RRS Asia, The Circulate Initiative and SecondMuse have developed the video learning series.

The Incubation Network, Singapore, which is a partnership between The Circulate Initiative, New York City, and SecondMuse, alongside Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) Asia have developed a free, online video learning series, Circularity Concepts: Exploring Key Drivers of the Plastic Circular Economy. The series is designed to bolster awareness and knowledge of new and emerging issues, key policies and other strategic efforts for implementing sustainable recycling solutions to help organizations meet 2025 circular economy goals with a focus on Southeast Asia and India, the organizers say.

The five-part video series, with downloadable presentations, covers a series of topics designed to grow understanding of material issues and actions companies might consider to reduce their consumption of plastic or to use alternative materials and business models moving forward. For example, one topic reviews the current state and use of plastic credits in the region, while another looks at reuse and refill strategies that can support transition toward a more circular economy.

“At a time when there are some projections that ocean plastics will quadruple by 2050, finding solutions to better manage and recover waste plastics is critical to the health of our oceans and communities,” says Anne Johnson, principal and vice president at Ann Arbor, Michigan-based RRS. “The Incubation Network designed this series with the support of The Circulate Initiative to help organizations better understand the latest methods and technologies available to reach sustainability goals as we move toward a circular economy.”

“Circularity Concepts will help to open doors for circular economy innovation,” Simon Baldwin, the Singapore-based global head of circularity at SecondMuse, which has offices globally. “Beneath the underbelly of Asia’s plastic waste challenge is a web of complex stakeholder, cultural and social structures that can be incredibly difficult to unpack alone. This is where The Incubation Network comes in, to connect our community of changemakers with learning tools and resources like Circularity Concepts to better identify pain points and map out opportunities for better solutions.”

Umesh Madhavan, research director at The Circulate Initiative, adds, “The greatest impact comes from an ecosystem approach—corporates, startups, investors and policymakers working together to develop circular economy solutions. To this end, we recognize the importance of addressing knowledge gaps in the system to facilitate action. Drawing on our subject matter expertise and understanding of the circular plastic value chain, we supported The Incubation Network and RRS Asia in identifying priority topics for Circularity Concepts and sought to showcase the circular economy in action through practical, real-world examples.”

Module 1 (16 minutes) – Setting the Stage for a Successful Circular Economy: EPR and Policy Developments in Asia takes a look at the role of policy in supporting the development of sustainable recycling systems and how extended producer responsibility (EPR) plays a significant role in the process.

Module 2 (26 minutes) –  Bioplastics and Alternative Materials: Evaluating the Role of Bioplastics in the Circular Economy examines the role of bioplastics, an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, and the key drivers that must work in harmony to realize the benefits of bioplastics as production continues to grow.

Module 3 (29 minutes) – Advanced Recycling Technologies and a Circular Economy for Plastics explores how advanced recycling technologies (ARTs) work alongside more traditional mechanical recycling systems and the pros and cons of scaling these technologies from an environmental and financial standpoint.

Module 4 (38 minutes) – Evaluating the Opportunities and Benefits of Reuse & Refill in a Circular Economy discusses the different models of reuse and refill, its benefits, successful business models as well as examples emerging in Asia and beyond.

Module 5 (36 minutes) – Plastic Credits: Evaluating the Opportunities and Benefits of Plastic Credits in a Circular Economy explores the challenges faced by companies incorporating the plastic credit system into their own corporate ecosystems and the way plastic credit systems could help or hinder the management of plastics in emerging markets, particularly when it comes to overlaying policy on EPR.

 The Circularity Concepts: Exploring Key Drivers of the Plastic Circular Economy modules are now available at www.circularityconcepts.org.  

Matt Rohm has been promoted to the position of president and chief operating officer.

Metal Exchange Corp., a St. Louis-based provider of marketing, trading, manufacturing, processing, distribution and transportation services in the nonferrous metals sector, has announced executive leadership changes. 

Matt Rohm has been promoted to the position of president and chief operating officer. He will report to Rick Merluzzi, Metal Exchange Corp. CEO, and two divisional chief financial officer positions have been created to replace the enterprisewide chief financial officer role that Rohm vacates. Dan Jarvis has been promoted to chief financial officer of the Metal Exchange Trading Division and Corporate Services, while Dave McCoy has been promoted to chief financial officer of the Manufacturing Division.

Rohm will have day-to-day operational responsibility and oversight of all divisions and operating companies within the Metal Exchange portfolio (trading, cast products and extruded products) and all corporate services departments, according to the company.

