• Why a Recycling Association?
Recycling programs in
Wisconsin and surrounding states expanded rapidly after
the passage of mandatory recycling legislation, causing
markets for many materials to become saturated with
recyclables. Consequently, large and small recycling
programs must compete for a limited number of markets.
Large programs, in densely populated areas, are typically
more attractive to buyers because of the large quantities
of materials generated within a relatively small geographic
area.
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One way to make recycling programs more competitive
is to improve the economics of scale by having many
suppliers within an area, market their materials together.
The larger volume and more consistent supply of recyclables
attract larger and more reliable markets. Members benefit
from more stable markets and better prices.
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• Cooperative Marketing
Cooperative marketing means no more marketing hassles
for member programs! Our members not only have better access
to markets, their access to the markets is more stable, and
they receive consistent, top prices for their materials. MRA
handles those hassles for you by finding markets, arranging
transport, and negotiating prices. The Association has markets
for a wide variety of materials. Materials currently marketed
by the Association include: newspaper, corrugated cardboard,
glass, plastic containers, steel cans, aluminum, office paper,
and magazines. However, the Association is open to searching
for markets for other materials suggested by its members!
The MRA Marketing Committee meets bi-monthly to discuss marketing
strategies and development of new marketing materials for
the Association. The Marketing Committee is made up of the
following members and they are available to answer your questions
about MRA. The members include:
Gail Frie, Vernon County
Bart Sexton, Oneida County
Paul Maulucci, Trempealeau County
Jon Tulman, Eau Claire County
Rick Schneider, Northwest Regional Planning Commission
Paul Wiegner, WI Department of Natural Resources
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• Recycling Consulting Services
This service is perfect for the Responsible Unit (RU)
that cannot possibly ask their staff to take on new projects!
MRA staff has the ability to successfully plan, implement,
and manage a recycling program or project. We can provide
assistance to individual program to help insure the materials
you collect meet market specifications. This included advice
ranging from equipment purchase and use, to collection techniques
and systems.
Our staff also specializes in doing Business Recycling Assessments
for RU's. These assessments will help to know how well businesses
are recycling and will educate business owners on what the
recycling laws are in their area.
The Association is interested in discussing any recycling/solid
waste project a member/municipality program would be interested
in contracting for.
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• Educational and Staffing Assistance
Many recycling programs, due to budget constraints, are
short staffed. MRA provides a wide variety of long term and
short term services that help fill gaps. Examples include:
1. Creating and staffing displays at fairs and
other public events.
2. Providing recycling education programs in schools.
3. Conducting recycling assessments for targeted
non-residential sectors such as churches, restaurants, hotels,
etc.
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• Information Clearinghouse
MRA is a repository for numerous recycling publications
and periodicals. Our staff can provide members with a treasure
trove of data on a variety of recycling topics, particularly
those related to marketing.
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• Training Sessions
Because a cooperative marketing program's success depends
upon the quality, quantity and the consistency of materials
it can supply to its markets, the Association wants to make
sure its member programs are successful at gathering and shipping
their materials. MRA offers training sessions to members about
market specifications, transportation issues, shipping procedures,
collection techniques, and quality control. These sessions
are modified to fit the needs of individual Association members.
MRA staff is also available for on-site consultation if there
should ever be a need.
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• Forklift Training
MRA's Director is certified as a Fork Truck Trainer and
can provide on-site training, certification, and refresher
training. If you need to educate one or several employees,
on-site training will not only reduce time away from work,
it will also save you money. Since the training is for your
organization, we can customize it specifically for your needs.
MRA's training program helps employees operate forklifts safely
and develop safe maintenance procedures. Contact Dean Swenson
at 715-268-4374 for additional information.
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• Workshops and Conferences
MRA staff has the ability to prepare for and conduct an
educational workshop on subjects that a member program might
need. Through a variety of contacts and resources, the Association's
staff has wide access to information on recycling. MRA staff
also has experience planning and recruiting for successful
conferences. If it is a conference or collection that needs
planning, MRA staff is available on a contract basis to member
programs.
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• Newsletter
The Association also has a quarterly newsletter that goes
out to its' member programs. This newsletter contains articles
on current recycling issues and Association activities. It
also includes a market update, to let member programs know
what material revenues are currently at.
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