Annual Report FY2025

JULY 1, 2024 - JUNE 30, 2025

Eleven states united in a mission to minimize waste, conserve natural resources, and advance a sustainable economy through facilitated collaboration and action.

Download Report

Table of Contents

BLANK

Josh Kelly

Solid Waste Program Manager, Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation

NERC Board, President 

Words From Our Executive Director

During Fiscal Year 2025



Megan Schulz-Fontes

Our Purpose

NERC believes in a world in which waste is minimized and natural resources are conserved. NERC works directly with state, regional, and local agencies, the private sector, trade associations, and others to help address sustainability challenges and achieve environmental goals for the Northeast region of the U.S.

Our Approach

Our goal is to bridge informational gaps across the public and private sectors, develop educational resources, and advance conversations on critical issues across sustainable materials management (SMM).

EDUCATION

We provide interactive webinars and forums focused on pressing issues and topics for the greater SMM community at no cost.

RESOURCES

Through our committees and projects, we develop freely available resources for the SMM ecosystem.

COLLABORATION

Our committees and conferences provide a platform for cross-state and cross-sector conversations to enact system changes and other solutions.

Education

NERC held XXX informational webinars and forums. Topics spanned from XXX, and more. Over # unique individuals registered for the webinars. The highest number of attendees was # and the average # attendees. View our webinar and material reuse forum libraries.



Return to Table of Contents

Resources

Northeast Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) Commodity Values Report

Four quarterly Northeast MRF Commodity Values Reports were released to map fluctuations in the value of commodities processed by the region’s MRFs: July 2023, November 2023, February 2024, and May 2024. The educational tool is valuable for promoting improved residential recycling and participation and provides useful data for recyclers, MRFs, municipalities, and state agencies.


Return to Table of Contents

Guide to Increasing Recycling Supply

NERC published a guide developed with the Supply Side Policy Committee during FY24 to identify and discuss strategies used by different stakeholders to increase the supply of recycled materials. The Guide To Increasing Recycling Supply is a compilation of case studies about real examples of regulatory and non-regulatory strategies used by state and local governments, private industry, and non-profit organizations to increase the quantity and quality of residential recyclable materials - paper, cardboard, glass containers, plastic packaging, aluminum containers, and steel cans.

Collaboration

Annual Conference

100% of survey respondents found the event informative and engaging

“As an emerging professional in this field, it is very valuable to hear about the paths that other states and organizations have taken. I have a newfound sense of the role that public-private partnerships plays and I met some very well networked people, and it was a major contribution to meet so many experts from across the region.“

Fall 2024 Conference Attendee

Fall 2024 Conference: rethinking resource use: regional perspectives

NERC's Fall 2024 Conference was held in person on October 28 - 30 in Syracuse New York as SUNY ESF, bringing together over 190 attendees from across the U.S. and Canada. The event featured expert speakers on topics such as XXX


Survey respondents highlighted

Committees

NERC facilitates seven active substantive committees that are comprised of state member representatives and advisory member organizations: organics; bottle bill; chemical recycling; diversity, equity, and inclusion; glass markets; regional recycling markets; and supply side policy. These committees work collaboratively to advance policies, best practices, and market development opportunities in the recycling and materials management sectors. Focus areas during Fiscal Year 2024 are provided below.

Bottle Bill

The Bottle Bill Committee focused on analyzing proposed legislation across the Northeast, sharing best practices from states with existing bottle deposit programs, and identifying opportunities for modernization and expansion. The committee has also facilitated discussions on the effectiveness of redemption systems and coordinated stakeholder engagement to improve efficiency and accessibility.

Chemical Recycling

The Chemical Recycling Committee actively reviewed emerging technologies and legislative developments related to chemical recycling. The Committee hosted educational sessions with industry experts to better understand the environmental and economic impacts of chemical recycling processes. Additionally, members have contributed to policy discussions surrounding definitions, permitting requirements, and end-market applications.

DE&I

The DEI Committee continued to advance equity in the recycling and sustainable materials management industry. The Committee focused on workforce and leadership development by launching the Emerging Professionals Program to provide streamlined access to events and resources for those just starting out in sustainable materials management (SMM) careers. 


