Recycling News

On April 18, 2003, the Laboratory assumed responsibility for all aspects of NREL's recycling activities, formally adopting and managing the Lab's recycling program. Materials recycling began as an ad hoc effort in the 1980s and evolved into the present institutionally supported, volunteer-driven program in 1993.

NREL's Site Operations now will assume all responsibilities for operating, improving, and growing the Lab's recycling program. Previously, Site Operations - in coordination with the volunteer Recycling Committee - contracted for recycling services, provided pickup containers, and made the collections. Building on what this volunteer group initiated, the Lab's goal is to have NREL's program recognized as a model for recycling within the DOE complex, furthering our commitment to sustainability.

NREL also formed a Recycling Advisory Committee, which is responsible for providing leadership for the Laboratory's recycling activities. The committee includes chairs of the volunteer Recycling Committee (currently Matt Ratcliff and Don Selmarten), a Staff Council representative (currently Kent Terwilliger), a Site Operations representative (Karri Bottom), a Communications representative (Grace Griego), and is coordinated by Sustainable NREL (Ellen Parker and Bob Westby). (See full story on "mainstreaming" recycling).

With the formation of this committee, Sustainable NREL pledged to keep staff informed of any changes - and especially improvements - to the recycling program. We'll also soon provide you with some data we've collected regarding the performance of this program. Here is some of the latest news:

Recycling Updates

• Styrofoam "chunks" not recyclable — packing peanuts welcome (November 2003)
• Blue bins - of every size - available for your recycling needs (January 2004)