This Week in Recycling

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month and ReMA has been highlighting a variety of resources that can help members and their employees create and maintain a culture of well-being in the workplace. On this episode of This Week in Recycling we chat with Megan Delp, Director of Workplace Mental Health at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She discusses the importance of speaking up against mental health stigma and how employers can create a safe workplace where employees feel comfortable sharing their mental health concerns and using mental health resources.

On Thursday, May 7, ReMA’s New England Chapter hosted an awards ceremony for the winners of the Connecticut state JASON Learning Contest in partnership with the Boys and Girls Village. Students also received a tour of ReMA member HW Green’s recycling operation, connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities. Now in its second year, the Connecticut state-JASON Learning Contest is an example of a successful partnership between a ReMA chapter, JASON Learning, and dedicated special education teacher Nicholas LaVecchia, who works at Charles F. Hayden School at Boys & Girls Village. On this episode of This Week in Recycling we chat with Krista Ostuno, president of HW Green, who served as a judge for the Connecticut state JASON Learning contest. She discusses how championing programs that inspire the next generation allows the recycled materials industry to not only open doors to rewarding careers but also empower students to see the vital role recycling plays in the economy, environment, and daily life.

On Wednesday, April 22, Natalie Messer Betts, ReMA’s Vice President of Sustainability and Materials Systems, attended the Baker Institute’s Center for Energy Studies’ second Annual Sustainability Summit in partnership with the University of Houston and Recycling Science Council (RSC). The summit convenes researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and students to examine sustainability challenges through a systems-level perspective. On this episode of This Week in Recycling, Betts shares her experience participating in the summit and speaking on a panel entitled “Wildlife, Waste, and Conservation. Linking E-Waste to Species Conservation,” which highlighted the role recycling plays in preserving biodiversity, conserving wildlife, and protecting human rights through reducing mining in sensitive wildlife habitats and vulnerable communities.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, spearheaded by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), which works to reduce fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss related to electrical mishaps and negligence. ESFI and ReMA have partnered on resources to promote lithium-ion battery recycling and educate the public on how to purchase, use, and recycle these batteries safely. On this episode of This Week in Recycling we chat with Daniel Majano, Program Director at ESFI, about electrical safety month, how to stay safe when encountering overhead powerlines, safe battery handling, and the importance of the partnership between ReMA and ESFI.

ReMA has released a new Economic Impact Study on Earth Day, underscoring the essential role recycled materials play in powering American manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and advancing environmental sustainability. On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with Emily Sanchez, ReMA’s Chief Economist, about the major takeaways from the study, and how the industry has been delivering the economic story, the sustainability story, and the American jobs story for more than 100 years.

The Recycling Education and Research Foundation (RERF) is a nonprofit organization associated with ReMA. Since its founding, RERF has funded valuable industry research and has awarded more than $1.6 million scholarships to more than 1200 students across the country. By funding research and providing academic scholarships, the foundation continues to raise the profile of the recycled materials industry. Recently, the RERF Board decided to raise to get K9 service animals to veterans in need. On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with Rickey Dana, RERF Program Director, and Jason Brenner, RERF Board Member and President of Brenner Recycling, all about the new fundraiser as well as the upcoming RERF silent auction at ReMA2026 in Las Vegas.

From April 13 – 16 2026, ReMA2026 – The Show, Powered by ReMatter is taking over Mandalay Bay and bringing together professionals in the recycled materials industry. To give attendees a sneak peek of what’s to come at the convention, This Week in Recycling is presenting a series featuring ReMA leaders, members, speakers, and exhibitors discussing aspects of ReMA2026. On this episode we chat with Nidhi Turakhia, CEO & Partner at Allied Alloys, who will be speaking on the ReMA2026 education session, The Family Business: Next-Gen Leading Legacy Recycling Companies. The session provides practical insights into leadership transition, modernization, stewardship, and/or transfer within multigenerational recycled materials companies. The session is hosted by ReMA’s Women in Recycling Council and sponsored by VALIS, the official Women in Recycling Council Sponsor.

