Newsworthy

ELECTRONICS

ISRI Welcomes Release of ITC Study on Electronics Reuse
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI), Washington, D.C., has welcomed what it describes as the “first comprehensive study on the scope of the used electronic products (UEPs) market and the destinations of exported UEPs,” with the recent release of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) report “Used Electronic Products: An Examination of U.S. Exports.”

Completed at the request of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, the report is based on data collected through a nationwide survey of 5,200 refurbishers, recyclers, brokers, information technology asset managers and other UEP handlers. The report looks at electronic equipment and components of these used products in 2011.

The ITC report reveals that in 2011, U.S. collectors and processors reported $20.6 billion in sales of UEPs, of which 7 percent ($1.45 billion) were exports. Domestically, refurbished UEPs made up the bulk of sales ($15 billion) with commodity-grade scrap produced from the disassembling/recycling of UEPs accounting for $4.3 billion in sales. Exports accounted for $1 billion in sales of refurbished UEPs and $439 million in recycled material. According to the study, despite longstanding anecdotal accounts to the contrary, 88 percent of all UEPs exported as repaired/refurbished are sent “tested and working.” Only a small share of U.S. exports, less than 1 percent (0.8 percent), is sent overseas for disposal.

“Having this credible report from a neutral government entity using a proven survey methodology provides the electronics recycling and refurbishing industry, its many stakeholders and policymakers with valuable hard data,” says Robin Wiener, president of ISRI.

The United States is the world’s largest market for electronics, thus generating large quantities of used electronic products each year. These products are collected from consumers and businesses, evaluated for their value and then classified as working electronic products and parts to be refurbished and resold or as nonworking goods to be recycled into scrap commodities either in the United States or abroad, according to ISRI. Commodity metals, plastics and glass are used as raw materials in manufacturing processes, and circuit boards are sent to smelting facilities to recover gold and other precious metals.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates suggest that only 25 percent of available UEPs in the U.S. are recycled; most still remain in our homes or are sent to landfills. This is despite the fact that the consumer market is the largest market for new electronic products. ISRI says it believes that increasing the collection of used consumer electronic products presents an untapped opportunity to increase the supply of UEPs into the recycling stream in an environmentally responsible manner.

“The release of this report and its findings present a real opportunity to build public awareness and education around the safe and secure recycling of consumer electronics across the country,” Wiener says. “We all have or know someone who has used electronic products gathering dust at home. These products have the potential to be put to good use either in the form of a refurbished product, potentially helping an underserved community here or abroad, or having its parts recycled and used for the manufacture of another product, saving natural resources in the process.”

ISRI represents more than 1,700 companies in 21 chapters nationwide that process, broker and consume secondary commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics and textiles. The trade association provides education, advocacy and compliance training in addition to promoting public awareness of the role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.

METALS

Mallin Bros. Reaches Milestone
Mallin Bros. Co. Inc., a Kansas City, Mo.-based scrap metal recycling firm, is celebrating 85 years in the industry in 2013.

The company began in 1928 with Harry Mallin, on a horse-drawn wagon, purchasing scrap materials such as bottles, rags, magazines, copper, aluminum and scrap iron from residents.

Over more than eight decades, the company has expanded its operations to include considerable processing capacity and has become one of the largest wire processing facilities in the country. Mallin Bros. says it is able to process insulated copper and aluminum wire in an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient manner.

Jeffrey Mallin, company president and the third generation of the Mallin family to run the company, says, “My father was so forward-thinking in his approach to processing wire. He created a special niche for our company in the recycling industry that has been very successful.

“We are in our 45th year of processing wire and are very excited about our plans for some brand new technologies coming on stream this year, including a solar power addition,” Mallin adds.

