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2020 State of Recycling Briefing highlights industry’s essential role

2020 State of Recycling Briefing highlights industry’s essential role

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) joined by the U.S. Senate Recycling Caucus hosted the annual State of Recycling Briefing. Held virtually this year, the State of Recycling Briefing annually coincides with America Recycles Day, which takes place every November 15.

"While the factors surrounding COVID-19 put enormous pressures on recycling, it also triggered an awakening of the importance of recycling as that first link in the manufacturing supply chain," said ISRI President Robin Wiener. "The Federal Government - with most states following - quickly recognized that the supply of recyclable ferrous and nonferrous metals, paper, plastics, electronics, glass and rubber needed in critical manufacturing are essential, enabling recycling facilities to continue operating through the pandemic."

The event featured opening remarks from Senate Recycling Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) and Senator John Boozman (R-AR), as well as House Recycling Caucus Co-Chair Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL). Additional panelists included: Julie Alsup, Senior Manager of Government Relations for International Paper; Chris Bedell, Senior Vice President & General Counsel of the David J. Joseph Company; and Curt Wells, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Aluminum Association.

"Simple, yet effective education is needed to raise awareness among consumers of the importance of recycling and its essential role in manufacturing," continued Wiener. "More programs are needed to ensure that consumers understand the need to recycle and to recycle right. On the innovation and investment front, before the pandemic started, recyclers were investing in equipment and new technologies to produce higher grades of recyclables with greater efficiency. ISRI asks for Congress' support of continued federal funding for U.S. government-led public-private partnerships focused on research and development of innovative technologies and implementation of Design for Recycling principles."

During the briefing, ISRI also released its latest video "Recycling Is Essential," which highlights the critically essential role of recycling in the creation of new products, goods or other materials use in everyday life.

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