Recycling Organizations of North America on a roll
The newly formed Recycling Organizations of North America (RONA) recently hosted its first markets' forum on April 21, 2010, highlighting plastic recycling market challenges and issues. According to the organization's website, despite a few technological glitches during what was the organization's first webinar, participants found the session insightful and thought provoking. The webinar format was free and open to all interested participants, and in light of the many important issues raised, RONA has pledged to follow the event with subsequent webinars.
Webinar topics included:
The State of the Plastic Market - Patty Moore of Moore Recycling Associates discussed the current market place. Her presentation looked not only at the stalwarts PET and HDPE, but also examined prospects for #3-#7 bottles and other non-bottle rigid containers.
A New Way to Collect PLA Biodegradable Plastics - BIOCOR Executive Director Mike Centers discussed their plans to develop a processing infrastructure to recover as much PLA as possible. Plastic reclaimers fear that this new infrastructure will be difficult to establish, while bioresin manufacturers see their product as an environmentally sound product.
Challenges and Obstacles - Steve Alexander and Liz Bedard from the Association of Post-consumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) updated particpants on the struggles and challenges confronting collectors, processors and end users, including problems with mislabeling of plastics, supply issues related to domestic and overseas marketplace dynamics, and concerns over the new biodegradable plastic PLA.
Also recently, RONA-U, a collegiate group backed by RONA to better connect higher education and the recycling industry, announced that Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), based in Winchester, Va., has signed a charter partnership agreement to increase waste recycling streams more efficiently on campuses across the U.S.
According to RONA-U, they have partnered with Rubbermaid Commercial Products because of the company's commitment to products, methods and programs designed to help people live and work in more environmentally sustainable ways.
“RCP has a number of products and training programs that can assist RONA-U with their goals of sustaining and enhancing recycling and waste reduction on campuses across North America,” said Corey Rodriguez, National Segment Manager - Institutional for Rubbermaid Commercial Products.
“We are excited to collaborate at this new, higher level with Rubbermaid Commercial Products” said Jack DeBell, RONA Program Manager for Universities. “This partnership holds great potential for colleges and universities seeking superior collection equipment and proven experience with campus operations.”
As part of the partnership, RONA-U and RCP will work together on a pilot take-back program, conduct institutional usage focus groups and provide technical assistance and training resources on best management practices when it comes to improved diversion rates. In addition, RONA will work with Rubbermaid to establish a procurement relationship that will provide RONA members economies of scale when purchasing products.