Mallin also says he has benefited from the expertise and tradition passed down by his father, Larry Mallin, CEO of the company. “I am lucky to have a business partner that not only shares his wealth of 60-plus years of business experience with me but also really enjoys working together, and I feel the same way,” he comments. “My grandfather, uncle and father taught me that honesty, integrity and perseverance are the characteristics needed to be successful in business and in life. I guess 85 years and still going strong validate their teachings.”

METALS

Sadoff Breaks Ground on New Facility
Sadoff Iron & Metal Co., headquartered in Fond Du Lac, Wis., recently held an official groundbreaking for its newest scrap metal recycling facility, which will be in Lincoln, Neb.

In attendance at the ceremony were representatives from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Airport Authority, David Design Firm, Sampson Construction, Arnold Heights Neighborhood Association, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler and Sheldon Lasky, Mark Lasky, John Eide, Steve Napoleone, Dave Noell and Laci Arnold from Sadoff Iron.

The new 13-acre scrap facility is set to open by October 2013. When fully operational, it will include a new nonferrous warehouse as well as new scrap processing capacity. The new facility is situated less than 2 miles from the company’s current location in Lincoln.

GLASS

Joint Venture Seeks to Upgrade Glass Sorting
Glass container manufacturer Owens-Illinois Inc. (O-I), Perrysburg, Ohio, has announced plans to partner with e-Cullet, a glass processing company based in Palo Alto, Calif., to form a joint venture called Glass to Glass LLC.

The joint venture will invest in glass sorting equipment that can make more high-quality recycled glass available for use in O-I’s 79 plants.

“We are encouraged by the formation of this joint venture, as we believe we can improve the supply of recycled glass to our North American plants,” says Jay Scripter, vice president of regional integrated operations for O-I’s North American operations.

Craig London, eCullet CEO, says, sophisticated sorting technologies are needed to create the material quality required by glass manufacturers. “That is our specialty and we look forward to helping Owens-Illinois use more recycled glass in its manufacturing process,” he adds.

CONFERENCES & EVENTS IFAT

India Debuts in October
The premiere of IFAT India, which takes place at the Bombay Exhibition Center (BEC) in Mumbai Oct. 24-26, 2013, is already attracting a great deal of attention from international exhibitors and visitors, according to the show’s organizers, Messe München International. India’s “Leading Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Refuse and Recycling” will host more than 100 exhibitors in 64,600 square feet of exhibit space as well as nearly 6,000 visitors, its organizer says.

The show will offer a B2B platform with wide coverage of all relevant environmental sectors, including water, sewage, refuse, recycling and energy conservation management industry in India, Messe München International says.

China, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Switzerland and the U.S. will be organizing national pavilions at the event. In addition, the German Water Partnership, a partner of the trade show, also will be putting together a joint presentation space for its members.

Companies wishing to exhibit can request application documentation at www.ifat-india.com/exhibitor/book-a-stand. The final deadline for receipt of applications is July 15, 2013.

MUNICIPAL

Houston Receives Honor
Houston Mayor Annise Parker has announced that the city’s One Bin for All waste and recycling concept is one of the five winners in the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge, a competition designed to inspire American cities to generate innovative ideas.

According to a press release issued by the city, the One Bin for All concept uses new technology to separate trash from recyclables, allowing residents to discard all materials in one bin. The anticipated end result is a dramatic increase in the amount of waste diverted from landfills. Implementation will be achieved through a public/private partnership.

Houston was selected as a Mayors Challenge winner out of a pool of more than 300 applicants. The city was selected based on four criteria: vision, ability to implement, potential for impact and potential for replication.

The city will receive a $1 million innovation prize to help implement its One Bin for All idea. As the winner of the Mayors Challenge Fan Favorite Selection, Houston will receive a $50,000 in-kind grant from IBM to support the implementation of its idea as well as featured coverage and promotion from The Huffington Post. Houston also will receive a sculpture created by designer Olafur Eliasson to commemorate each of the Mayors Challenge winners.

