PARTNERSHIP FORMED TO INCREASE MARKET FOR RECYCLED PRODUCTS
The New Jersey Buy Recycled Business Network is being reorganized and
expanded as part of a state effort to strengthen the market for recycled
materials by increasing the number of businesses buying products with
recycled content.
The network, which has been run in cooperation with the state Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) since 1993, has formed a partnership
with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers to offer member businesses
more services and increase demand for recycled products.
"The network can influence the decision making of manufacturers and lead
to an increase in the production of recycled products in New Jersey, new
jobs and economic gains," said DEP Commissioner Bob Shinn.
A governing board for the network has been established to lead that effort,
chaired by Joseph Verga of Bell Atlantic Co. in West Orange and Steven
Rinaldi with DEP's Bureau of Recycling and Planning.
"Undoubtedly, the reorganization of the network resulting from this partnership
will lead to a more dynamic, proactive and efficient 'Buy Recycled' organization,"
Verga said.
The other five board members are: Al Fralinger of PSE&G Co., who also
is president of the Association of New Jersey Recyclers; Peter Marcalus
of Marcal Paper Mills, Inc., Elmwood Park; Jeff Brown of Rainbow Eco Specialties
in Fairfield, Jim Kerstein of Polywood, Inc. in South Plainfield, and
Aletha Spang of Recycling Unlimited in Holmdel.
"Through this partnership, the message of the network will spread to
more and more New Jersey businesses and result in an increase in demand
for recycled products thereby strengthening recycling markets and recycling
in general," Fralinger said.
The new board will establish an annual work plan and scope of services
for the year 2000. DEP will provide funding through this year and will
move administration of the program to the Association of NJ Recyclers.
"The purchase of recycled products by companies creates the demand that
is essential to the continued success of recycling efforts. Purchasing
recycled products not only promotes environmental goals but is a practical
procurement strategy that can be readily incorporated into day-to-day
operations," Shinn said.
For further information, contact Steven Rinaldi in the Bureau
of Recycling and Planning at 609-984-3438 (Srinaldi@dep.state.nj.us)
or Marie Kruzan at the Association of NJ Recyclers at 908-722-7575 (anjr@erols.com).
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