Resource Recycling Advisory Council

Middletown Resource Recycling Advisory Commission Special Meeting December 7, 2021 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Stephan Allison, Alison Johnson, Izzy Guy, Rebecca MacLachlan, Eleanor Nettleton, Debbie Stanley, Tisha Zawisky, Krishna Winston Staff Present: Kim O’Rourke, Recycling Coordinator The Chairman opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. No members of the public were present. Ms. Winston reviewed the draft of the EPR for Packaging resolution. She said if approved by the Recycling Commission tonight, it is on the agenda for the Public Works and Facilities Commission to consider tomorrow night. She asked the Recycling Coordinator to review the timing of the resolution and why it was important to hold a special meeting. Ms. O’Rourke reviewed the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and explained that the City is working with the CT Product Stewardship Council and DEEP to pass EPR for packaging legislation. This is even more urgent because of the pending closure of the Hartford trash facility. Municipalities are under more pressure to reduce within their borders. Without a reduction, more waste will be sent out of state, increasing costs for towns and residents. This legislation would save the City money and develop a better way to manage the material. She said a stewardship organization would be formed by the producers and they would develop a program to collect and process all packaging. With this program, public education would be better, collection would be more coordinated, manufacturers would finance the program and it has been proven in other areas where this is done that recycling contamination goes down. If done right, it also incentivizes manufacturers to consider, and pay for, the environmental impacts of their packaging. Members discussed and asked questions. Ms. Winston read the proposed resolution. Mr. Allison made and Ms. Nettleton seconded a motion to support the Resolution for EPR Packaging and send it to the Common Council for approval. All members voted in favor. With nothing further on the agenda, Mr. Allison made and Ms. Stanley seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:25 pm. Respectfully submitted, Kim O’Rourke Kim O’Rourke Recycling Coordinator