Recycling Impact Award for Massachusetts leader

The US Recycled Materials Association (ReMa – formerly ISRI), has presented Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll with its 2024 Recycling Impact Award.

The award is presented annually to the second-in-command in a state government who has demonstrated a commitment to resource conservation, sustainability, reuse, and recycling.

Green leadership

‘The recycled materials industry is a cornerstone of the American economy,’ notes Driscoll. ‘In Massachusetts, we know that sustainability is key to protecting the environment. Our administration is proud of the efforts we’ve made to invest in and improve our green initiatives.’

Driscoll says she plans to make Massachusetts a national leader in recycling. Previously, as mayor of Salem, she implemented programmes that significantly improved the city’s recycling rates while reducing waste.

At state level, Driscoll champions the Recycling and Reuse Business Development grants. These support the private sector’s efforts to increase recycling and create ‘green’ jobs.

Additionally, she has joined the governor in leading the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bill aimed at transforming the commonwealth into a climate innovation hub.

Grateful

Driscoll’s understands the importance of recycled materials, says Robin Wiener, president of ReMa. ‘Her unwavering support for recycling, sustainability, and innovative solutions make her a deserving recipient of the Recycling Impact Award. We are grateful for her support.’

Big impact

Wiener emphasises that the US recycling sector supplies 40% of raw materialsm needed for manufacturing. The production of recycled commodities has a US$ 117 billion (EUR 108 billion) economic impact while employing 160 000 people directly, and 346 499 people indirectly.

The ReMa president has recently spoken out against the Environmental Protection Agency for citing perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid as hazardous substances.

‘Labelling and regulating these chemicals as hazardous substances potentially threatens recyclers’ ability to process products containing them,’ Weiner argues, claiming the EPA is putting the many environmental benefits of recycling at risk.