New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse & Recycling
Quarterly News & Updates                   Spring  2016
President's Column

NYSAR3 President Jim Gilbert encourages NYSAR3 members to participate in NYSDEC Part 360 informational workshops and hearings - and reports on recent testimony at the February Assembly E-Waste hearings.
2nd Annual Organics Summit
Breaking Ground on Organics Diversion 

On March 31, over 100 professionals in the organics industry met in Syracuse for the 2016 New York State Organics Summit, Breaking Ground on Organics Diversion: New York State Gets Serious. Participants from both public and private sectors across New York State and beyond gathered to share projects and learn the latest information regarding funding sources, regulations, best practices and legislation.

In the spirit of maintaining compost momentum, friendly reminder that  Compost Awareness Week is May 1-7, 2016!  The US Composting Council has resources and ideas on its toolkit page , including New York's thorough informational resource Cornell Waste Management Institute  to help promote this week. 
Green School Grants Awarded on Earth Day
Congratulations to Auburn High School and the Broadalbin-Perth School District, recipients of NYSAR3 2016 Spring Green School Grants. The next round of Green School Grants will be awarded in mid-November 2016. For more information, visit the green school grant webpage.
College Council Grant Winners
Four New York state colleges were recipients of NYSAR3 College Council Awards in February, including SUNY Jefferson Community College; University of Rochester; Wells College; and Union College. Read about some of the projects they will be undertaking.
Chapter 8 Members Tour Monroe County MRF
Chapter 8 members tour the MRF.
NYSAR3 Chapter 8 members and friends met at the Monroe County Materials Recovery Facility on Jan. 29. The 24 participants were welcomed by Mike Garland, P.E., Director of the Monroe County Department of Environment Service, then divided into two groups for a facility tour. Following the tour, the group reassembled for a lively discussion about sorting technology and the "evolving ton", followed by a roundtable discussion. Special thanks go to Monroe County's Russ Rutkowski for arranging the facility tour and to Waste Management's Todd Lewis and Kevin Sutton for being tour guides and leading the discussions.
Suzanne Dunn and Peggy Grayson
Retirement of Suzanne Dunn of Wegman's Celebrated at Gathering
On March 16th a small group of NYSAR3 friends gathered at the Lovin' Cup restaurant in Henrietta to congratulate Suzanne Dunn on her retirement. Many of you know Suzanne from her regular attendance at the annual Conference. She worked for Wegmans Food Market for 16 years, most recently serving as their Resource Recovery Coordinator. 
Price Chopper Joins EPA Food Recovery Challenge
Price Chopper's new program promotes food waste reduction, increasing the donation of un-saleable but still edible food, and composting excess food in order to save money, feed hungry people and protect the environment.
Two NY Counties Offer Pharmaceutical Collection to Residents
Several pharmacies in Oneida and Lewis are the first in New York State to begin collecting leftover pharmaceuticals directly from residents, free of charge.
Cornell Gets Grant for Research into "No-Waste" Apparel
Cornell University was the recent recipient of a 2106 US Manufacturing Innovation Fund grant to develop better ways to handle textiles.
Calling All Social Media Gurus! NYSAR3 Seeks Twitter Writer 
Do you have talent in social media? Are you passionate about New York recycling 
promotion, marketing, outreach and networking? NYSAR3 is interested in starting and maintaining a Twitter account - and we need your assistance! 

Please contact Lisa Ruggero, NYSAR3 Coordinator, if you are interested.
Upcoming Events
NY Federation Conference , Bolton Landing, NY, May 15-18, 2016
Good Jobs/Green Jobs Conference,  (Blue Green Alliance); June 6, Cleveland, OH
Free Subscription to Resource Recycling Magazine
NYSAR3 members are eligible for a free subscription to Resource Recycling Magazine.  Members can also sign up for the digital newsletters at the top of the webpage.

Note: This offer is only available to current members. 
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New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse & Recycling
518-482-7395 | nysar3@gmail.com | nysar3.org
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