NEW: Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) Distributes $1.94 Million in Profits
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Municipal officials from across the state gathered at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) today, each to accept their share of the profit, $1.94 million, from RIRRCʼs sale of recyclables in fiscal year 2012. This yearʼs recycling profits, presented to city and town officials by Michael OConnell, RIRRC Executive Director, are earmarked to be reinvested in each municipality’s respective recycling program.
“It is an absolute pleasure to take part in todayʼs profit sharing ceremony,” said OConnell. “In the current economic climate, where municipalities are universally tightening their belts, every little bit helps. Because the recycling markets performed well during the past year, Rhode Islandʼs municipalities are receiving a greater return than in 2011 – and when our municipal partners benefit, we benefit. We are excited to see the positive change that these monies will enact in our communities.”
The annual profit sharing event displays how the simple act of recycling yields a true economic benefit for the state of Rhode Island. RIRRC doesnʼt charge a fee to dispose recyclables, whereas landfilling trash comes at a cost. For every item that a resident places in their recycling bin or cart, they contribute to their city or townʼs end of the year profit share from RIRRC.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
In June, recycling became even easier with the launch of Recycle Together RI, the new statewide recycling program. Now in full swing, the Recycle Together RI program is already producing impressive recycling rates. During July 2012, the first full month of single stream recycling operation, RIRRC processed 400 tons of recyclable material per day, 7.5% more material than during the same period in 2011. As time progresses and residents become more familiar with program details, RIRRC expects this number to grow.
“With Recycle Together RI, we are making it easier than ever for Rhode Islanders to recycle – and the benefit of that effort is clear, itʼs represented in every dollar in the checks distributed here today,” OConnell said. “Itʼs plain and simple – for every single item that lands in a recycling bin rather than the trash, we extend the life of the landfill, we help protect our local environment and, most importantly, we save money for the cities and towns of Rhode Island.”
This yearʼs profits are earmarked strictly for municipal recycling programs. RIRRC staff expects to see various investments made in different programs, from the purchase of large, automated “toter” recycling carts, to increased informational collateral materials, to enhanced educational outreach in local schools, to help bolster recycling activity statewide.
"East Providence is pleased to be receiving $96,356.59 as part of the Recycling Profit Sharing Program," stated Mayor Bruce Rogers. "These funds along with single stream collection will enable the City to continue to enhance its recycling efforts."