Industrial Athletes, recyclers show up every day ready to perform. The ReMA2026 Safety First Stadium, Presented by Omnisource, is all about giving them the training, tools, and resources they need to stay strong, safe, and at the top of their game. On this episode of This Week in Recycling, Holly Brownell, ReMA’s Advocacy and Safety Programs Administrator discusses the new Safety-First Stadium that will be held during the ReMA2026 convention and what attendees can look forward there including mental health resources, PPE experts, boot fittings, live demos, and more.

Todd Foreman, ReMA’s Senior Director of Law Enforcement Outreach, often attends the FBI National Academy Professional Development Days, organized by the FBI National Academy Associates.  During the day, students meet with academic partners, members of law enforcement, and strategic partners for networking, specialized training, and exposure to various cutting-edge topics. Foreman uses the day to share ReMA’s suite of tools that help law enforcement combat metals thefts and to make important connections with emerging leaders. On this episode of This Week in Recycling Foreman shares what the professional development day entails and why this type of event is so important for ReMA’s law enforcement outreach efforts.

On Tuesday, February 10, more than 120 recyclers from across the country traveled to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to meet with lawmakers and legislative staff as part of ReMA 2026 Congressional Fly-In. On this episode of This Week in Recycling we chat with Boyd Jones, Director of Business Development and Public Relations at Michael Brothers Companies about his experience participating in the Fly-In, how to approach lawmakers and staffers with asks, and why it’s important for recyclers to engage in this type of advocacy effort.

On this episode of This Week in Recycling we cover ReMA President Robin Wiener’s recent trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil to attend the 2025 Eco Expo Brazil, how China’s new import restrictions on recycled dry milled pulp may impact recyclers, as well as tips and best practices to keep yourself and your family safe this Halloween season

This episode of This Week in Recycling features a conversation with Dr. Quincie Moore, executive director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). In September, the SCASA hosted a roundtable that highlighted the recycled materials industry. The roundtable included a panel featuring ReMA members on the impact and opportunities for South Carolina industries and South Carolina school districts and a showcase of the winning posters from the first-ever South Carolina recycling poster contest, a statewide initiative designed to inspire students to explore the power of recycling and its role in building a sustainable future.

On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with grad student Sarim Faheem about his experience participating in ReMA’s Pathways Program this past summer. The Pathways Program is designed to provide ReMA members with another resource to attract talent, fill workforce needs and critical competency gaps, and raise awareness about recycled materials careers. Faheem spent his summer internship with Benicia, CA-based Bay Area Compliance on projects that aligned with his area of study. Faheem is based in British Columbia, Canada, and pursuing a master’s in public health at NYU remotely.

On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with Abbie Webb and Stephanie McLarty, co-chairs of ReMA’s Sustainability Network. They share their thoughts about the role and importance of the network for the recycled materials industry as well as some of the benefits for members who might be interested in joining.

This episode of This Week in Recycling features a conversation with Neil Chalupa all about the 2025 Best Young and Brightest (BYAB) event that ran from August 13 to 15 in Columbus, Ohio. BYAB brought together young executives from ReMA-member companies for networking, teambuilding, and industry-specific experiences including a tour of the Rumpke Recycling and Resource facility.

On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with Corey Cooper, Director of Marketing Ontario & USA at AIM Recycling about Dinos in the Scrap Yard: A Metal Recycling Adventure, a new book published by Cooper, his colleague Alba Estrade, Marketing Specialist USA, and in partnership with AIM Recycling. Published on August 7, the book aims to inspire young readers and their families to understand the value of metal recycling and its role in protecting our planet.

