Photo Recap of the Fall Conference Rethinking Resource Use: Regional Perspectives
The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) partnered with the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) to hold the Fall conference “Rethinking Resource Use: Regional Perspectives,” in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) at Syracuse University, formerly known as the Center for Sustainable Community Solutions (CSCS). The conference was held from October 28-30, 2024, at SUNY-ESF in Syracuse, New York.
“There is an incredible network of stakeholders across NY who have laid the groundwork, but it still feels like we are just getting started. The country is facing challenges, including climate change and resource depletion, and we have to embrace efforts that lead to tangible change” shared Kathryn Walker, Executive Director of CSMM.
Day 1
Opening Remarks
Kathryn Walker, Executive Director, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Joanie Mahoney, President, SUNY-ESF
Megan Schulz-Fontes, Executive Director, NERC
Speakers:
Mark Lichtenstein, Executive Operating Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer, Environmental Studies Adjunct Faculty, SUNY-ESF
Kathryn Walker, Executive Director, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Melissa Young, Director, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Megan Schulz-Fontes, Executive Director, NERC
Dereth Glance, Director Region 7, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Joanie Mahoney, President, SUNY-ESF
Opening Highlights:
Emphasis was put on the importance of multi-sector partnerships (government, academia, industry) to tackle environmental challenges like waste management and recycling, while promoting initiatives like food waste diversion and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to build a sustainable, resilient infrastructure through innovation and community engagement
Young announced that the Center for Sustainable Community Solutions rebranded to the Institute for Sustainability Engagement
Mahoney shared that SUNY-ESF is ranked #4 on the list of most sustainable colleges
Keynote
Dr. Garry Cooper Jr., PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Rheaply
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Garry Cooper Jr., PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Rheaply, a Chicago-based climate tech, which scales reuse programs for large organizations, by helping them better utilize physical resources
Session Highlights:
Shared how their company is employing technology to reduce costs and carbon emissions by keeping reusable materials out of landfills
In a few short months of modernizing the surplus exchange at SUNY-ESF, the college saved 40,000 dollars and diverted over 6k lbs. of materials
Session: “All Things Reuse!”
Sue Fassler, Director of Sustainability, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Delaney Demro, Program Manager, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speakers:
Moderator, Diane Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc.
Speaker, Delaney Demro, Program Manager, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speaker, Morgan Ingraham, Program Associate, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Speaker, Dr. Gabrielle Gaustad, Dean of the Inamori School of Engineering, Alfred University
Speaker, Sue Fassler, Director of Sustainability, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Session Highlights:
Demro spoke on the NYSAR3 Community Reuse Grant that supports small businesses, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and community organizations
Ingraham shared the Northeastern Tool Library (NETL) located in Keeseville, NY, a place where residents and community members can go in and rent tools for free
Dr. Gaustad spoke about the research her team has done for glass reuse
Fassler shared the impact of the Rheaply platform to advance sustainability through campus reuse
Session: “Research Spotlight: Methods for Managing Difficult to Recycle Fibers”
“Research Spotlight: Methods for Managing Difficult to Recycle Fibers “
Speakers:
Moderator, Dr. Deepak Kumar, Assistant Professor, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speaker, Doug Daley, Associate Professor, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speaker, Professor Bandaru V. Ramarao (Ram), Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering, SUNY-ESF.
