completely eliminating the use of the term "wastepaper," confusion regarding the differentiation of waste materials and scrap commodities will be significantly reduced, say the three industry groups.

PLASTIC RECYCLERS HIRE FIRST FULL-TIME STAFFER

The Association of Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers, a division of the American Plastics Council, Washington, has hired its first full-time staff manager, Robin Cotchan. Cotchan will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the association, and overseeing its various programs and activities.

"With an office and a full-time staff executive, APR is now able to better serve its members and provide even greater value to the plastics recycling industry," says Dennis Sabourin, APR chairman and vice president of post-consumer procurement and recycling industrial affairs for Wellman Inc., Shrewsbury, N.J.

Representing reclaimers and recyclers of post-consumer plastics, APR was formed in 1992. The association’s mission is to develop the plastics recycling industry.

NORA OFFERS  DIRECT EPA CONTACT

The National Oil Recyclers Association, Cleveland, is hosting its 1996 regulatory seminar, called "Inside EPA," August 18 through 20 at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region V headquarters in Chicago.

Offering face-to-face discussion of current regulations and legislation with federal, regional and state EPA regulators, the seminar offers used oil recyclers, antifreeze recyclers, wastewater treaters and used oil filter recyclers a unique opportunity to learn more about the critical issues that affect their daily business. It also brings attendees into EPA headquarters, where they can voice views and concerns directly to regulatory officials.