Over 100 stakeholders participate in IDEM’s first Recycling Roundtable Discussion

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) hosted the first of its virtual Recycling Roundtable Discussions on Dec. 8, 2021, bringing in over 100 participants. The purpose of the discussions is to address the importance of developing public-private partnerships and to leverage different stakeholders’ areas of expertise and resources. Recycling Roundtable Discussions will occur quarterly in 2022, beginning in March.

In attendance were representatives from solid waste management districts, solid waste haulers, municipalities, recyclers, manufacturers, composters, education institutions, environmental contractors, and industry groups. Presentations included examples of successful partnerships that reduce waste and increase diversion and recovery of materials for recycling, including:

– Jackson County Recycling District’s work with Rumpke Waste & Recycling.

– Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District’s work with Cummins, Inc.

– Michigan’s NextCycle Program, an accelerator program from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) that leverages public and private technical assistance and investment in Michigan’s recycling and waste recovery system.

“We are so pleased to have had such great attendance at this first discussion. IDEM is thrilled to bring recycling stakeholders from across the state together to work toward our common goal to reduce waste and increase recycling to promote a circular economy,” said Assistant Commissioner for IDEM’s Office of Program Support Julia Wickard. “The momentum to improve recycling systems and create a thriving circular economy, both on a national and state-wide level, is stronger than ever!”

To access a recording of the meeting please visit Recycle.IN.gov. To register for notifications of future meetings, please visit public.govdelivery.com/accounts/INDEM/subscriber/new?topic_id=INDEM_104. 

About IDEM

IDEM (idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.