Session Highlights:
Researchers have been exploring ways to transform non-recyclable paper waste into valuable resources
Ramarao discussed the conversion of organic waste into truly biodegradable plastics
Daley presented the latest research from CSMM on composting non-recyclable paper
Check out the short films on their exciting research here:
Session: “Following the Stream – Identifying Opportunities to Leverage and Expand Recycling Markets”
“Following the Stream – Identifying Opportunities to Leverage and Expand Recycling Markets”
Jesse Kerns, Assistant Director, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Speakers:
Moderator, Mark Lichtenstein, Executive Operating and Chief Sustainability Officer, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF Speakers
Speaker, Kweku Attafuah-Wadee, Project Manager, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speaker, Dr. Gabrielle Gaustad, Dean of the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University
Speaker, Jesse Kerns, Assistant Director, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Speaker, Kathryn Walker, Executive Director, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Session Highlights:
Education is key to increasing public knowledge of recycling criteria
Kerns shared flow maps of materials that show how much material is moving and where it’s coming and going
With materials like glass, challenges include applications that cannot incorporate cullet in current form and contamination
Ninety-five percent of collected textiles are suitable for reuse, repurposing, and recycling
Session: “Behind the Scenes: Reworking NY’s Sustainable Procurement Guidelines”
Delaney Demro, Program Manager, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Kshirajaa Ramesh, Researcher, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speakers:
Moderator, Brendan Woodruff, Director of Sustainability, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Speaker, Delaney Demro, Program Manager, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speaker, Kshirajaa Ramesh, Researcher, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Session Highlights:
New York State spends $6 billion annually on procurement, and the GreenNY program focuses on reducing the environmental impact of these purchases through sustainable practices
CSMM was tasked by the NYSDEC and GreenNY Procurement Working Group to update and modernize the GreenNY specifications, improving usability for purchasers and contract managers by incorporating 3rd-party certifications, standardizing formats, and ensuring compliance with State and National policies
Each quarter CSMM and RPN plan to update 15+ specifications and will prioritize products and services purchased in large quantities or represent a large volume of the states spending and specifications for products and services with new legislation and/or upcoming contracts
Session: “Collaborating for Impact: Building SMM Messages and Strategies through Partnership”
Lindsay Eberhart, Program Associate, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Celeste McMickle, Director, TRUE Zero Waste
Speakers:
Moderator, Melissa Young, Director, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Speaker, Delaney Demro, Program Manager, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speaker, Lindsay Eberhart, Program Associate, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Speaker, Celeste McMickle, Director, TRUE Zero Waste
Speaker, Kshirajaa Ramesh, Researcher, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speaker, Carly Stone, Communications Associate, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Session Highlights:
McMickle shared Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) which is a zero-waste certification program that businesses can apply for to transition to a circular economy
Stone spoke on collaboration for reuse in restaurants and shared Orange County Green Grub, a free pilot program that aims to support and guide local food service establishments, including restaurants and grocery stores, in implementing safe, sustainable reuse practices
Eberhart highlighted an effective partnership between Slice Out Hunger and Recycle Right New York to educate New Yorkers about how to recycle pizza boxes correctly
Day 2
Opening Remarks
New York State Senator Rachel May represents Central New York’s 48th District, including the City of Syracuse, parts of Onondaga County, and Cayuga County.
Speaker:
New York State Senator Rachel May represents Central New York’s 48th District, including the City of Syracuse, parts of Onondaga County, and Cayuga County.
Session Highlights:
Wants to expand the bottle bill and EPR legislation and create a chief sustainability officer
Mentioned her efforts to raise awareness about the basics of recycling and sustainability in the state
Emphasized for attendees to bring her ideas that would make good legislation or get into the budget
Keynote
Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business for World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Keynote Speaker:
Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business for World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Session Highlights:
The importance of collaboration regarding global issues is crucial for addressing challenges like plastic pollution, which no single entity can solve alone
Finding common ground, building bridges, and reaching out beyond our organization to find unlikely partners
In 2022, UN member states agreed to negotiate a treaty to accelerate efforts to end plastic pollution with the four key priorities outlined: 1) eliminating harmful polymers and materials, 2) establishing design guidelines that work within existing infrastructure and ensure continued recycling, 3) utilizing financial support to assist countries in need, and 4) developing and strengthening mechanisms to achieve these goals
Session: “The Power of Participation: Successful Engagement Strategies from State Recycling Campaigns”
“The Power of Participation: Successful Engagement Strategies from State Recycling Campaigns”
Jennifer A. Heaton-Jones, Executive Director, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority
Speakers:
Moderator, Lisa Ruggero, Assistant Director of Outreach Programs, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Speaker, Sarah Culler, Senior Manager of Education & Outreach, Delaware Solid Waste Authority
Speaker, Jennifer A. Heaton-Jones, Executive Director, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority
Speaker, Lindsay Eberhart, Program Associate, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Speaker, Cathy Doodnauth, Environmental Analyst III, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Session Highlights:
Clear Recycling Guidelines Improve Participation: Inconsistent recycling rules across different regions create confusion. Speakers spoke about how standardized and well-designed guidelines help residents recycle correctly and increase program success.
Stakeholder Engagement Strengthens Recycling Programs: Collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including municipalities, businesses, and community groups and is essential for effective recycling. Identifying and including missing voices can lead to more inclusive and impactful initiatives.
