In the spring of 2018, the City of Springfield, along with a coalition of diverse local organizations and innovative leaders within the community, worked together to create a reuse, upcycling marketplace envisioned by IRF member Adena Rivas, the City Recycling Coordinator. A grant from the Re-Amp Network turned the original framework concept into reality. The Creative Reuse Marketplace was born as COVID hit but, using online resources, began serving the community. With the assistance of several grants, a Workforce Development Training Program for homeless or underserved women as well as a location where upcycled non-recyclable post-consumer materials such as plastics, school/office supplies, arts and crafts materials, toys, etc. are donated, sorted, displayed, sold and/or redistributed locally was established. Today, the partners include the City of Springfield, Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (EPNIA), the Springfield Art Association, Inner City Mission, Third Presbyterian Church and Sustainable Springfield, Inc.  As of August 1, 2021, the store accepts donations on Saturdays and is open to the pubic for shopping on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm at122 S 4th Street. Contact the store at info@creativereusemarketplace.org

Members of the Illinois Recycling Association enjoy the benefit of spotlighting their Business, Government, Educational Institution or Non-Profit entity in a future Newsletter. If you would like to be featured, please send an email to info@illinoisrecycles.org.

IMPRESSIVE LIST OF SPEAKERS. Among them...

Let Your Voice Be Heard. If you or someone you know would like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Recycling Foundation, please click here to submit a Nomination Form. This is a chance to become involved and be part of the decision making of this foundation that is the Collective Voice of Recycling for the State of Illinois. The entire Board of Directors, including new members, will be introduced at the 2021 Annual Conference.

Recognize a Deserving Recycling Industry Person or Organization. If you know of someone who deserves special recognition for their work in the recycling industry, click here to submit an Awards Nomination Form. Winner(s) will be announced at the 2021 Annual Conference.

A Note from the President, .

ACTION NEEDED. The NRC, in collaboration with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Zero Waste USA, is urging members and colleagues to join us in building support for the Recycling Is Infrastructure Too Campaign (RIIT). The Campaign’s American Recycling Infrastructure Plan provides key recommendations on Infrastructure bills pending now on Capitol Hill. The great news is that significant recycling support is included in the bipartisan infrastructure bill the Senate approved on August 10. As collaboration increases, additional details are being added to the American Recycling Infrastructure Plan, and support of Congressional Representatives is being sought.

If you have questions about this Campaign, please contact: change@nrcrecycles.org

Registration is free but required to attend this event. Register online. The roundtable will be recorded and will be available on the USDA website after the event.

Governor Pritzker signed IRA's C&D bill (SB1089) which immediately addresses the diversion rate required for construction and demolition sites to operate. Working with the IEPA and other concerned parties, the State of Illinois moves the bar forward, encouraging certification of C&D recyclers while also ensuring continued services in this important area of recycling. Legislators attending the July tour of TAZ/MBL Recycling in Palatine were enthusiastic in their support of the economic impact and resource recovery this industry provides.

Awaiting the Governor's Signature - SB805 SCHOOL UNUSED FOOD PROGRAM

Requires school districts to establish a food sharing plan for unused food with a focus on needy students. Provides that each school district shall incorporate the plan into its local wellness policy. Requires the plan to be developed and supported jointly by the district's local health department. Provides that participants in the child nutrition programs, the National School Lunch Program and National School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) shall adhere to the provisions of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as well as accompanying guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the Food Donation Program, to ensure that any leftover food items are properly donated in order to combat potential food insecurity in their communities. Effective immediately.

An article in WasteAdvantage Magazine’s August issue states that Oregon is the nation’s second state (Maine is the first) to pass a law requiring producers of consumer brand packaging, paper products and food service ware to share responsibility for supporting effective recycling programs across the state. Under this extended producer responsibility (EPR) law, brand owners selling packaging, paper products and food service ware will join stewardship organizations and pay fees to support improving and expanding recycling programs and infrastructure statewide. It requires Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality to conduct regular studies on access to recycling and enacting new permitting and certification requirements for processors. For details see https://wasteadvantagemag.com/oregon-joins-maine-and-passes-second-u-s-packaging-extended-producer-responsibility-law/; or https://productstewardship.us.