Parker says, “One Bin for All is a first-of-its kind innovation that will revolutionize the way we handle trash, achieving high-volume recycling and waste diversion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower operating costs.”

The Mayors Challenge is a competition to inspire American cities to generate innovative ideas that solve major challenges and improve city life. Mayors of U.S. cities with 30,000 residents or more were eligible to compete.

MUNICIPAL

Sustainable Packaging Coalition Launches How2Recycle Label
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), a project of the nonprofit GreenBlue, Charlottesville, Va., has announced the completion of the soft launch of its How2Recycle recycling labeling system.

In addition, Kellogg Co. will be joining 11 other companies already taking advantage of the How2Recycle label, including Ampac, Best Buy, Clorox, Costco Wholesale, Esteé Lauder Cos., Aveda, General Mills, Microsoft, Minute Maid, Sealed Air, Seventh Generation and REI.

According to SPC, the How2Recycle label is the only packaging labeling system that communicates recyclability across all material types and gives explicit directions to consumers designed to influence their recycling behavior. The labeling system also specifies when a package component is not recyclable.

Research completed prior to and during the soft launch of the project has confirmed that the label is understood by consumers, leads consumers to action, elicits positive impressions of products and companies and meets Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirements, SPC says. In addition, SPC says the label is a valuable tool for companies wishing to understand the specific recyclability of their packaging.

With Kellogg Co. joining the How2Recycle Label program, the public will see the label on a variety of familiar Kellogg’s and Kashi (Kellogg’s line of natural organic cereal products) products beginning in April of 2013, GreenBlue says.

“At Kellogg, we have a long-standing commitment to sustainability, and the How2Recycle label on our products honors that legacy,” says Melissa Craig of Kellogg Co. “We continually look for ways to educate consumers on the recyclability of our packaging materials. Consumers need clear, concise communication when it comes to recycling, so materials that can be reclaimed don’t accidentally end up in landfills. This label helps ensure all packaging components are recycled, as intended, to further reduce the environmental impact of our products and promote conservation.”

Of note is Kellogg’s use of the How2Recycle “Store Drop-off” version of the Label for certain plastic bags, wraps and other films acceptable at many retail locations for recycling with plastic carry-out bags, GreenBlue says. The familiar cereal “bag in box” format will carry the label as it applies to the inside bag liner. The SPC has partnered with the Flexible Film Recycling Group of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) to increase the use of this label and awareness regarding film plastic recycling. The paperboard box remains recyclable to the majority of the public either at curbside or municipal drop-off locations.

Full implementation of the label is underway, and companies interested in participating are encouraged to contact GreenBlue. The SPC says its goal is for the label to appear on the majority of consumer product packaging by 2016.

“This long-term project of the SPC is poised to make a significant impact,” says GreenBlue Senior Manager Anne Bedarf, who with GreenBlue Project Associate Danielle Peacock has led the development of the How2Recycle Label. “With the revision of the FTC’s Green Guides, attention again has turned to accurate and transparent recyclability messaging, and the SPC’s How2Recycle label is quickly becoming the industry standard. We designed the business model with a tiered structure to encourage participation by businesses of all sizes, and we look forward to working with a diverse group of forward-thinking companies and stakeholders as we enter the next phase.”

Companies interested in using the label on their products can visit www.how2recycle.info/how2join and contact Bedarf by phone at 434-817-1424, ext. 314, or by email at anne.bedarf@greenblue.org.

PLASTICS

Rigid Plastics Recycling Climbs 13 Percent in 2011
Rigid plastics recycling climbed 13 percent in 2011 to reach at least 934 million pounds for the year, and U.S. consumers with local access to recycle nonbottle rigid plastics increased from 40 percent to 57 percent between 2011 and 2012, according to a pair of reports released at the Plastics Recycling Conference, which was March 19-20, 2013, in New Orleans.

Moore Recycling Associates Inc., Sonoma, Calif., conducted research for the reports on behalf of the American Chemistry Council, Washington, D.C.

