E-newsletter highlighting grant deadlines, upcoming workshops and available resources for municipal recycling and solid waste leaders. |
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Doing Business with DEEP during the COVID-19 Pandemic
DEEP is continuing to carry out its mission and provide services while keeping both the public and our workforce safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click on link for the latest updates on DEEP's COVID-19 Response.
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RecycleCT Announces New Grant Honoring Lee Sawyer
Late DEEP Chief of Staff Was Instrumental in Creation of Recycle CT Foundation; Proposals Due June 30
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the RecycleCT Foundation are pleased to announce a new grant opportunity, the Lee Sawyer Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant, which supports waste reduction and reuse in addition to recycling and composting efforts.
The grant program is named in memory of former DEEP Chief of Staff Lee Sawyer, who died unexpectedly on Oct. 31, 2020. Lee was incredibly dedicated to the mission of DEEP, and was instrumental in the creation of the RecycleCT Foundation.
The RecycleCT Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the importance of managing materials more sustainably through waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting that encourage people, government entities, businesses, schools and organizations to adopt these practices as part of their everyday lives or operations. RecycleCT provides statewide promotion of recycling; creates educational materials available for printing that can be co-branded by municipalities, haulers and others; conducts research, including a recent recycling economic information study; and offers grant programs.
“Improving Connecticut’s waste management systems and solving the state’s waste crisis was hugely important to Lee, both personally and professionally,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “This new grant program is a fitting way to honor his memory, and a great way to continue the critical work he was so involved in. Connecticut’s waste system is at a crucial juncture, and through the continued work of initiatives such as the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management and this grant program, we’ll start to realize the modern waste system we desperately need in our state.”
“We’re pleased we can offer RecycleCT’s new grant program, which emphasizes the importance of waste reduction and reuse equally to recycling and composting programs, at a time when there is such a great need,” said Suzie Huminski, Sustainability Coordinator at Southern Connecticut State University and a RecycleCT Board member. “I can’t think of a better way to honor Lee Sawyer.”
Nonprofit organizations and municipalities are eligible to respond to this competitive Request for Proposals requesting funds from $1,000-$15,000. Applicants can pursue funds in two categories, the first category for waste reduction or reuse projects; or the second for recycling or composting projects. Proposals for the Lee Sawyer Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant are due June 30, 2021.
Anyone is invited to make contributions to support RecycleCT generally, or to support the Lee Sawyer Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant. Those interested in contributing may do so on www.recyclect.com.
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Please email your program budget to:
Applications and Budgets due June 30, 2021
at 5:00pm ET.
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U.S. EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
Closing Date:
May 7, 2021
Eligibility: See Additional Information link below
Funding: Estimated total program funding $2,800,000 with an award ceiling of $50,000
Closing Date: May 7, 2021
Additional Information:
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Community Education Award program
The Carton Council will award $2,000 each to up to 25 communities across the country for their work in educating residents about recycling, with special attention paid to food and beverage cartons.
Any entity or organization that is authorized to educate residents about their local recycling program is eligible to apply. This includes community or county recycling departments and solid waste authorities, as well as materials recovery facilities (MRFs).
The award is focused on food and beverage cartons but recognizes the importance of education to promote recycling in general. To receive the award, you must show that your website accurately and clearly defines carton recycling. You will also be asked to provide at least two other examples of communications and/or marketing activities conducted during the year that promote recycling in general, while also prominently including cartons.
How to Apply
- Confirm food and beverage cartons are accepted in your local program.
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Sign up to participate by May 14, 2021 by completing the form found here. You will receive ongoing information to help support your communications and marketing efforts throughout the year, as well invitations to webinars and other education information.
- Update your website using Carton Council best practices to include cartons as a recyclable material in your program.
- Implement education and communications activities, making sure food and beverage cartons are promoted.
- The actual submission is not due until the fall to allow participants time to execute their communications activities. Submit your entry by November 17, 2021, providing details of your communications activities. Submission forms will be provided to all who sign up.