Before joining Metal Exchange as chief financial officer in 2016, Rohm had more than 20 years of financial leadership experience, having served in positions with The Boeing Co., Anheuser-Busch InBev, Energizer and SunEdison. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Bradley University and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis’ Olin School of Business.

"Matt’s people-centric leadership style and strong drive have proven vital to the success of the organization," Merluzzi says. "We are very proud of his numerous contributions and hard work that earned him this well-deserved promotion."

“It is an honor to be asked to lead a world-class, evergreen group of operating companies,” Rohm says. “Metal Exchange is well-positioned for continued growth, and I am proud to serve our suppliers, customers and team members. I am very excited to have Dan Jarvis and Dave McCoy leading the financial function of Metal Exchange. Both bring strong fiscal discipline and leadership to support our operating divisions. Their promotions are a direct result of Metal Exchange’s intense efforts to develop and retain top talent.”

“The promotion of these three talented, high-integrity individuals ensures the operational and financial leadership needed to support the growth initiatives of Metal Exchange Corp. for years to come,” Metal Exchange Executive Chairman Mike Lefton says.

Three members are recognized with the Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award, Professional Achievement Award and the Life Member Award.

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, has selected the recipients of its annual Professional Achievement Awards.   

“SWANA professional achievement awards are one of the highest honors someone in the solid waste industry can receive,” says David Biderman, SWANA executive director and CEO. “I have worked closely with several of this year’s awardees and can personally confirm they are among the best of the best in this great industry.”  

Not necessarily awarded each year, SWANA says the Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award is the highest accolade SWANA members can give to an individual. The award is intended for a SWANA member or nonmember who, by a career of unusually meritorious service to the municipal solid waste management field, has earned consideration. Determination of the award is based on the nominee’s service and activity beyond normal responsibilities to the employer and to the public.  

Kathy Morris, executive director of Waste Commission of Scott County, Iowa, received the honor this year. 

For more than 30 years as the executive director of the Waste Commission of Scott County, Morris has demonstrated a "contagious passion" for advancing solid waste management services across Iowa, SWANA says. Under Miller’s leadership, the Waste Commission of Scott County has been at the forefront of implementing new services and technologies and supporting other public entities in Iowa and the region in doing the same.  

After a short time on the Iowa chapter board, she continued to mentor chapter board mentors to volunteer for committee work, support and drive legislative and regulatory initiatives and to volunteer the commission, its employees and resources whenever necessary.  

The Professional Achievement Award recognizes SWANA members for valuable and distinguished contributions to the association, the individual’s employing organization, chapter, technical division or the public. Unique achievements and outstanding services by the individual, potentially but not always tied to career longevity, are considered in the selection.  

James R. Miller, founder and CEO of J.R. Miller & Associates, Brea, California, received the award this year.   

Miller has more than 45 years of experience with a focus on the planning and design of solid waste processing facilities. He has been a SWANA member since 2003 and a member of the Collection and Transfer Technical Division, where he has served in leadership positions and currently chairs the Legislative/Advocacy Committee. He has been a guest lecturer at several California colleges and universities, presented at numerous SWANA and industry conferences and written articles for various industry publications.   

Consideration for the SWANA Life Member Award includes an individual's length of service and commitment to the association, service and support to chapters or technical divisions, superior commitment and service to their employer. It also considers long-term involvement in municipal solid waste management in general and the significance of contributions to the association and the industry.  

Murray Griffin, former president/CEO, Atlantic Coast Consulting Inc., Savannah, Georgia, was honored this year with the SWANA Life Member Award.  

Griffin was recognized for service and commitment to SWANA and the Georgia chapter, where he served on the chapter board of directors for more than 20 years. There Griffin supported participation in conferences, Road-E-Os, scholarship and award programs and advocacy efforts. He also served as a chapter training instructor.   

Professional achievement award nominations are reviewed by the International Awards Committee, which presents recommendations to the board of directors for approval.  

“It is with great pleasure we selected this year's recipients for the annual Professional Achievement Awards,” says Michael Brinchek, senior project manager at Smith Gardner Inc. and SWANA Awards Committee Chair. “This year's recipients, as in years past, represent the best of our industry in and out of the SWANA organization and exemplify what it means to be a Solid Waste professional.”  

All 2022 awards will be presented on Dec. 6 during SWANA’s annual awards ceremony in conjunction with Wastecon 2022 in San Diego. 

