Closed Loop Recycling
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Identify the need, and build excitement around the solution
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Define the problem and how it affects the community
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Find a specialty recycling organization and, together, build a plan to create volume
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Be aware of regulations (ex. County Disposal Site regulations) and be prepared to work with local government to integrate the new system
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Get municipal governments on board by showing:
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The benefits to their constituents (landfill waste diversion, etc.)
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The system can work, not just hypothetically (business plan)
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The potential revenue if the system is scaled
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The potential government grant money available (IRA)
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Don’t be limited by the guardrails of the existing system
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Be willing to innovate
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Have the allies in place to collaborate on solutions
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Prepare, involve, and invest partners in the proposed solution
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Explain the issue, how it can benefit them, and why they should care
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Vendors and suppliers
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Local material recovery facility
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Local non-profits
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Look for third parties that handle logistics of programs like this
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Once you have defined a common objective, create an implementation plan
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Set goals and timelines
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Start small
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Launch pilot programs to figure out what works before trying to scale
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Material management
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Make clear agreement/regulations for what is allowed in plastic stream
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Include aluminum – this pays the way, since plastic is a loss leader
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Ensure existing system remains in parallel with new stream
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Use your own business experience to deploy the new system
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Integrate with what is already working (ex: Existing collection receptacles can be repurposed, successful collection methods can continue to be used)
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Super sacks provide a great way to start at a smaller scale and grow
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Ensure proper storage space – if you don’t have room in existing buildings, consider alternatives
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Leverage corporate financial support
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Apply for grants
Keys to Success
Challenges
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Storage space
- A 28’ trailer gave Copper flexibility and efficiency with material pickups and at a minimal cost
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Transport (cost) of materials
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Utilizing backhauling by supplier (Pepsi) solved this issue
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Measuring efficacy
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Prioritizing data collection metrics means selecting partners that are set up for this, like Replenysh
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Little hiccups along the way
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Be willing to engage the new program with adaptive management
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We can’t wait for the perfect solution to take action
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Iterate adaptive management process and continue to improve the efficiency, diversion rate, reduce costs, and build resilience with new Bottle Loop system
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