Dear Friends,

We are excited to announce the release of “The Untapped Job Potential of Indiana’s Recycling Industry”, a report prepared by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University and commissioned by the IRC.

This Wednesday, we unveiled the study at Strategic Materials - a recycled glass processor in Indianapolis. We received significant media coverage across the state and look forward to sharing highlights of the study with legislative, civic and business leaders in the coming months.

We were thrilled to have the Indiana Economic Development Corporation participate in the announcement and to have representatives from Governor Pence’s office and Sustain Indy, as well as State Representative Sue Errington from Muncie in attendance. Strategic Materials CEO Curt Bucey spoke to his company’s interest in expanding operations in Indiana if more glass could be recovered for recycling.

Study Highlights include:

• Today, Hoosiers throw away approximately 5 billion tons of recyclable and compostable material every year, of 6 billion tons disposed annually.
• Recovering just 25% of that material would create 10,000 new jobs in Indiana - collection, sorting, transporting and processing jobs.
• 77 Indiana manufacturers rely on recycled feedstock to make products and many of those manufacturers would use more if it were available. These companies save significantly on energy costs when they use recycled vs. raw material.

REVENT

Prior to this week’s exciting announcement we hosted REVENT, our annual fall gala. Thanks to all who helped make REVENT a fun and successful event, once again! Photos can be viewed here.

Please stay tuned for the date of REVENT 2014, when we will celebrate 25 years of the IRC!!

INDIANA STATE FAIR

We also want to share the impressive results of our 2013 Indiana State Fair Recycling Partnership!! Don’t miss the highlights below.

As the year winds down, we wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season.

Sustainably yours,

Carey

Carey Hamilton

Executive Director