Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 05/21/2020 01:39 PM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Share or view as a web page || Update preferences or unsubscribe

Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter

Are Reusables Safe During COVID-19?

Reusable Mug and Bag

Are you interested in information about the safety of reusable items in the time of COVID-19? Upstream has compiled some of the top questions being asked on this topic with helpful resources and research in this list of 7 FAQs About the Safety of Reuse (PDF). These FAQs were developed by professionals in the reuse industry in partnership with Dr. Ben Locwin, an epidemiologist and consultant to the CDC who is currently working on COVID-19 and has worked on other emerging infectious diseases. The document provides answers, based on science and data, to frequently asked questions about the safety of reusables during COVID-19. Watch the recording of the webinar The Future of Safety And Reuse that features some of the professionals that helped develop this resource.

Planning Future Events? Green Your Giveaways

SWAG. Promotional items. Giveaways. Freebies. We all have a drawer full of them from various fairs, conferences and events. At best, these items are used a few times and then take up space, and at worst, they are never actually used and thrown away. That means that not only are these items increasing our waste stream, but the resources that went into creating them were wasted as well. Many of these items are also not recyclable, such as stress balls, flash drives, and other small plastic tchotchkes.

While most in-person events have been canceled, planning for future events continues. Green your giveaways (PDF) by using the following tips to get your message out while also lowering waste generated by giveaways.

Only Use Giveaways When Necessary. Rethink your traditional giveaway marketing model and see if using the resources spent on giveaways can reach more people though new means such as digital media or a social media campaign.

Set Sustainability Criteria for Giveaways Purchased. Make sure your organization knows that waste reduction and sustainability are important when selecting what giveaways to purchase. In addition, only purchase what you need. Follow these tips to select more sustainable items:

  • Avoid event specific branding so they can be used for multiple events
  • Avoid individually wrapped items
  • Look for more durable version of products that will be used longer
  • Buy local or domestic when possible
  • Look for items that are recyclable or compostable
  • Consider items that enhance the recipient's ability to reduce waste: such as reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and reusable straws and cutlery sets.

Use Giveaways Effectively and Efficiently. Instead of leaving items on a table for anyone to come by and take without engagement, keep them hidden from view and only give them out to folks you have engaged with. You can also use giveaways as a reward for someone giving you information, such as taking a short survey or playing a game.

NYSP2I Community Grants Program Deadline Approaching!

Applications for the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) Community Grants Program are due May 29. 2020. Eligible applicants are able to receive up to $20,000 to fund their project. These projects should raise awareness and understanding of pollution prevention practices that lead to implementation at the local level. Eligible applicants include community organizations, municipal departments, and other public sector and nonprofit entities.

USDA Funding Available: Community Compost & Food Waste Reduction

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of $900,000 for local governments to host a Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) pilot project for fiscal year (FY) 2020. The cooperative agreements will support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. Submit your application by June 26, 2020.

US EPA Anaerobic Digestion Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports diversion of food waste and other organic materials from landfills. Anaerobic digestion is an alternative to landfilling that results in environmental benefits in the form of renewable energy (biogas) and a product that can improve soil health (digestate). EPA announced the availability of $3 million to accelerate the development of new or enhance/increase existing anaerobic digestion capacity and infrastructure in the United States. Submit your application by July 14, 2020.

Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sales

Conference, Workshops & Webinars:

Funding/RFP Opportunities - Application Deadlines

Award 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. 

Was This Newsletter Forwarded To You?

Sign up for DEC Delivers Solid Waste and Recycling topic to stay up to date with news, regulatory requirements and changes, funding opportunities and upcoming events in the materials management industry.