CSMM seeks comprehensive New York recycling assessment

The Syracuse, New York-based Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) has partnered with Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) to lead to a statewide “needs assessment and gap analysis” of New York’s recycling system.

“The needs assessment and gap analysis project will provide New York state the essential data needed to address fast-approaching policy and funding decisions as we advance to a more circular economy,” says Kate Walker, executive director of the New York CSMM, which is housed at the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

“New York state is on the leading edge of waste reduction and recycling and is proving that point by starting this critical needs assessment in advance of extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy adoption,” RRS Managing Principal Resa Dimino adds.

The two organizations, along with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), say the New York needs assessment will compile data on how the recycling system in the state operates, including the amount and types of material collected, hauling and sorting infrastructure and required operational and capital investment needs.

In an initial phase, CSMM and RRS say they will collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to create a detailed plan for how the objectives of the needs assessment will be accomplished and begin compiling data.

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Funding for the project comes from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and is administered through a memorandum of understanding with the New York DEC.

“New York state’s continued partnership with CSMM helps address some of our state’s most pressing recycling challenges,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos says. “Working with manufacturers to reduce waste while increasing recycling is embedded in Governor Hochul’s proposed Waste Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act that complements the goals of New York state’s draft solid waste management plan.

“Today’s announcement marks an important step to establishing the foundational needs assessment and gap analysis to best target investments for a more sustainable and user-friendly recycling system.”

CSMM says the assessment represents “critical first steps to New York state meeting its recycling rate goals for the total waste stream of 85 percent by 2050.” The organization says the project is being undertaken “in anticipation of an EPR program for paper and packaging products being passed into law, which will lift the financial burden of recycling from municipalities and require manufacturers to fund the recycling system.”

“CSMM is uniquely positioned to launch this critical and timely project; we are delighted to be partnering with the cutting-edge team of professionals at RRS,” Walker says. “Together we will continue to collectively challenge the concept of ‘waste,’ through reimagining and redefining how we manage materials.”