According to the “2011 National Postconsumer Non-Bottle Rigid Plastic Recycling Report,” 61 percent of rigid plastics collected in the United States were recycled in the United States or Canada, a sharp increase from the slightly over one-third recycled in this region in 2007, when Moore Recycling began measuring rigid plastics collection.

The report also found that polypropylene and polyethylene plastics comprise the largest portion (70 percent) of postconsumer nonbottle rigid plastics collected in the United States, with polypropylene (PP) accounting for 39 percent of all rigid plastics recycling and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) constituting 31 percent.

The number of communities now collecting many types of rigid plastics in addition to bottles has contributed to the growth in the recycling rate, according to Moore Recycling Associates. The new consumer access report, “Plastic Recycling Collection: National Reach Study, 2012 Update,” found that more than 1,400 cities and 300 counties in the United States now collect all rigid plastic containers in addition to plastic bottles.

Another key finding of this report is that the portion of U.S. consumers with access to recycle two key categories of rigid containers—HDPE rigid cups, tubs and containers and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) trays, clamshells and cups—now exceeds 60 percent. This means that for the first time, under Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, recycling access is sufficiently widespread to label these containers “recyclable” without the need for additional qualification or disclaimer.

“With recycling of rigid plastics containers now available to a substantial majority of Americans—in other words, surpassing the FTC’s 60 percent threshold—the recycling message can be greatly simplified, making it easier to educate consumers,” says Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council.

“This is a significant milestone for recycling and a tremendous benefit to packaging manufacturers, major brands, consumers and recyclers,” he adds.

For example, within the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s How2Recycle label system, HDPE and PET containers have surpassed the “Limited Recycling/Check Locally” category and now meet criteria for the “Widely Recycled” category. (See above)

According to the report, rigid polypropylene containers are the next likely class of rigid plastics to approach FTC’s “recyclability” threshold, with 58.4 percent of U.S. consumers currently able to recycle these items locally.

A third report released during the conference explores the major factors contributing to the rapid growth in rigid plastics recycling, such as increased demand, public commitments, excess MRF (material recovery facility) capacity and improved consumer education. “Growth Trends and New Drivers for Non-Bottle Mixed Rigid Plastics Recycling,” prepared by Resource Recycling Inc. and sponsored by ACC’s Plastics Division, contains recommendations for communities that are considering adding rigid plastics to their recycling programs, four case studies and examples of successful community education programs.

Communities currently vary widely in the types of rigid plastics collected for recycling, with many municipalities accepting household containers, such as yogurt cups, dairy and deli containers and lids, the ACC says. However, a growing number of communities are adding bulkier rigid plastics.

The primary domestic end uses for recycled rigid plastics are pipe, buckets, automotive products and other relatively thick-walled injection products. Lidded reusable food storage containers and kitchen tools, such as cutting boards, measuring cups and serving utensils, are another growing market for this material, the ACC adds.

ELECTRONICS

ECOvanta to Collect Electronic Scrap in Pennsylvania
ECOvanta, the electronic scrap recycling subsidiary of Covanta Energy Corp., Morristown, N.J., has signed a partnership agreement with Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority

(LCSWMA) to provide electronic scrap recycling services.

ECOvanta will transport the electronic scrap, including computers, monitors, mobile phones, printers and televisions, to its Philadelphia facility for dismantling, shredding or aggregating for reuse and recycling.

ECOvanta says it is R2 (Responsible Recycling Practices) and e-Stewards certified. The company is also ISO 14001:2004 registered and is a member of the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), Phoenix.

“Covanta has been a valued vendor for the authority for decades now, with operating our waste-to-energy facility,” says James Warner, CEO of LCSWMA. “We look forward to establishing another successful partnership with their e-waste division.”

The agreement covers the recycling of about 1.3 million pounds of electronic scrap per year.