FY24 Chair: Jessica Levine, The Recycling Partnership

Glass

The Glass Committee focused on strengthening regional end markets for recycled glass. Key initiatives included convening processors, end-users, and municipalities to address quality concerns and transportation challenges. The Committee began developing The Map of Flow of Glass in the Northeast which should be published in Fiscal Year 2026 with the goal of improving glass collection while supporting policy measures that encourage sustainable glass recycling.


FY24 Chair: Megan Mansfield-Pryor, Previously Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Regional Recycling Markets

The RRM Committee continued its work in evaluating regional material flows and market trends. A monthly market update report is published every month by Chaz Miller, which highlights key supply and demand shifts in recovered materials. Public and private organizations showcased their businees operations, identifying ways to increase market stability.


FY24 Chair: Chaz Miller, Ex-Officio Board Member, NERC

Supply Side Policy

The Supply Side Policy Committee worked to improve the quality and quantity of recyclables through education, policy discussions, and resource development. Meetings addressed misinformation, contamination reduction, and MRF operations while facilitating discussions on public engagement strategies for increasing material recovery. A key achievement was the development of the Guide to Increasing Recycling Supply, a resource featuring case studies on successful approaches to improving residential recyclables. 


FY24 Chair: Shannon Crawford Gay, WM


Environmental Leadership Awards

NERC recognizes leaders in environmental sustainability every year. In its eighth awards ceremony in fall 2024, NERC honored four organizations for their dedication to NERC’s mission and outstanding leadership in our industry. Visit awardee page.

Outstanding Member:  Good Point Recycling

Good Point Recycling celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a legacy of leadership in sustainable electronics recycling. Founded in Vermont and Massachusetts, the company has championed reuse, fair trade recycling, and global integrity, ensuring valuable electronics are refurbished and responsibly managed. Recognized as one of the “Top 100 Recyclers Globally” by Recycling International, Good Point Recycling continues to set industry benchmarks for ethical e-waste management and global stewardship. As they celebrate this milestone, they remain committed to building a greener future through innovation and equitable partnerships.

Outstanding Organization:  Helpsy

Helpsy is a certified B Corp with an environmental mission to keep clothes out of the trash, to create honorable work and to be profitable. Helpsy collects 100,000 lbs of clothes per day in cooperation with 1,500 communities, businesses, and nonprofits. Helpsy supplies environmentally sound used goods to thousands of thrift stores, resellers, sorting companies, and consumers worldwide.

Outstanding Municipality:  Town of Woodbury

In response to the trash disposal crisis that Connecticut is facing, the Town of Woodbury applied for and received a DEEP (Department of Environment and Energy) grant, and with the assistance of the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG), entered a pilot program to reduce the amount of trash that is hauled from the Town. In February of 2023, this trial food-scrap diversion, along with a re-emphasis on reducing the amount of trash, using town-designated trash bags, recycling and reusing items taken to our Transfer Station, the Town has successfully reduced the hauling fees through unit-based- pricing (pay-as-you-throw).

Outstanding Program:  Chittenden Solid Waste District

“CSWD’s collaboration with Astronomers Without Borders to collect, sort, and reuse more than 115,000 solar eclipse glasses shines a spotlight on the power of local communities and their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. This project was truly a team effort that highlights the impact of community engagement and helped make CSWD one of the most successful collection programs in the country. With only one landfill in Vermont, it is our responsibility to find creative ways to reduce and properly manage the waste we generate." - Sarah Reeves, CSWD Executive Director

Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA)

NERC continued its coordination with NEWMOA to address the needs of northeast state members, while maximizing the effectiveness of both organizations. Additionally, NERC partnered with NEWMOA on an EPA grant centered on Anaerobic Digestion and Environmental Justice Regulation in the Northeast.


National Center for Recycling Electronics (NCER)

NERC continued its partnership with the NCER to serve as the fiscal agent for the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse (ERCC), providing administrative and financial management support. ERCC provides a forum for information exchange among state agencies implementing electronics recycling laws and all impacted stakeholders. NCER administers ERCC programs.

