Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a public policy approach that creates a framework for consumer goods companies to mitigate the environmental impacts of their products and packaging. Around the world, over one billion people live in jurisdictions where consumer goods companies that put packaging into the marketplace help pay – either in part or in full – for the costs of collection, recycling and litter prevention.

Though programs such as this have been implemented throughout both the developed and developing world, the most analogous one is in place in British Columbia. Across that province, local governments no longer pay for their recycling collection programs out of taxpayer dollars. Instead, they are paid for the service they are providing by the industry which sells the packaging, or municipalities have allowed that industry to take over their contracts with private haulers. In either instance, EPR has resulted in significant cost savings to local governments.

Beginning with the study commission created by S3073 (2012), Rhode Island legislators have been grappling with how to divert more material from the landfill into the state’s recycling systems. Given the stagnation of municipal recycling rates, limited life for the Central Landfill, and the ever-changing type of material being put into our recycling system, there is a clear need for action. Legislative backing of EPR programs for paint, mattresses, mercury thermostats, mercury auto switches, and electronic waste in the past decade have proved to create new management systems without increasing program costs for municipalities.

“Everyone wants to boost recycling and prevent litter. The good news is that we know how to do it,” said Jamie Rhodes, Program Director for UPSTREAM and Warwick resident. “The bad news is that many of these ideas cost money, and that money has to come from somewhere. It’s fair for that funding to come from the companies who put the packaging out there in the first place.”

“It is time for the state to step in and support the invaluable programs that our cities and towns have developed over decades,” continued Rhodes. “Tipping fees are being raised, recycling rates are stagnant, and new material is being put into our recycling stream that does not match the investments made at RI Resource Recovery. An EPR program that covers what is collected in our curbside programs and at transfer stations will bring producers into the conversation about the critical role that they must play in partnership with local governments to reduce waste, reuse goods and recycle materials.”

“The largest companies in the US and the world already operate under and support these programs as part of doing business in most of the world,” concluded Rhodes. “Companies like Unilever, Coca-Cola, Apple, General Mills, GE, or any of the other thousands of companies that comply with these requirements, know that this program is the cornerstone of the Circular Economy, which is critical to creating a sustainable consumer-driven future.”

[From a press release]

On the Docket for next Wednesday:

Jamie Rhodes, RI State Director, Clean Water Action

Jamie formerly served as Clean Water Action’s canvas director from 2006 – 2009 before heading to law school in 2009.  For now, he’ll be splitting time between the Clean Water Action office on Westminster Street and his final semester at Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol until he graduates in May.  Rhodes has also worked for Ocean State Action and for David Segal’s Congressional Campaign.

Paula Hodges, RI Public Policy & Advocacy Director, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England

Paula is a Missouri native who just relocated to Rhode Island in December. She last worked as Political Director for Missouri National Education Association (MNEA), the state’s largest public employee union and prior to that coordinated progressive labor, environmental and women’s groups’ electoral plans at the America Votes – Missouri table. Paula previously served as deputy director of policy for Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.

Kristina Fox, Organizing Director, Ocean State Action
Kristina is a native Rhode Islander now living in Providence. After serving two years in AmeriCorps she organized with UNITE HERE! Local 217 and helped win contract victories at the Westin Hotel, Dunkin Donuts Center and East Bay School Lunch Collaborative. Before coming to Ocean State Action she co-managed a nutrition education program for low-income families with Farm Fresh Rhode Island.

So, please join your new hosts in welcoming new faces and Drinking Liberally at a new (slightly earlier) time 7-9pm, and the same great location (Wild Colonial).

Here’s the press release:

Clean Water Action welcomed Jamie Rhodes to the position of Rhode Island State Director on February 1, 2012. Rhodes was selected as the next director following the departure of long‐time director, Sheila Dormody, who has moved on to Providence City Hall as the city’s first Sustainability Director. Rhodes previously was Canvass Director from 2006 through 2009 before enrolling at Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island.

“We are excited to add Jamie to our leadership team,” said Cindy Luppi, New England Director. “Rhode Island has taken great strides towards being a national model for mercury pollution prevention, investment in renewable energy and creation of producer responsibility programs. Jamie has the right combination of talent, drive and experience that will add to Clean Water’s track record as a leading voice in Rhode Island’s environmental movement.”

“I am honored to re‐join Clean Water Action’s successful team here in Rhode Island,” says Rhodes. “I look forward to working with our allies in the fight for our water, our health and our communities. As working Rhode Islanders struggle, our state needs to continue its commitment to public health and environmental justice.”

In addition to Rhodes, Clean Water Action has also brought on former ACLU staff member, Amy Vitale, to promote the group’s legislative priorities on Smith Hill this year. “Amy will be a great addition to our team,” adds Rhodes, “Her years of experience working with the General Assembly will be invaluable for this year’s push to expand manufacturer‐funded recycling programs to include paint and packaging and to stop short‐sighted efforts to overturn Rhode Island’s decades‐long ban on municipal waste incineration.”

In addition to the work to promote progressive solid waste policies, Clean Water Action’s 2012 priorities include:

• Promote sustainable funding for public transportation.
• Establish environmental criteria for schools sited on hazardous land.
• Elect pro-environmental candidates.

Clean Water Action is a national grassroots environmental organization with over 40,000 members in Rhode Island.