Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/10/2021 12:27 PM EDT
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Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter 

US Department of Energy Announces $14.5 Million to Combat Plastics Waste and Pollution

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced an investment of up to $14.5 million for research and development to cut waste and reduce the energy used to recycle single-use plastics like plastic bags, wraps, and films. Through this funding opportunity, DOE will support a range of projects to develop economically viable solutions for converting plastic films to more valuable materials and design new plastics that are more recyclable and biodegradable. As part of the application, applicants are required to describe how diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives will be incorporated in the project. The funding opportunity announcement is available now. The concept paper submission deadline is 6/28/2021 5:00 p.m. ET.

Celebrate World Refill Day

World Refill Day

World Refill Day is June 16, 2021. Join people around the world in a celebration of waste reduction and reuse by participating in this global public awareness campaign to create less waste!

Why refill and reuse? Choosing “Reduce, Reuse, Refill, Repeat” means stopping waste before it starts. Less waste means less litter, decreased costs to towns and cities that must haul and manage our waste, conserving natural resources, and taking action on climate change. Reuse and refill practices can save consumers money by using things like refillable water bottles, and it can even save businesses money, too.

Ways to celebrate World Refill Day:

  • Take the pledge and choose which refill and reuse actions you plan to take.
  • Support your local businesses that have refill and reuse options by giving them a positive review or shout out on social media.
  • Start small – New to refill and reuse? Participating in World Refill Day doesn’t mean you need to purchase something. Contact your favorite brands to let them know you’d like to see them offer refillable products or participate by reusing and refilling something you already have. For example, empty food jars make great storage containers for leftovers or other items.
  • Going beyond the bottle – Already a refill pro and looking for something beyond refilling your water bottle? Remember that refill comes in all shapes and sizes! Try new refill options such as refillable cleaning products, refillable bathroom products such as shampoos and body washes, or even refillable cosmetics.
  • Start planning for Plastic Free July - World Refill Day is the perfect time to try out a new way to refill that you can continue into Plastic Free July!

Discover the Journey of Recyclables

Where do your recyclables go after you put them in the recycling bin? Used items journey through several stages of the recycling process as they are transformed into renewed, marketable items. Knowing the stages of the recycling process helps us to understand why it is so important to recycle right. An aluminum can is a great example of a circular item. This means it can be recycled repeatedly with little to no loss of material quality. A used aluminum can goes through many stages on its journey to becoming a renewed can.

Discover what happens at each of the stages in a recyclable item’s story. For more information about how to recycle right, visit recyclerightny.org and follow the hashtag #RecycleRightNY on social media.

Circle with stages of recycling going around it

USCC Composters' Conference on Compostable Products

The US Composting Council seeks to educate compost manufacturers on pros and cons of accepting or rejecting compostable products in their feedstocks. They will also educate other stakeholders in the Compostable Product Supply Chain about the issues compost manufacturers face in accepting compostable products and how they manage those issues.

Workshop 1: What Does It Mean To Be Compostable?
Background, certifications, testing and labeling
June 17, 2021 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT

Workshop 2: Reducing Contamination
Working with generators, haulers, and upfront systems
June 24, 2021 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT

Summit: How Do You Decide?
Presenting pros, cons, and how to change the balance
July 15, 2021 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT

Register for the Composter's Conference on Compostable Products.

Events

Compost & Rain Barrel Sales (Order by Dates)

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars

Funding/RFP Opportunities - Application Deadlines

We Want To Hear From You!

Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about or a public event or workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, traditional recyclables, etc.) you'd like the greater community to know more about? E-mail us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter.