August 2024

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Meet NRC's New Leadership

Executive Director Kimberly Carroll Steward, Ph.D

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Nebraska Recycling Council. It is an honor to join this organization, and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated team, partners, and community members to advance recycling and sustainable waste management practices throughout Nebraska.

I bring with me a strong background in natural resources focusing on science literacy and a passion for sustainability. Through my academic pursuits, I have deepened my understanding of the critical role education plays in fostering environmental stewardship and it has fueled my commitment to promoting sustainable practices at all levels of our community.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to collaborate with diverse groups of individuals and organizations to drive positive environmental change. My experience in leading educational initiatives, coupled with a robust understanding of environmental issues, positions me well to guide the Nebraska Recycling Council in our mission to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska.

Moving forward, my primary goal is to build on the solid foundation established by my predecessors and to explore new opportunities for expanding our impact. I am committed to fostering strong partnerships with state and local governments, businesses, and community organizations to create a more sustainable Nebraska. Together, we will work towards a future where recycling and waste reduction are integral parts of everyday life.

I look forward to meeting with you and discussing how we can collaborate to advance our shared goals. Please feel free to reach out to me at director@nrcne.org or 402-436-2384 ext. 101 if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued support of the Nebraska Recycling Council. I am excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact we can achieve together.

Kimberly Carroll Steward, Ph.D.

Rescue and Reuse: Scottsbluff and Lincoln

By Allison Majerus

The Nebraska Recycling Council is hosting our second Rescue & Reuse event this summer in Scottsbluff on August 8-10, 2024!

We will be accepting durable medical equipment at 3912 Avenue B building in Scottsbluff on August 8 from 11 am-7 pm and August 9 from 8 am- 2 pm. Then on Saturday, August 10 the public can come to take donated equipment home with them for reuse from 8 am until noon!

We are partnering with some great organizations to make this event possible, including Assistive Technology Partnership, Independence Rising, and Keep Scottsbluff Gering Beautiful, and we are thankful for grant funding from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

For a full list of accepted and not accepted equipment, go to our website: https://nrcne.org/rescueandreuse/.

If you have questions about this event, you can email Program Director Allison Majerus at amajerus@nrcne.org; you can also call Independence Rising’s main office at 308-633-7025.

To recap, we hosted our first Rescue and Reuse event on July 22-27 in Lincoln and had a great success!

A few stats to share:

· 84 people donated equipment between July 22-26

· 20 people received equipment at the Rehome event on July 27

· 26 items were rehomed, including three power wheelchairs on July 27

· 1530 pounds, approximate weight of equipment rehomed on July 27

A Bittersweet Announcement

By Carina Olivetti

It’s official, the Nebraska Composting Council Chapter is coming to a pause. The USCC Nebraska Chapter was founded in February 2019 as a program of the Nebraska Recycling Council, and an official state chapter and affiliate organization of the US Composting Council. Over the years the Nebraska chapter has been a place where compost producers had the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with one another, share compost news, and attend events together. In 2024, the chapter successes were an online discussion forum with Jennifer Trent, the Iowa Composting Council Chapter Director and USCC President about Iowa’s journey with compost regulations. NECC also organized a tour of the Soil Dynamics premier food waste compost facility in Ashland, NE.

The Nebraska chapter has tried its best to overcome challenges along the way, like Covid 19 which hit soon after the chapter was founded. When interest or engagement from compost producers is stronger and the Nebraska compost industry is ready, the chapter can resume with new energy. Nebraska Recycling Council is still dedicated to promoting, advocating and cultivating organics recycling projects in Nebraska and will remain loyal members of USCC. Keep an eye out for the latest organic materials management news, events, and more on NRC’s Facebook, Instagram, website (nrcne.org), and newsletter.

A big thanks to President Nash Leef, vice-president Suzanne Gates, and all others who served on the leadership team or supported the chapter throughout its five years. NRC also wants to thank USCC for giving Nebraska the opportunity to take part in the national compost state chapter community. We had a good run!

“Every new beginning comes from other beginning’s end.”

~ Seneca

Those of you still interested in modernizing compost regulations or engaging in another way related to organic materials, contact Carina Olivetti at colivetti@nrcne.org

2024 Fall Conference - Register Today!

By Maddie Ferber

The 2024 NRC Conference is almost here! Don't forget to get registered and book your stay at the Embassy. The NRC Room Block is available until August 19th, so don't miss your chance to save on your stay! Stay tuned for more details on sessions and speakers.

Elevate Your Brand at the NRC 2024 Conference!

Sign up now to showcase your brand, products, services, or message to a targeted audience of industry professionals. This year’s in-person conference will be held at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln and includes an evening reception and vendor show after a day of networking, education, and strategic collaboration.

Sponsors and vendors are vital to the success of this event and offer unparalleled visibility to over 100 recycling, composting, and waste management professionals statewide. View our Sponsor and Vendor Flyer for detailed information.

Sponsor

Vendor

Events