“We are very pleased to broaden our 20-plus-year relationship with the LCSWMA with this new agreement to sustainably handle Lancaster County residents’ e-waste,” says Gordon Burgoyne, ECOvanta director of business development. He adds that both the company and LCSWMA are committed “to providing responsible and sustainable management of municipal solid waste as well as e-waste.”

Based in Philadelphia, ECOvanta serves the Mid-Atlantic, New York/New Jersey and New England regions.

PAPER

AF&PA Reports 2012 Paper Recovery Rates
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, D.C., has released year-end 2012 data showing that 65.1 percent of the paper generated domestically was recovered for recycling in 2012. The figure came from information gleaned from the AF&PA’s 53rd Annual Survey of Paper, Paperboard and Pulp Capacity.

“Paper recovery is a success in our country because of the commitment millions of Americans make each day to recycling, whether it’s at home, work or school,” says AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.

“Our industry’s success in paper recovery is due in large part to the voluntary, market-driven product recovery system that we and so many others have fostered,” adds David Scheible, AF&PA board chairman and president and CEO of Graphic Packaging International. “We will continue supporting education programs and initiatives that help drive awareness to increase recovery.”

According to the AF&PA, the annual paper recovery rate has nearly doubled since 1990 and remains above the trend line for the industry to achieve its goal of recovering more than 70 percent by 2020.

Along with the recycling rate, AF&PA’s report shows that total U.S. paper and paperboard manufacturing capacity declined by 1.6 percent in 2012. However, the association says total capacity is expected to be stable over the next three years.

According to the survey, paper and paperboard capacity is expected to decline 0.4 percent in 2013 but to rise 0.6 percent in 2014 and 0.2 percent in 2015. For the three-year projection period, paper and paperboard capacity is expected to rise 0.4 percent at an average annual rate of 0.1 percent, AF&PA says.

Tissue paper and containerboard grades are slated to add capacity during the next three years, while capacities for newsprint and printing-and-writing grades are expected to decline, according to the AF&PA. The survey findings indicate that boxboard capacity will hold essentially stable.

The survey represents about 90 percent of U.S industry capacity.

METALS

ISA Signs Agreement with Blue Equity
Scrap metal recycling company Industrial Services of America (ISA), Louisville, Ky., has entered into a management agreement with the Louisville-based private equity firm Blue Equity LLC.

Under the 12-month agreement, Blue Equity will provide management services to ISA that include working with ISA’s existing management team to review operations and to identify opportunities for growth and profitability.

ISA’s board of directors says it considers Blue Equity’s role key to its future plans to develop and improve upon core business operations, enhance the current platform, secure strategic alliances and diversify corporate holdings in domestic and international markets, according to a news release issued by Blue Equity April 1, 2013.

Jonathan Blue, chairman of Blue Equity, has a substantial background in the scrap metal industry. Prior to his involvement in the private equity sector, Blue was vice president of Progress Rail Services Corp. He also was involved with his family’s scrap metal business, Louisville Scrap Material Co.

“Blue Equity’s business philosophies and practices have successfully transcended a diverse range of industries and now it seems we have come full circle, returning with this transaction to the scrap and recycling businesses,” Blue says.

He adds that while private equity firms are more visible in the recycling industry, his firm offers substantial advantages. “It is not just that we understand the sector, but we also understand the diversity of the industry.”

An ISA source says that from the scrap metal company’s perspective, Blue’s experience with former scrap metal companies will be helpful to ISA as it seeks to grow and diversify its operations.

In the news release, ISA founder and CEO Harry Kletter says he has known Blue his entire life. “He and his team have an impressive track record, which I am confident will benefit our company and our shareholders,” says Kletter. “I am thrilled that he and his team have agreed to take ISA into a new era of growth.”

ISA issued 125,000 shares of its common stock to Blue Equity in early April in a private placement at a per-share purchase price of $4. Subject to shareholder approval and vesting provisions, ISA also has granted options for a total of 1.5 million shares of its common stock to Blue Equity at an exercise price of $5 per share.