This year, ReMA’s Safety Stand Down Week ran from Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 17. How did recyclers participate? This Week in Recycling we spoke with Robert Reed, Director of Marketing & PR at Sunnking Sustainable Solutions all about how Sunnking chose to participate in Safey Stand Down Week – from engaging in informative videos and quizzes, to hands-on training with fire extinguishers.

This Week in Recycling we chat with Mafalda de Freitas, environmental scientist at Hawaii Pacific University and megaplastic program director at the University’s Center for Marine Debris Research (CMDR). In 2024, the university launched the first and only marine debris Plastic Recycling Research Facility in the state with the goal of transforming plastic collected from the Pacific Ocean into long-life infrastructure products.

Now that ReMA’s Women in Recycling Council’s Mentorship Program application period has opened, we’re chatting with Sandy Pierce, who leads the program, and Nina Grimes, vice chair of WIR all about the benefits of participating in the mentorship program for both mentors and mentees and how this program helps strengthen the recycled materials industry.

This Week in Recycling, ReMA member Krista Ostuno discusses the importance of ReMA’s presence at the upcoming National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) from Aug. 4-6 in Boston, Massachusetts.

On This week in Recycling, we chat with Genti Bardhi, Chair of ReMA’s Tire and Rubber Division, about his start in the recycled materials industry, the work of the Tire and Rubber Division, and his vision for the present and future.

This Week in Recycling Sandy Pierce, Territory Manager – Midwest, Precious Metals Refining and Chemicals, at BASF joins the podcast to discuss the importance of the ReMA-JASON Learning Youth Poster & Video Contest as well as the ReMA Mentorship program.

Robert Schneider, Energy Security Agency Director of Training and Education, Shares Importance of ReMA/ESA Safety Technician Course at ReMA2025 – The Show.

This week in recycling we share a ReMA2025 Live Stage interview with ReMA Electronics Division Chair Amanda Tischer-Buros. Amanda gives us an inside look at the division including short- and long-term goals.

This week in recycling we chat with Mark Albert and John Bates, who presented on media relations and crisis communications during a ReMA2025 session. Mark and John share advice on how recyclers can prepare for media interviews, and the neurobiology behind making emotional connections with others.

This week in recycling we chat with Nick Herndon, recipient of the Recycling Education and Research Foundation’s (RERF) inaugural Peter J. Avagliano Award.

This week in recycling we celebrate Skullcandy being honored as ReMA’s inaugural Corporate Leadership & Innovation Award recipient. We also look at the newly announced Packaging Recyclability Advancement Task Force, of which ReMA is a part, and take a deep dive into hazard communication programs and their role in workforce safety.

This week in recycling we look at ReMA’s celebration of Earth Day 2025 highlighting the industry’s environmentally responsible role in manufacturing. We also share tips for National Work Zone Awareness Week, and look at the important role of personal protective equipment (PPE).

This week in recycling we speak with 2025 ReMA Young Executive of the Year Eds Harding about his background, leadership in the recycled materials industry, volunteer work with ReMA, and what the Young Executive of the Year Award means to him.

This week in recycling we chat with ReMA’s 2025 Convention Chair Andy Cohen about why ReMA2025 is a must-attend event for anyone in the recycled materials industry. From new offerings like the Safety First Plaza and ReMA2025 Live! at The Show to impactful educational sessions, networking, and our sold-out exhibit hall, ReMA2025 has something for everyone.

This week in recycling we celebrate ReMA’s Robin Wiener being honored with the inaugural Award for Recycling Leadership 2025 from the Global Recycling Foundation (GRF). We also highlight the 2025 Recycling Education and Research Foundation (RERF) Silent Auction, and why you should bring law enforcement to driver trainings.

This week in recycling we celebrate recent ReMA recognition for excellence in membership and rebranding. We also highlight the value of hiring students and recent graduates at your company, and ReMA member Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations’ new location.

This week in recycling we highlight ReMA’s chapters and regions, and efforts to increase engagement in 2025 and beyond.

