First Selectman Appointed to Governor’s Recycling Group

Submitted release 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today named members to the Governor’s Modernizing Recycling Working Group, which is tasked with submitting recommendations to improve the state’s approach to recycling, reduce costs, and more efficiently use waste material. 

“Smarter government starts by identifying opportunities. Expanding and improving how the state manages recycling offers multiple benefits for taxpayers and the environment,” said Governor Malloy. “I’m appreciative that the members of this working group are lending their time and expertise to helping us modernize and implement recycling initiatives, and develop a strong plan for the future.”

“We can unlock untapped economic values from the solid waste stream, harness global economic forces, and send clearer economic signals that materials must remain in the stream of commerce,” said Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Included in the group is First Selectman Richard Barlow, who spent 34 years by Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection — 10 as Chief of Waste Management Bureau.

Announced in January 2012, the working group will do the following:

1. Modernize the state’s solid waste and materials management policies to better recover the value of materials and step up our efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials. 

2. Ensure we manage non-recycled waste sustainably to protect the environment, achieve economic sustainability, and control energy costs. Currently 92 percent of Connecticut’s solid waste is recycled or recovered for energy value, though greater energy efficiencies and cost savings can be achieved through increased recycling.

3. Establish stable, cost effective funding mechanisms to provide sustainable materials management that encourages collaboration between municipalities, regional authorities, state agencies, and public/private partnerships.

The working group includes representatives from municipalities, recycling and material management, and members with finance and environmental backgrounds.  All members serve as volunteers.

• Tom DeVivo, Willimantic Waste Paper
• Marilynn Cruz-Aponte, City of Hartford
• Brian Bartram, Sharon-Salisbury Transfer Station
• Lyle Wray, Capitol Region Council of Governments
• Cheryl Reedy, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority
• Mike Paine, CT Representative National Solid Waste Management Assoc.
• Marian Chertow, Industrial Ecology professor
• Mark Moriarty, City of New Britain
• Mark Cirilli, Mission Point Capital
• Adrienne Houel, Park City Green, Bridgeport
• John Phetteplace, Town of Stonington
• Sean Duffy, ReCommunity, Hartford
• Dick Barlow, Town of Canton
• Mike Walsh, City of East Hartford
• Jonathan Bilmes,  Bristol Resources Recovery Facility Operating Committee

The working group’s recommendations are due to the Governor by Dec. 1, 2012.