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Renewable Energy from Waste Conference Launches in November
Smithers Apex, Recycling Today Media Group, the publisher of Renewable Energy from Waste and Recycling Today magazines, and Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc. have announced the dates and location for the inaugural Renewable Energy from Waste Conference and Exhibition. This event is scheduled for Nov. 18-20, 2013, at the West Palm Beach Marriott, in West Palm Beach, Fla., and focuses on the production of renewable energy and fuels from waste materials.

Renewable Energy from Waste 2013 is co-chaired by Harvey W. Gershman, president, Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc., and James R. Keefe, executive vice president and group publisher, Recycling Today Media Group. The conference includes two full days of plenary sessions and leadership roundtables providing key insights into renewable waste financials, market trends and opportunities and technology developments, plus multiple B2B networking opportunities and exhibition time. The final day of the program features tours of innovative facilities in the Palm Beach region focused on creating energy and fuels from waste.

“The industry needs one place where economic, municipal and corporate experts come together to share their successes and struggles with candor and impartiality,” says Andrew Smaha, conference director for Smithers Apex. “Our inaugural program will be designed to connect waste generators, the government sector, waste management firms, recycling firms, energy and chemical producers, commercial waste generators and equipment and technology suppliers.”

Keefe adds, “Capturing the resource potential of waste streams is the fastest growing sector of the waste and recycling industry. This is the reason we introduced Renewable Energy from Waste magazine in 2012. It’s also the reason we’re taking the follow-up action in 2013 of introducing this event. We’ll be considering the full breadth of possibilities from energy to the production of building block chemicals.”

More information is available by contacting Smaha at 207-781-9635. Abstracts also can be submitted to Smaha.

More information is available at www.REWConference.com.

METALS

LKQ Enters Auto Shredding Business
LKQ Corp. Inc., Chicago, has announced it has entered the automobile shredding business with the purchase of U-Pull-It, Davie, Fla. The company was among 15 acquisitions that LKQ completed during the fourth quarter of 2012, according to the company.

In a discussion following the release of LKQ’s quarterly numbers, the company’s managers said the decision to purchase the shredder would allow LKQ to buy vehicles that it historically would not have, lowering its average vehicle cost.

John Quinn, LKQ CFO and executive vice president, said, “Currently, this shredder is operating at half capacity. We anticipate running at full capacity by the end of 2013 with all current and future volume being generated internally with no reliance on third-party sources.”

LKQ says its considerable presence in Florida will allow it to obtain an ample number of vehicles, increasing its automobile shredder’s operating rate.

MUNICIPAL

Florida Recycling Rate Holds Steady in 2011
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), 23 counties in the state reported a recycling rate of at least 30 percent in 2011. Nine counties have attained a recycling rate of at least 40 percent.

Overall, Florida maintained a 30 percent recycling rate for the second consecutive year in 2011, according to the DEP.

“Florida is making strides to reach the 2020 recycling goal of 75 percent,” says Jorge Caspary, director of the DEP’s Division of Waste Management. “However, Florida’s businesses must become more involved in recycling in order for us to achieve success.”

In 2008 the Florida legislature enacted Statute 403.7032, which established a statewide recycling goal of 75 percent by 2020. This figure includes material used to produce renewable energy.

The “2011 Solid Waste Management Report” is available at www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/SWreportdata/11_data.htm.

METALS

Sadoff Iron & Metal Acquires Aluminum Resources
Sadoff Iron & Metal Co., Fond du Lac, Wis., has reached an agreement in principal to acquire Aluminum Resources Inc., also based in Fond du Lac.

According to Sadoff, Aluminum Resources, founded in 1988, processes and supplies foundry and mill-grade recycled aluminum.

“This acquisition adds a niche market for us that complements our current aluminum and nonferrous business activity,” says Sadoff CEO Mark Lasky.