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RESEARCH GRANT
Now Accepting EREF Grant Pre-Proposal Submissions
Pre-proposals will be accepted now and up to the close of business (5:00 p.m. eastern time) on May 3, 2021 (our typical deadline of May 1 falls on a Saturday; therefore, the deadline is the next business day, Monday, May 3). Pre-proposals must be received during this window to be considered.
Pre-proposals are required prior to submitting a full proposal.
All pre-proposals must adhere to the criteria noted and be submitted by the established deadline. Pre-proposals submitted in response to this RFP that do not fit within the topic areas noted will not be reviewed.
Now accepting pre-proposals - no longer providing feedback on your topic.
About This RFP
Pre-proposal topics must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices and pertain to the following topic areas:
· Waste minimization
· Recycling
· Waste conversion to energy, biofuels, chemicals or other useful products. This includes, but is not limited to, the following technologies:
· Waste-to-energy
· Anaerobic digestion
· Composting
· Other thermal or biological conversion technologies
· Strategies to promote diversion to higher and better uses (e.g. organics diversion, market analysis, optimized material management, logistics, etc.)
· Landfilling
Additional details regarding pre-proposal formatting and submission requirements can be located at "How to Apply for a Grant."
If you have any questions, please e-mail
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USA Hauling & Recycling & All American Waste Named As 2021 Best Places to Work in Connecticut
USA Hauling & Recycling, Inc and, All American Waste, LLC have been named to the 2021 Best Places to Work in Connecticut list by the Hartford Business Journal.
“We are truly honored that USA Hauling & Recycling and All American Waste have been named to this prestigious list of best places to work in Connecticut. This award would not be possible without the dedication of our incredible employees. As a family owned business, we pride ourselves on treating each and every member of our team as a part of our extended family. We strive to ensure this commitment is reflected in the service we provide to cities and towns across Connecticut. We are grateful to these communities and our employees for the trust they place in us every day,” said Frank M. Antonacci, COO of USA Hauling and All American Waste.
The survey and awards program, which was created by the Hartford Business Journal and Best Companies Group, is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year. The program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in Connecticut, benefiting the state's economy, workforce, and businesses. The list is made up of 31 companies split into two categories: 18 small/medium-sized companies (15-199 US employees) and 13 large-sized companies (200 or more US employees). USA Hauling & Recycling and All American Waste were named one the best employers in Connecticut among large-sized companies.
Founded in 1974, USA Hauling & Recycling and All American Waste are part of a family-owned and operated team of subsidiaries and affiliates that have become one of the most reliable and innovative independent recycling and waste management companies in New England. The companies service much of Connecticut and western Massachusetts and proudly employ dedicated team members across the both states. Headquartered in Enfield, Connecticut the companies and their affiliates own and operate facilities in Bridgeport, Stratford, New Haven, Middletown, Berlin, Waterbury, New Milford, Torrington, Winchester, Hartford, East Windsor, South Windsor, Suffield and Windsor Locks.
To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
· Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity;
· e a publicly or privately held business;
· Have a facility in Connecticut;
· Have at least 15 employees in Connecticut;
· Be in business a minimum of 1 year.
Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Connecticut. The first part consisted of evaluating each company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Connecticut, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings.
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Survey
Training Needs for Diversity, Inclusion, & Racial Equity in the Solid Waste & Recycling Community
The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC), in collaboration with Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, and other partners, is intending to develop a national – virtual – training on diversity, inclusion, and racial equity in the recycling and solid waste communities. To be sure that the content of the training is as valuable as possible, a brief survey has been developed to solicit input from the industry.
Please help by completing this brief survey (5 - 7 minutes to complete) by May 10.
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Carton Recycling at School
Webinar
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Speakers include:
* Michele Wagner & Barbara Heineken (Carton Council)
* Kim O’Rourke (Town of Middletown)
* Evadne Giannini (Hospitality Green)
Join us for a FREE webinar to learn how to start up and maintain a successful school carton recycling program, both in the classroom and the lunchroom.
