Fall 2024

RBAC's quarterly newsletter discusses current topics of interest to recycling businesses, including information on financing opportunities, commodity markets, and new technologies.

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New Staff Announcements 

The Recycling and Materials Management Section (RMMS) of NCDEQ is growing to better serve North Carolina’s recycling businesses with the addition of some key positions. Wendy Worley was recently promoted to Deputy Director of the Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service and will continue to stay active in growing the circular economy and supporting recycling businesses in North Carolina.

Heather Cashwell has returned to the division to serve as RMMS Section Chief and brings over twenty years of recycling industry experience managing recycling and waste reduction programs and will provide strategic planning and oversight for the Recycling and Materials Management Section. Heather can be reached at heather.cashwell@deq.nc.gov.

Eric MacDonald joined RMMS in June 2024 as the Recycling Business Development Team Lead for the Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC). Before joining the team, he was a Zero Waste Analyst for the City of Phoenix, Arizona. Eric can be reached at eric.macdonald@deq.nc.gov

Laura McCoy joined RBAC as a Recycling Business Development Specialist in July 2024, after serving as a Community Recycling Specialist within RMMS. You can reach her at laura.mccoy@deq.nc.gov.

Eric and Laura will be joining RBAC Business Development Specialist Marc Boettger in providing technical assistance to North Carolina recycling companies and managing grant programs for recycling businesses. The team is excited to be building out its ranks and encourages all recycling businesses to reach out and get to know the team and how they can help.  

We have some bittersweet news to share. After 12 years with RBAC, Mike Greene has accepted a position outside of NCDEQ. Mike's contributions to improving recycling markets and supporting businesses across North Carolina have been outstanding. We wish him the best in his new role.

The Carolina Plastics Recycling Council is Gearing Up for the 3rd Your Plastic Means Products Roadshow Event

Join us for the third of a four-part educational series to re-engage the recycled plastics supply chain across the Carolinas.

Join us in Kings Mountain NC at Southeastern Container on September 25th for the third of a four-part educational series to re-engage the recycled plastics supply chain across the Carolinas.

The Your Plastic Means Products roadshow series consist of four events to reengage the recycled plastics supply chain across the Carolinas and find pathways to increase clean, recycled plastic materials.

If you’re interested in attending, purchase your tickets today! Registration is free and includes educational session, lunch, B2B networking, and tour. This is an event you don't want to miss!

For more information and to sign up follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-plastic-means-products-roadshow-tickets-965212134477

Now Accepting Proposals for the 2025 Recycling Business Development Grants

We are pleased to announce that proposals are now being accepted for the 2025 Recycling Business Development Grants. This opportunity is open to North Carolina recycling businesses looking to undertake projects that enhance the collection, processing, or end-use of recyclable materials, contributing to a more circular economy in the state.

Eligible projects may apply for any amount up to $75,000 in funding with a 50% match of the award required. Priority areas for funding include private MRF upgrades and recycling of solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, or lithium-ion batteries. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, November 14, 2024.

We're Hiring

The Recycling and Materials Management Section (RMMS) of NCDEQ has two positions open now and is seeking candidates interested in playing a key role in expanding waste reduction and recycling on a statewide level in North Carolina.  

The Recycling Economic Development Specialist will help grow NC’s circular economy through the support and development of new and existing recycling businesses in the state. The Community Recycling Specialist will help the expansion and development of public material diversion and recycling programs by providing technical, policy, and planning assistance to counties, municipalities, state agencies, and organizations.  

Both positions are open until Friday, September 20, 2024. 

Now Accepting Proposals for the 2025 Food Waste Reduction Grant

We are currently accepting proposals for the 2025 Food Waste Reduction Grant. It is open to local governments, non-profits, and businesses and supports the recovery of organic materials through the expansion of food donation networks and organics recycling operations, including collection and hauling.

Projects are eligible to apply for up to $40,000. Projects that involve edible food recovery and new in-state organics recycling infrastructure are eligible for Priority Level funding of up to $60,000. Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 25, 2024.  

ESI Annual Conference Opportunity 

The Environmental Stewardship Initiative at DEQ recognizes and supports companies and facilities that go above and beyond to reduce their impact on the environment. The 2024 Environmental Stewardship Initiative conference at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh on October 28^th- 29^th will explore how organizations can “Reach Beyond Your Footprint” to advance environmental improvements. It is designed to share successes, provide opportunities for networking, and recognize achievements. A draft agenda is available and tickets to the event can be purchased here. support and amplify your impactful ideas.