The new company will operate under the Sadoff Iron & Metal Co. name.

Founded in 1947, Sadoff Iron & Metal Co. is a third-generation, privately held ferrous, nonferrous, alloys and electronics recycling company. Including this acquisition, Sadoff has seven recycling facilities in Wisconsin, along with two scrap metal operations in Nebraska.

MUNICIPAL

Shoreway Environmental Center Reaches 2-Million-Ton Diversion Mark
RethinkWaste, San Carlos, Calif., has announced that as of the end of February 2013, it has diverted 2 million tons of residential and commercial recyclables and organic materials at its Shoreway Environmental Center in San Carlos since 1994. This has resulted in the reduction of approximately 5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions—the equivalent of removing more than 743,000 cars from the road over the same time.

A celebration was held Friday, March 1, at the Shoreway facility to mark the milestone. The event featured California State Assemblyman Rich Gordon, local elected officials, RethinkWaste’s board of directors and staff, Recology San Mateo County and South Bay Recycling (SBR).

Recology San Mateo County is the franchised collection services provider for residents and businesses in the RethinkWaste service area. SBR operates the Shoreway facility under contract with the agency.

“This milestone is truly a celebration of the successful partnership between community members and recycling agencies along the Peninsula,” says Gordon, who was named the 2012 Recycling Legislator of the Year by the nonprofit group Californians Against Waste. “These combined efforts have resulted in a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable community for all to enjoy.”

Kevin McCarthy, executive director of RethinkWaste, adds, “This significant environmental milestone reflects the great efforts of local residents and businesses to separate their recyclables and compostables for collection. This also would not have been possible without the great support of our local elected officials over the years in championing recycling and composting efforts.”

In addition to Friday’s celebration, a Customer Appreciation Week was held Feb. 25 through March 2 to thank Shoreway’s public customers. During this week, customers who brought in a minimum of two yards of clean green waste material to Shoreway’s Transfer Station could take up to two cubic yards of finished compost for free. A number of daily giveaways also were distributed to public customers. In addition, a drawing was held at the end of each day for contractors who left their business cards with Shoreway’s scale house attendants. Each of the winners will be able to bring up to a total of 10 yards of clean construction and demolition debris (C&D) or clean commercial or residential green waste and wood for free to Shoreway through Dec. 31, 2013.

Rethink Waste is a joint powers authority of 12 public agencies (Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo, the County of San Mateo and the West Bay Sanitary District) in San Mateo County, Calif. RethinkWaste owns and manages the Shoreway Environmental Center.

MUNICIPAL

Indiana DEM to Issue Recycling Grants
The state of Indiana’s Recycling Market Development Program (RMDP) has been authorized to release $500,000 in grants to assist private recycling businesses in the state. Companies interested in the program have until June 3, 2013, to apply for the grants, which are designed to help purchase equipment for manufacturing recycled materials into new products or into industrial feedstocks.

“Providing financial assistance to recycling businesses makes good sense for the environment and the economy,” says Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Commissioner Thomas Easterly. “We are pleased to offer grants to help businesses that are giving a second life to materials.”

The program’s grants are awarded to business recycling projects that reduce solid waste disposal, increase Indiana’s capacity for recyclable material manufacturing and increase the use of recycled-content products.

Grants will range from $25,000 to $200,000. Grant recipients are required to provide a 50 percent match. Businesses that have current RMDP projects will not be eligible to apply for this round of grants, according to the state.

The Recycling Market Development board will make final funding determinations of eligible projects by August.

The IDEM administers the Recycling Market Development Program, which operates under the Recycling Market Development Board.

Additional information about the Recycling Market Development Program and applications are available by calling 800-451-6027 or visiting IDEM’s Recycle Indiana website at www.recycle.IN.gov.

METALS

Cozzi O’Brien Recycling Purchases Land
Cozzi O’Brien Recycling has acquired a 10-acre tract of land adjacent to its Bellwood, Ill., headquarters.