Each teacher or school administrator must sign up individually to receive a personal link for the Zoom event.
The first 35 participants to register and log in on the day of the event will be mailed a giveaway bag containing:
** $10 gift card to Starbucks
** Sample of a green building material made from cartons, manufactured by the company Kelly Green Products
** Jump drive with Carton Council resources (including: Take Home Flyer, New Best Practice Guide, Start up Guide, Posters, Application forms for Bin and Monetary Grants)
Special Spring Virtual Convening for CT Green LEAF Schools - Co-Sponsored by Carton Council
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Nominations Open for President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards
Nominations Due:
April 30, 2021
The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education. Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions will be selected to receive this award. Teachers will receive a Presidential plaque and an award of up to $2,500 cash to be used to further professional development in environmental education. Winning teachers’ local education agencies will also receive awards of up to $2,500 cash to fund environmental educational activities and programs.
The President’s Environmental Youth Awards recognize outstanding environmental stewardship projects from grades K-12 by promoting environmental awareness and encouraging community involvement. EPA will select up to two winners in each of EPA’s 10 Regions – one regional winner for grades K-5, and one regional winner for grades 6-12, and the winning projects will be highlighted on EPA’s website.
EPA Administrator Regan Video:
Additional Information:
Nominations Due:
April 30, 2021
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Town of Mansfield Creates Video
Tells the Story of What Happens to Recyclables in CT
Ever wonder where your recyclables go once they get picked up? Follow their journey from your recycling container to the facility where they are sorted and then sent off to be made into something new.
You'll also find out where the different types of sorted recyclables go and what products they can become. This video was created for the Town of Mansfield, Connecticut.
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Reopen w/ Reuse Campaign
The intention of the Reopen with Reuse campaign is to demonstrate consumer demand and confidence in the safety of reusable foodware. Primary goals for the campaign include having the CDC change their foodservice business reopening guidance to be more reusable-friendly, giving businesses & consumers greater confidence in the safety of reusables during COVID reopening, and directly encouraging restaurants / events / National Parks to reopen with non-toxic reusable foodware.
While we are celebrating the launch of this campaign today on World Health Day, we will be continuing to build momentum at milestones along the way including World Refill Day (June 16th) and heading into Plastic-Free July. We will be primarily driving sign-ons over the next four months and targeting businesses and policy-makers in the US. Stay tuned on future actions!
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Building Deconstruction
The next CCSMM Learning Series will focus on Building Deconstruction with speakers from Portland, Oregon and San Antonio, Texas.
Learning Series Program
Building Deconstruction
May 2021
Date/Time TBA
The May program include presentations on ordinances and how to implement a program to encourage reuse of building materials to reduce the amount of C&D waste. There will be break out sessions with speakers for smaller group discussions. More coming soon, in the mean time learn more about Deconstruction
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DECONSTRUCTION RESOURCES
VIDEOS
Canada Wood Waste Upcycling:
County of San Mateo Deconstruction Job Training:
City of Baltimore Deconstruction Project:
GUIDEBOOKS
DECONSTRUCTION - How To Start Guide
How to Start Deconstructing and Stop Demolishing Your Citys Buildings
Treasure in the Walls: Reclaiming Value Through Material Reuse in San Antonio, Prepared for the City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Completed by PlaceEconomics | February 2021
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Deconstructing Deconstruction webinar hosted by CET and EcoBuilding Bargains 4/6/2021. Recording can be found here.
Additional Deconstruction Resources:
EPA stats:
Benefits of retrofitting and building reuse:
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The conference agenda features engaging speakers who will discuss six key topics currently faced by the solid waste and recycling industry. On Monday, attendees will learn about Engaging Residents with Municipal Recycling, Waste Reduction Strategies – Reduce, Reuse, Rot, and Recycling Safely During COVID-19. On Tuesday, presenters will discuss National & Local Recycling Markets and Market Specifications, Plastics with a Plan: Municipal Options, and Understanding End Markets - What Happens with Your Recycling?
