Member Spotlight: Computer Hardware |
|
This is part of a series of interviews with NRC members. The purpose is to provide insights into materials management programs and best practices of member municipalities, businesses, and service providers. |
|
|
|
Computer Hardware is a computer store with four retail locations in Nebraska, celebrating their 40th year in business. Computer Hardware is a long-time member of Nebraska Recycling Council and previously WasteCap Nebraska. We spoke with Darrel Albers, owner of Computer Hardware, to get insight to their recycling efforts. This is the story of how Computer Hardware came to offer electronic recycling for Central Nebraska and how their program continues to serve us.
|
|
Networking Meetings for Recycling Center Operators and Professionals |
|
NRC held the first of six calls this year, hosting over 20 recycling center operators and professionals from across the state to discuss current challenges and new updates at their centers and introduce them to regional recycling resources.
Our next call will be Thursday, April 22nd at 3:00pm CST/2:00pm MST. We invite all recycling professionals to join our Google Group to ask and respond to questions from peers across the state. Between meetings, NRC and others will share updates, webinars, funding opportunities, and training resources every week.
|
|
NRC Awarded 2021 NDEE Litter Reduction & Recycling Grant Award |
|
The Nebraska Recycling Council has been awarded a Litter Reduction & Recycling (LRR) Grant for $74,638 by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for our continued work in providing outreach, education, technical assistance, and support to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska.
NRC’s core objectives for the 2021 LRR grant are:
- To support community and regional recycling systems with technical, educational, and consultation services.
- To support recycling service providers by offering small equipment grants, networking and learning opportunities, support for technical improvements, and supporting the development of recycling markets.
- To support the composting industry in Nebraska through Chapter Committee development, advocacy, outreach, and training.
- To provide business technical assistance in sustainable materials management by performing waste assessments, waste audits, zero waste facility program guidance, and training opportunities.
- To provide educational communication, training, and outreach to inform Nebraska residents and materials management professionals regarding best practices in resource recovery, waste reduction, reuse, and diversion.
- To expand recycling efforts for ag producers in Nebraska through research, planning, and development of statewide, year-round collection opportunities for ag plastics.
- To build capacity for strengthening and sustaining our mission with ongoing staff and board development, organizational development, and strategic relationships and stakeholder engagement.
|
|
Be Responsible With Your Batteries |
|
Larimer County, CO recently released a campaign to combat irresponsible battery disposal. Batteries power our lives everyday. Over the last few years, they have gotten smaller and more powerful, so they can fit in more and more things. Batteries are not always obvious. They’re probably hidden in anything that makes a noise, moves or lights up even when it’s not plugged in. Though they’re a big help, batteries are a big problem in the trash and conventional recycling.
Batteries are essentially stored energy. That energy can be improperly released as heat once they enter the chaotic world of the trash and recycling system. Heat or sparks caused by batteries can ignite a fire that will be fueled by surrounding trash and recyclable materials. Even “dead” batteries can be a fire hazard because they still contain a residual charge.
How do you get rid of batteries safely? Just take unwanted batteries to a designated site, and batteries will be prepared for safe shipment and processing. Better yet, batteries that are disposed of properly can be recycled into new things, like pots and pans, fertilizer, sunscreen, and even new batteries. Check out our Online Recycling Guide to find a location near you!
|
|
2020 Annual Report
Click to View
|
|
NRC's Earth Day Collection is April 24th
Save the date! Details coming soon.
|
|
|
|
The U.S. Composting Council event featured perspectives on contamination reduction, market development, climate change and more from WeCare Denali, Waste Management, Recology and Atlas Organics.
A new study from GAIA, “Zero Waste And Economic Recovery,” finds cities that invest in zero waste programs and policies create good green jobs, in addition to known benefits of reducing pollution and improving community health.
A new report from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) — Understanding the Role of Compostable Packaging in North America — does a good job of articulating the current conundrum around compostable packaging and its use related to food waste capture and composting.
|
|
|
|
ReUSE Minnesota Impact Study Results
Plastic Film Recycling & End-Markets
Tuesday, March 9th | 1-2:30 PM | REGISTER
Tire Recycling Event for Adams County Residents
Sign Up to Be an Exhibitor on the Nebraska Earth Day Passport
|
|
|
|
The theme of this year’s Global Recycling Day on March 18th is #RecyclingHeroes. We want to find out who the #RecyclingHeroes are in your own communities. Who is making a difference? Who do you look to for guidance and leadership? Or who inspires you in your own recycling and environmental efforts?
The EPA has announced the overall national recycling goal of increasing the U.S. recycling rate to 50% by 2030. This national goal will provide the benchmark to evaluate the success of the collective efforts to improve the nation’s recycling system. EPA is now soliciting comments on the recycling rate measurement methodology through March 8th.
Recycling is booming in the City of Omaha. December was the first full month of residents using FCC’s new carts, and recycling is up nearly 35% compared to December 2019. City leaders say the change to carts is a major reason why.
Check out this step-by-step guide that shows you how to audit your waste and recycling, choose items to focus on reducing or replacing, build your own Zero Waste kit, as well as some fun and easy DIY recipes for items that are tricky to find without plastic packaging!
|
|
*NEW* Tidbit of the Month |
|
|
|
What's in your garbage? Are there things that could be recycled or reused instead? This resource offers hundreds of ideas on ways that items in your trashcan can serve another purpose! Show me these ideas
|
|
Thank You to These Sponsors |
|
Did a friend forward this to you? |
|
Find out where to recycle everything! |
|
Copyright © 2021. All Rights Reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