Vermont E-Waste Recycling Program

NERC continued to serve as the in-state administrator for the Vermont state E-Waste Recycling Program, facilitated by NCER.

RecycleCT

NERC continued its contract with RecycleCT Foundation to serve as its fiscal agent and Board Secretary, and provide assistance in ensuring state requirements are met.


Return to Table of Contents

Financials

JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024

Revenues

Dues from state membership and advisory membership make up roughly half of NERC's annual revenue. The remaining revenue comes from conferences and other events, grants and consulting projects, and other sources such as interest on financial assets or reimbursed expenses.

Expenses

The majority of NERC expenses are programmatic (75%), which includes planning and execution of webinars, conferences, and other events; resource development; outreach, services, and support to both members and non-members.

FY2024 Board of Directors

NERC's Board is comprised of a state agency representative from each of the 11 states NERC represents. Our Ex-Officio board members are non-voting members who provide expert council to NERC.

Executive Committee

  • President:  Josh Kelly, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Vice President: Michael Nork, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
  • Treasurer: Richard Watson, Delaware Solid Waste Authority


Ex-Officio (Non-Voting)

  • Resa Dimino, Resource Recycling Systems
  • Chip Foley, Consultant
  • Jennifer Heaton-Jones, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority
  • Chaz Miller, Maryland Recycling Network


Directors

  • Chris Nelson, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
  • Bradley Baker, Maryland Department of the Environment
  • John Fischer, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
  • Brian Beneski, Maine Department of Environmental Protection
  • Erin Jensen, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
  • Jared Rhodes, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation
  • Jeff Bednar, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection


NERC Team

Megan

Schulz-Fontes

Executive Director


Mariane

Medeiros

Senior Project Manager


Sophie

Leone

Development and Program Manager



Justin

Giddings

Sustainability and Data Management Intern


NERC’s programs are supported and delivered by a dedicated team of professionals.  View our current team.


Return to Table of Contents

Advisory Members

Our members make up a large, diverse community that believes in a world in which waste is minimized and natural resources are conserved. Members are key to shaping NERC’s events and priorities for discussion, training, and projects. Visit our Member Directory.

Committee Representation

NERC State Members Represented on NERC's Committees

Bottle Bill Chemical Recycling DE&I Glass Regional Recycling Markets Supply Side Policy
Connecticut (CT DEEP) X X X X X
Delaware (DSWA) X X X
Maine (ME DEP) X X
Maryland (MDE) X X X X X
Massachusetts (MA DEP) X X X X X
New Hampshire (NH DES) X X X
New Jersey (NJ DEP) X X X X X
New York (NY DEC) X X X X
Pennsylvania (PA DEP) X
Rhode Island (RIRRC) X X X
Vermont (VT DEC) X X X X X

NERC Advisory Members Represented on NERC's Committees

Bottle Bill Chemical Recycling DE&I Glass Regional Recycling Markets Supply Side Policy
Ag Container Recycling Council X X
American Beverage Association X
Association of Plastic Recyclers X X
Carton Council X
Casella Waste Systems X X
Chittenden Solid Waste District X
City of Salem X
Coca-Cola X X
Consumer Technology Association X
EFS-Plastics X X X
EREF X
Fibre Box Association X
Glass Packaging Institute X
GreenBlue X
Housatonic Resourse Recovery Association X X X
Keurig Dr. Pepper X
NWRA X
NRRA X
Bottle Bill Chemical Recycling DE&I Glass Regional Recycling Markets Supply Side Policy
Plastics Industry Association X X
Pozzotive X
Primo Brands X
ReMA X X X X
RECYC-QUEBEC X X X
Republic Services X X X
RRS X X
Reverse Logistics Group X X
SMI X X
South Carolina Department of Commerce X
SUNY-ESF X X
The Container Recycling Institute X X
The Recycling Partnership X X X
TOMRA X X X
WM X

Engage with NERC

We welcome you to connect with the Northeast Recycling Council in various ways and become part of our community.

 Register for upcoming events

 Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and hear about state and iindustry news

 Learn about becoming a NERC Advisory Member

Visit us on our social media platforms!

@northeastrecycling

@NErecycling

@Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.

@Northeast Recycling Council (NERC)