Session: “Strategies for Market Development in States”
Matt Fletcher, Recycling Market Development Specialist, Michigan Department of EGLE
“Strategies for Market Development in States”
Speakers:
Moderator, Bob Bylone, CEO and President, Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center and we heard
Speaker, Shannon McDonald, Natural Resource Planner, Maryland Department of the Environmental
Speaker, Liz Start, Founder, Start Consulting Group LLC
Speaker, Keira Higgins, Consultant, RRS
Speaker, Matt Fletcher, Recycling Market Development Specialist, Michigan Department of EGLE
Session Highlights:
The importance of moving from a linear to circular economy in programs like Nextcycle, a circular economy and recycling market development program to help circular businesses and projects grow and thrive
It was mentioned that the three key elements for successful recycling market development programs are data, partnerships, and a good process to attract and incubate good ideas
Session: “A Dive into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Products”
“A Dive into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Products”
Speakers:
Moderator, Bradley Baker, Program Manager, Maryland Department of the Environment
Speaker, Michael Gruber, Executive Vice President for Government Relations & Public Policy, Household and Consumer Products Association (HCPA)
Speaker, Rodney Clara, Vice President of Business Development, Tough Stuff Recycling
Speaker, Josh Kelly, Solid Waste Program Manager, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
Session Highlights:
Speakers shared what they learned with EPR programs in Vermont and California for products like batteries, tires, electronics, mattresses and paint
Effective EPR programs must be customized to fit each region’s needs, balancing factors like consumer participation, product stewardship, and infrastructure
Coordination between producers, regulators, and consumers is crucial for smooth operation
Session: “Organics: Leveraging the Strengths of Composting and Anaerobic Digestion”
“Organics: Leveraging the Strengths of Composting and Anaerobic Digestion”
“Organics: Leveraging the Strengths of Composting and Anaerobic Digestion”
Speakers:
Moderator, Jesse Kerns, Assistant Director, Institute for Sustainability Engagement at Syracuse University
Speaker, Mackenzie Bernhard, Sales Engineer, ECONWARD TECH
Speaker, Andrew Brousseau, Compost Operations Manager, Black Earth Compost
Speaker, Josh Enderle, Waste Reduction Consultant, CET
Speaker, Jon Augarten, Business Development Manager, Generate Upcycle
Session Highlights:
The presentations focused on innovative approaches like composting, anaerobic digestion, and waste-to-value systems, which are essential for reducing waste, generating renewable energy, and producing organic fertilizers
Enderle spoke about how their mission is to innovate, implement, and scale the environmental solutions that communities need to thrive
Augarten shared their anaerobic digestion and compost annual impact as they are focused on reducing costs and environmental impact of organic waste management
Session: “The Role of Life Cycle Analysis in Certification and Green Procurement”
“The Role of Life Cycle Analysis in Certification and Green Procurement”
Speakers:
Moderator, Shaina Banks, Product Manager, Green Seal
Speaker, Celeste McMickle, Director, TRUE Zero Waste certification with the USGBC
Speaker, Megan Jorgensen, Sustainability Maven, Eco-Products
Speaker, Victoria Nellis, Green Purchasing Program Manager, MD Department of General Services
Session Highlights:
Speakers spoke to the importance of eco-labels as they help with the verifying of products because a reputable third party has audited them, sustainable procurement programs like Maryland’s Green Purchasing Program, and what a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) or Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is and using that data as a compass and not a map
Session: “Roundtables: Case Studies to Increase Quality & Quantity of Recyclables”
Roundtable Topics:
Design for Fiber Recycling Markets - Bret Biggers, Senior Economist, Recycled Materials Association
Combatting Media Misinformation About Recycling - Gretchen Carey, Sustainability Director, Republic Services
Recycle Smart App - Cathy Doodnauth, Regional Planner, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Glass Drop-off Program - Jen Heaton-Jones, Executive Director, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority
Digitizing Recycling Information - Erin Jensen, Environmental Specialist, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Progressive Activities - Paula Jensen, Project Manager/Senior Environmental Planner at the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment (DOE)
Universal Recycling - Michael Parkowski, Chief of Business and Governmental Services, Delaware Solid Waste Authority
Best Practices in Redemption System Design to Increase Closed Loop Recycling - Mike Noel, Director of Public Affairs, TOMRA
Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Retrofit - Bob Cappadona, Vice President, Casella Resource Solutions
Session: "Building Blocks for Consumer Recycling”
Anne Bedarf and Tonya Randell
Dylan de Thomas, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, The Recycling Partnership
Speakers:
Moderator, Michael Wasserman, Senior Consultant, Eunomia North America
Speaker, Anne Bedarf, Director Packaging & Plastics Sustainability, Colgate-Palmolive
Speaker, Tonya Randell, Public/Private Engagement Manager, Stina Inc.