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Climate Friendly Purchasing
Buying reused and recycled products can have significant climate benefits. U.S. EPA’s Recycled Content (ReCon) Tool can help your organization turn green purchases into greenhouse gas results: https://www.epa.gov/warm/recycled-content-recon-tool (Tip: In the second calculator and enter “0” for the Baseline Recycled Content and the recycled content percentage purchased (example: enter “100” for 100% recycled copy paper) in the Alternative Recycled Content column to find the overall GHG impact.
The West Coast Climate and Materials Management Forum’s Climate Friendly Purchasing Toolkit has information on Low Carbon Purchasing for government agencies and other organizations:
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Berkeley Zero Waste Case Study
The City of Berkeley / Urban Ore, Inc., Zero Waste Case Study has been updated with information on their innovative contract with a private company, which includes a fee/ton to pull reusable items from the City-owned Transfer Station for resale. The case study also shares Berkeley’s Single Use Foodware and Litter Ordinance requiring a $0.25 itemized charge on customers’ receipts for all disposable take-out beverage cups.
Single Use Foodware and Litter Ordinance:
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Recordings
Looking for a Refresher on a Particular Topic?
Missed the Original?
Listen to past programs. Check out the
on the CT DEEP webpage.
January 27, 2020
Speakers:
Sherill Baldwin, CT DEEP
Max Mlinar, Phood, Inc.
Lori Martin, Haven’s Harvest
Michelle McCabe, FEED, The Council of Churches for Greater Bridgeport
December 16, 2019
Speakers:
Sherill Baldwin, CT DEEP
Dan Collelouri, City of Stamford
C.J. May, City of Waterbury
February 25, 2019
Speakers:
Sherill Baldwin, CT DEEP
Brian Bartram, Salisbury-Sharon Transfer Station
Julie DesChamps, Greenwich Recycling Advisory Board
Brooks Parker, Town of Manchester
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Missed the last Newsletter or recent Webinar?
Check out the
on the CT DEEP webpage.
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Downloadable posters, tip cards and flyers about carton recycling to get the word out - Cartons are IN!
www.recyclect.com/resources
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Upcoming Events:
APRIL
April 28, 2021 - 3:30pm - 5:00pm - School Recycling: Focus on Cartons. Register here. Hosted by the CT Green LEAF Schools Program. Registration. Agenda.
April 28, 2021 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm - Stop Food Waste: Driving Awareness to Stop Food Waste - 2021 Virtual Event. Register here. Hosted by Food Tank and Compass Group.
April 29, 2021 - 6:00pm - WASTED: Clothing Repair Workshop. Register here. Hosted by the Rockfall Foundation.
MAY
May 5, 2021 - 7:00pm - Recycling: What's IN, What's OUT (virtual). Register here. Hosted by Guilford Public Library and Sustainable Guilford.
May 6, 2021 - 6:00pm - WASTED: Composting Workshop. Register here. Hosted by the Rockfall Foundation.
May 13, 2021 - 2:00pm - Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act webinar. Register here. Hosted by the Center for Biological Diversity and the New Mexico Recycling Coalition.
May 18, 2021 - 1:00pm - Overview of Lithium Ion Batteries, Their Uses, & Recycling. Register here Hosted by NERC.
May 18, 2021 - 1:00pm - Actions by Waste Haulers & Storage & Processing Facilities to Reduce the Risk of Fires Associated with Lithium Batteries. Register here Hosted by NERC.
Save the Date: October 12 - 13, 2021 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm ET. NERC's Fall '21 Conference.
Save the Date: October 19-21, 2021 - Decon + Reuse 2021, Build Reuse biennial conference. More information here.
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request an accommodation contact us at (860) 418-5910 or deep.accommodations@ct.gov. |
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CT DEEP | Source Reduction & Recycling Group | 860-424-4193 | www.ct.gov/deep/recycle |
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