Participants had the chance to network with various vendors, representing electronic recycling, plastic and paper mills and even eco-friendly trade show products.  The conference also highlighted presentations on electric vehicles, aluminum recycling and the positive financial effects that recycling has on a state’s tax revenue.

Marty Seaman, Principal and Senior Consultant of Resource Recycling Systems, Inc., was invited to present during the “Producers Lead the Way” plenary session on “Building Carton & Aseptic Package Recycling Access Nationwide.”

As recycling standards currently stand, noted Marty, most programs happily accept aluminum, steel, glass and plastic for recycling, but often exclude cartons.  Cartons, made mainly from a high quality virgin paper that is ideal for recycling into new products, are used to package milk, juice, wine, chicken broth and many other food products.

In 2010, 28 million households in 27 states had access to carton recycling.  This was an increase of 12% from 2009, when only 18% of households had access to carton recycling.  The goal is to continue to increase carton recycling access by at least 5% each year to achieve 50% access in 2014 by encouraging recycling centers to accept them, and educating consumers on the benefits of recycling cartons.

Marty’s next speaking engagement will take place on Tuesday, March 1^st at Alabama Chapter SWANA’s 2011 Spring Meeting.  For more information or a schedule of upcoming conferences, visit our Event Calendar.

The conference offers many opportunities to its attendees including three educational tracks, ( Recycling Best Practices, Going Green, and The Value of Recycling),technical tours and vendor exhibit hall.

Resource Recycling Systems will be among the 27 companies displaying during the conference.  Brianne Haven and Marty Seaman will be available to answer all recycling and waste management questions including information on how communities can get started recycling aseptic packaging including juice boxes, milk and juice cartons.

Seaman says “We are pleased to participate in the Tennessee Recycling Coalition’s annual conference for the second year in a row. Last year we met so many interesting and knowledgeable people;  we look forward to continue our involvement in Tennessee’s recycling community.  We are excited to share our 25 plus years of experience and knowledge in this field especially as we work with the Carton Council’s initiative to recycle more aseptic packaging”.