This week in recycling we highlight ReMA’s 2025 Congressional Fly-In, during which more than 150 recyclers from across the country met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Continuing with advocacy, we also discuss how ReMA members are partnering with the Florida Recyclers Association on key industry advocacy efforts.

This week in recycling we highlight strategies to help prevent cargo theft in the recycled materials industry. We also share information on understanding truck driver ergonomics.

This week in recycling we discuss how responsible end markets impact recyclers beyond MRFs, and we connect with Michigan company Design Declassified, which works with local recyclers and manufacturers to turn recycled plastic into new products. We also highlight very important safety practices for smoke alarms.

This week in recycling we highlight ReMA’s New Membership Directory and Industry Guide, which launches in March. We also learn more about the legacy of Peter J. Avagliano, and the Recycling Education and Research Foundation’s new award is in his honor. Lastly, we share details on Sims Metal’s recently awarded grant for rail upgrades at its Chesapeake, VA facility.

This week in recycling we highlight ReMA’s 2025 Design for Recycling Award, which is now open for submissions. We also discuss key safety topics for driver training, and Cyclic Materials recently received investment from InMotion Ventures.

This week in recycling we highlight ReMA’s partnership with JASON Learning to offer ReMA members the opportunity to sponsor a school in their community. We also look at ReMA’s advocacy outlook and forecast regarding chemical recycling, and the removal of two devices from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) list of registered electronic logging devices, or ELDs.

This week in recycling we highlight RERF’s new propane program tailored specifically for the recycled materials industry. We also share winter safety tips including how to avoid frostbite and winter security risks.

This week in recycling we check in with ReMA Senior Director of Law Enforcement Outreach Todd Foreman about his work in 2024 including travels and spreading the word about Scraptheftalert.com, and plans for 2025.

This Week in Recycling we discuss how to sell safety when recruiting long haul drivers, How ReMA's pathways program is creating opportunities for a new generation of recycling industry workforce, and the EPA’s proposed draft for a 2026 multi-sector general permit for industrial stormwater discharges.

This week in recycling we learn about the Recycling Education and Research Foundation (RERF) and its goals for 2025. We also learn more about ReMA joining a coalition urging ILA and USMX to return to negotiations, and safety tips to prepare your car for the winter.

This week in recycling we celebrate Rematter becoming the first ReMA visionary sponsor for 2025. We also congratulate ReMA members named to the Recycling International top 100 list. Lastly, we highlight a recent letter ReMA and more than 60 others signed onto, urging the passage of two bipartisan recycling bills.

This week in recycling we share how ReMA’s Sustainability Intern got her introduction to the industry through our 2022 Video and Poster Contest! We also highlight ReMA’s participation in an association book drive, and our EV technician course.

This week in recycling, we celebrate America Recycles Day by honoring Senator Tom Carper for his work and dedication in support of the industry. We also share ReMA member Redwood Materials recovers and recycles lithium-ion batteries after accidents and natural disasters, and tips to help you share the road safely.

This week in recycling we highlight ReMA member CW Metals celebration of their participation in ReMA’s Inclusion Cohort Pilot Program. We also look at SOLARCYCLE’s new Georgia facility, and celebrate the opening of ReMA2025 registration!

This week in recycling we connect with ReMA member Bulrushed Books on how they are giving new life to old books through recycling. We also hear about ReMA member AIM Recycling’s recent family day, and we highlight the importance of developing a robust emergency response plan.

This week in recycling we celebrate ReMA VP of Membership Brianna Gianti being recognized with the 2025 Association Trailblazer award. We also hear about the newly opened Mercedes-Benz battery recycling facility in Germany, and we discuss having an employee designated as a driver supervisor to detect the use of a controlled substance or alcohol and request a DOT reasonable suspicion test.

This week in recycling we highlight safety tools for working in the fall, tips to help you stay aware of phishing attempts, and what to look for in a new driver trainer.