“After searching for over three years, we have found what we were looking for, literally in our own back yard,” says Frank Cozzi, CEO of Cozzi O’Brien Recycling.

“This expansion will give Cozzi O’Brien an opportunity to consolidate into this new property several storage and operational facilities that we are currently renting,” adds Cozzi. “While giving us a much more logistically friendly location for our truck fleet, it will also give us the space to expand our processing capability at this facility as well as [at] our Franklin Park, Ill., location. The new property is directly across the street from our Melrose Park, Ill., retail buying facility.”

The new property also will be home to a new Bonfiglioli shredder, according to Cozzi. The small shredder was purchased primarily to shred aluminum and also to upgrade some ferrous scrap.

Company President George O’Brien comments, “The location of the new facility, which will also house our truck fleet, puts us just minutes from the interstate system and will allow us to service our customers much more efficiently.”

ELECTRONICS

Friendly Earth Achieves E-Stewards Certification
Seattle-based Friendly Earth has become the first e-Stewards-certified nonprofit in Washington state as well as only one of three e-Stewards certified electronic recyclers in the state, according to the Basel Action Network, the nonprofit organization that developed the standard.

E-Stewards is a globally accredited, third-party audited certification program.

“Friendly Earth chose to pursue the e-Stewards certification because we felt it was a necessary step to validate a recycler’s commitment to responsible and ethical practices,” says Rex Yang, CEO of Friendly Earth. “Every day, e-waste is shipped overseas to developing nations, and now it’s time for recyclers to put an end to global dumping. Being the most rigorous certification obtainable, we believe e-Stewards is the solution to our problem.”

Jim Puckett, executive director of BAN, says, “As a certified e-Stewards recycler, Friendly Earth joins the ranks of the global leaders in solving the e-waste crisis in the most responsible way.”

Friendly Earth offers free electronic recycling services to the public, which include an on-site drop-off location as well as contracted pickups and community events.

ELECTRONICS

LifeSpan Achieves E-Stewards Certification
The IT asset disposition firm LifeSpan, based in Newton, Mass., has announced that its facilities in Denver; Tampa, Fla.; Omaha, Neb.; and San Diego have achieved e-Stewards certification.

LifeSpan says it chose to pursue e-Stewards certification because customers recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and rely on third-party certifications to assure that their information technology asset disposition (ITAD) vendors meet the highest standards.

The company also holds the R2/RIOS (Responsible Recycling Practices/Recycling Industry Operating Standard), ISO 14001 and NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) AAA certifications.

LifeSpan serves large, multilocation, national enterprises.

“E-Stewards is a market-driven and a market-leading standard for electronics recycling,” says Dag Adamson, president and founder of LifeSpan. “With the help from the e-Stewards Enterprise program, our customers encouraged us to round out our certification portfolio. We are now among the select few companies in the ITAD industry that has proof of our depth in compliance and sustainability while at the same time, driving the best value for our customers.”

MUNICIPAL

Connecticut Forms Recycling Council
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, joined by the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Daniel Esty, Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Catherine Smith and state leaders, has announced the formation of the Recycling Market Development Council. The council has been designed to expand and strengthen Connecticut’s efforts to grow its recycling businesses.

The council was a recommendation of the Governor’s Recycling Working Group, established in April 2012. According to a news release issued by the departments, the goals are to “modernize the state’s solid waste system and materials management policies and to increase the recovery of recyclables throughout the state.”

Malloy says, “The recommendations of the Recycling Working Group will help us strengthen and expand the recycling and reuse economy in Connecticut. Modernizing the state’s process will support an industry that is nearly 5,000 strong and contributes hundreds of millions [of dollars] to our local economy—and it will reduce the volume of trash and air pollution.”

He adds, “I thank the working group for their service and their commitment to Connecticut’s environment.”