Beginning in the fall, residents in and around Burlington, Vermont, can subscribe to a supplementary recycling service for various items that are not acceptable in curbside recycling.

Casella Waste Systems Inc., a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company based in Rutland, Vermont, has partnered with TerraCycle, a Trenton, New Jersey-based recycling company specializing in hard-to-recycle materials, to launch the “TerraCycle Pouch by Casella” pilot subscription program.  

Beginning in the fall, residents in and around Burlington, Vermont, can subscribe to a supplementary recycling service for various items that are not acceptable in curbside recycling. With this pilot program, Casella says it will be one of the first fully integrated resource management companies to offer additional services for materials that are not accepted in curbside recycling.  

“We’re excited to partner with TerraCycle on this pilot project to explore how we can recycle more material and help customers and communities achieve their recycling goals,” says John W. Casella, chairperson and CEO of Casella. “As with any pilot project, we expect that there will be challenges and opportunities uncovered as we go. Exploring this new opportunity feels similar to the early days of residential curbside recycling in Vermont, and we are proud to try something new that might help further advance recycling in Burlington and beyond.”  

According to a joint news release from Casella and TerraCycle, residents can subscribe to TerraCycle Pouch by Casella program online. Casella then delivers pouches that can be filled with hard-to-recycle items that aren’t accepted in curbside recycling. This includes flexible plastic packaging, plastic foam products and coffee capsules as well as miscellaneous items like clothing, office supplies and more. The full list of acceptable items, including descriptions of how they will be recycled, will soon be posted on Casella's website.  

Residents then request pick up online, and Casella collects the pouches, and TerraCycle picks them up for processing.  

The companies say the goal is to provide a convenient recycling solution for items that do not belong in curbside recycling bins while also reducing contamination levels in local recycling facilities.   

“Since our founding, TerraCycle has made it our mission to ‘Eliminate the Idea of Waste’ and provide solutions for difficult to recycle items that are not traditionally recyclable curbside,” says Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “Through our partnership with Casella and the introduction of the TerraCycle Pouch by Casella program, we are encouraging consumers to rethink what is waste, as well as help foster awareness that solutions do exist for items that may seem otherwise unrecyclable.”  

The TerraCycle Pouch by Casella program will be open to any interested individual, school, office or community organization. Consumers interested in receiving more information about the TerraCycle Pouch by Casella program can register their email address here. 

Peter Johansson and Lynn Watkins-Asiyanbi have joined the company’s executive leadership, while Matthew Eckl and Pamela Turay have exited.

CECO Environmental Corp., based in Cincinnati, has announced Peter Johansson will join CECO as chief financial and strategy officer. Lynn Watkins-Asiyanbi, CECO's general counsel, will assume the new role of chief administrative and legal officer, which incorporates the legal, human resources and corporate communication functions.  

The two replace Matthew Eckl, chief financial officer and Pamela Turay, senior vice president of human resources effective Aug. 15. The two will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Eckl had been with the company since 2017 and Turay since 2018.  

"Matt and Pam have been valuable members of the CECO leadership team and have helped the organization advance in many important areas," says Todd Gleason, CEO of CECO Environmental. "CECO is stronger because of their efforts, and we wish them success in their future endeavors."  

CECO says Johansson has more than 30 years of diverse industrial business experience with companies like Accudyne Industries, Honeywell and AlliedSignal. He has led organizations through transformational growth. Johansson brings new perspectives and capabilities around financial analysis, capital market programs and leading concepts concerning business development programs and operational effectiveness. Since 2021,  he has worked with CECO as a consultant, assisting the leadership team with evaluating market strategies and business development opportunities.  

Watkins-Asiyanbi joined CECO in June as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. She has more than 25 years of industrial business experience with companies like John Bean Technologies, W.W. Grainger Inc., U.S. Foods Inc., Mars Inc. and General Mills. Watkins is experienced with mergers and acquisitions, manufacturing operations, ethics, corporate governance, CSR and ESG and financial and regulatory compliance.  

"[Johansson] brings a significant amount of financial, business development and strategy experience to our organization at the perfect time for us as we believe that we are truly gaining momentum toward our ongoing transformation,” Gleason says. “Additionally, broadening Lynn's role as our chief administrative and legal officer will unlock new processes and perspectives to align our functional excellence with our business strategies and growth deployment goals. We expect these important leadership changes further advance our progress and execution of the CECO's strategic plan to create long-term value for our stockholders."