Category: Feature Stories

An increasing number of local governments in the U.S. are implementing mandatory recycling ordinances that target commercial and/or multifamily properties, and can also extend to institutions and C&D projects. We researched local government recycling ordinances implemented across the United States since 1989 to look for trends in the data. Since 2005, mandatory recycling ordinances have tripled in the U.S. They are viewed as an effective tool to increase diversion from the Industrial, Commercial, Institutional sector and help municipalities achieve zero waste goals.

We’re counting down the days to the Resource Recycling Conference and always look forward to connecting with Re-TRAC users from across North America. Don’t miss this premier recycling industry event and make sure to visit us at the Re-TRAC Connect booth (#207/209).

Register today

Steve Thompson was a caring, thoughtful man and a committed recycling champion who worked hard to move the industry forward. In honor of his tremendous contribution and to continue his work, a grant has been established to support the attendance of five inspired recyclers at the Resource Recycling Conference in New Orleans this August.

Applications for the Steve Thompson Memorial Grant are now closed..

Metro is the regional government that serves 1.5 million people across three counties and 25 cities in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. It plans and oversees the region’s solid waste system and works with local communities and industry partners to implement waste reduction programs.

These programs have been very successful. Since 2004, the region’s total waste generated per person dropped 23 percent. This success reflects program, policy & cultural changes, as well as factors outside Metro’s influence such as overall economic conditions. The region also has decades of success in its residential, commercial, and construction sector recycling programs.

By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz: Universal Recycling Ordinances (URO) are on the rise. Municipalities are finding success by implementing UROs to tackle big picture waste management challenges.

Austin, Texas has earned a reputation for being a city with a pioneering spirit. It comes as no surprise that the city has set a goal to become zero waste by 2040. It’s an ambitious target. Fortunately, they have all the elements needed to deliver a successful program.

We understand the importance of collecting good quality data and the diversity of programs delivered in Re-TRAC Connect speaks to that. The majority of the programs in Re-TRAC are mandatory reporting programs that rely on legislative mandates or membership requirements to drive participation. These programs collect and analyze valuable data about the sustainable waste management landscape; however they alone cannot capture the whole picture. Voluntary reporting programs, often viewed as complementary to mandatory reporting programs, are delivered to fill in the blanks.

Emerge Knowledge Design was recently selected as a finalist in the Environment category of the Spirit of Winnipeg Awards. It’s a huge honour to be one of the 24 finalists recognized for their innovative ideas and contributions to the community.

As the February 4th registration deadline approaches, universities and colleges across North America are gearing up for the 16th annual RecycleMania competition.

Is your university or college participating?

If you haven’t already registered, here are 7 great reasons to join over 400 of your colleagues from across North America:

It’s that time of the year again! Are you looking for a new way to create behaviour change this winter season?

Check out Re-TRAC’s new technique. Watch the video!

While visiting the Twin Cities to exhibit at the 2015 AASHE Conference, Chris Ronson and I met with Minnesota Twins Stadium Operations Manager, Jase Miller. He graciously offered to give us a tour of the 39,021 seat, LEED-certified baseball stadium located in Minneapolis’ bustling Warehouse district.