Culmination of Collaborative Efforts at Walmart Sustainable Products Expo
May 2, 2014, Ann Arbor, Michigan – Sustainability and recycling consultancy, RRS, today announced its support of the Recycling Partnership launched by Curbside Value Partnership (CVP) at the Walmart Sustainable Products Expo in Bentonville, AR.
The Recycling Partnership is the culmination of work that began in 2013 through the Southeast Recycling Development Council (SERDC) with technical support and facilitation by RRS. What later became known as the SERDC 120 process then received funding support from over 24 industry and trade association contributors along with US EPA Region 4. The Recycling Partnership announcement marks the transition of the development and build-up phase of SERDC 120 with RRS support, to the management and execution Recycling Partnership phase with CVP.
“In launching the Recycling Partnership private and public sector leaders have developed a formula for successful industry support for high performing community based curbside recycling.” stated Jim Frey, RRS co-founder and CEO. “This initiative highlights the role of cross-sector collaboration between industry groups and public and private sectors to support the best practices needed for a successful community-based curbside recycling system across the nation. RRS looks forward to more opportunities to enable public-private partnerships with the goal to increase recovery for our communities.”
During the Recycling Partnership launch at the Walmart Sustainable Products Expo in Bentonville, AR this past week, a short list of candidates for round 1 projects was reviewed and a call was made for the corporate partners to submit their pledges to the Recycling Partnership by July 1. Already a number of companies have announced their support for the initiative with community programs expected to be rolled out starting later this year. Some of those projects may also be candidates for engagement with the Closed Loop Fund, also announced by Walmart at the Expo, that will provide zero interest loans to municipalities to invest in this recycling infrastructure.
“These initiatives are part of the next generation “tool box” that community based recycling programs across the US need access to in order to become legitimate supply partners in providing US industry with US sourced recycled feedstock. They highlight the power of public/private collaboration to effect real change for our communities, industry and the environment” stated Frey.
About RRS
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RRS is a sustainability and recycling consulting firm that strives to create a world where resources are managed to maximize economic and social benefit while minimizing environmental harm. The firm has cutting-edge professionals, engineers, economists, and communication specialists who share this vision and possess core strengths in materials and recovery, life cycle management and applied sustainable design. RRS serves both the public and private sectors to manage change in a resource-constrained world. www.recycle.com
Media Contact
Melissa Radiwon, Marketing Manager, RRS
734-996-1361, ext 237 mradiwon@recycle.com