Speaker, Dylan de Thomas, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, The Recycling Partnership
Session Highlights:
This session broke down how consumer behavior, education and technology can affect engagement
Bedarf and Randell shared their recyclability journey for plastic squeeze tubes
Thomas shared Recycle Check which gives package -specific, local, up -to -date U.S. recycling guidelines to consumers in seconds along with the TRP National Recycling Database to inform on recycling across the country
NERC Leadership Awards:
Awardees
NERC awarded the Environmental Leadership Awards at the Marriot Syracuse Hotel with a reception that followed. This was the ninth year that NERC honors an organization, a municipality or county, and a long-standing member for their outstanding contributions to recycling education and innovation.
Outstanding Member - Good Point Recycling
Outstanding Organization - Helpsy
Outstanding Municipality - Town of Woodbury
Outstanding Program - Chittenden Solid Waste District
Day 3
Opening Remarks
Speaker:
Gary Feinland, Waste Reduction & Recycling Outreach and Education Section Supervisor, Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Speaker Highlights:
Congratulated the NERC Leadership Award winners
Highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors and states
Acknowledged the longstanding partnerships with ESF, ISE, and NYSAR3
Session: “Innovative Approaches to Reuse”
“Innovative Approaches to Reuse”
Adam Rack, Co-Founder, Revino
Speakers:
Moderator, Sue Fassler, Director of Sustainability, Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF
Speaker, Diane Cohen, CEO, Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc.
Speaker, Crystal Dreisbach, CEO, Upstream
Speaker, Adam Rack, Co-Founder, Revino
Speaker, Gretchen Worth, Project Director, Christopherson Center for Community Planning
Session Highlights:
Reuse for non-traditional materials and the importance of collaboration between waste management and materials workforce
The importance of designing products for reuse from the start
Rack shared that Revino is working to revise the wine glass bottle industry so that you can reuse said bottles
Worth spoke on Circularity Reuse, and Zero Waste Development (CR0WD) which focuses on the benefits of deconstruction and the reuse of those materials
Session: “A Dive into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging”
Lucy Mullany, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Eureka Recycling
Erica Nuñez, Head of the Plastics Initiative, The Ocean Foundation
Speakers:
Moderator, Alejandro Pérez, Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, World Wildlife Fund
Speaker, Megan Daum, Vice President of Sustainability, American Beverage Association (ABA)
Speaker, Lucy Mullany, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Eureka Recycling
Speaker, Erica Nuñez, Head of the Plastics Initiative, The Ocean Foundation
Speaker, Rachel Setzke, Senior Policy and Research Associate, Eco-Cycle
Session Highlights:
Speakers shared the importance of EPR related to states like Colorado and Minnesota and highlighted that trust and compromise were key factors in moving EPR forward
Emphasized the need for policies that support environmental justice, ensuring that communities, especially marginalized ones, are protected from the harmful impacts of waste and pollution
Closing Remarks
OCRRA Amboy Compost Site
OCRRA Amboy Compost Site
Closing remarks were given by Josh Kelly, Solid Waste Program Manager, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, in which he thanked everyone for coming and hoped attendees had been inspired and challenged. The conference concluded with facility tours of the OCRRA Amboy Compost Site and Smurfit Westrock facility.
NERC, CSMM, and ISE Team Members
“The people in this room are your collaborators and are here to share your journey. We have the power to challenge the status quo with our creativity and positivity. Challenge each other to think outside the box. Thank you to the conference team for putting all this together,” said Kathryn Walker.
Thank you to NERC for partnering with us to put on this most insightful conference! Shoutout to all our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and conference attendees for bringing the wow factor! If you’re interested in reading a more in-depth conference session breakdown, Waste Advantage Magazine covered the conference in a wonderful article. If you’re interested in learning more, the presentation slides from all three days of the conference are also available to view along with the full list of conference speakers. Thank you! Until next time!
