CMRA News

CMRA Web Sites Upgraded

With the launch of www.concreterecycling.org, the CMRA now has three material-specific Web sites up and running to promote the markets for the products. One of the first was www.drywallrecycling.org, and now www.shinglerecycling.org has been upgraded as part of a grant from the U.S. EPA to promote the recycling of asphalt shingles.

At its main Web site, www.cdrecycling.org, the CMRA has added a "Find a Recycler" feature that is a list of its members so that C&D generators of all sizes can find a local recycling option. "This work is all part of our original mission, to provide the C&D recycling industry a central point for information exchange," says William Turley, executive director of the CMRA. "These Web sites are to serve the information needs of regulators, material buyers, and the general public, as well as other C&D recyclers."

Third Asphalt Shingle Recycling Forum Set for November in Chicago

The third Asphalt Shingle Recycling Forum will be Nov. 1-2 in downtown Chicago.

The event will offer an opportunity to learn the latest recycling techniques and markets for asphalt shingles, and organizers say the event will build upon the success of the second forum, which was held in April 2003 in Minnesota and attracted 115 participants from 25 states and Canadian provinces.

The forum, to be convened by the U.S. EPA, Federal Highway Administration and the Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA), will cover topics including mix designs for use in hot mix asphalt, health and safety issues in processing, market development incentives, best management practices, economics and other emerging issues related to recycling asphalt shingles. In addition, an exhibition area will provide information on the latest equipment and services available to the shingle recycling industry.

Education opportunities will begin Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. with a series of pre-forum roundtable discussions. Three programs will run concurrently, giving transportation, environmental and recycling professionals a chance to discuss success stories, challenges and information on asphalt shingle recycling. Jason Harrington of the Federal Highway Administration will facilitate a discussion aimed at DOT officials. Julie Gevrenov of EPA Region 5 will serve as facilitator of a roundtable discussion for environmental officials. Finally, William Turley, executive director of the CMRA, will facilitate the discussion for end user industry partners.

Other sessions include a program on policy and education, which will be moderated by David Flora of the EPA Region 7. Dr. Kimberly Cochran, U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste; Randy McMullin, Maine Department of Environmental Protection; and Mike Clapham, Natural Resource Canada will serve on the panel.

On Friday, Nov. 2, David Carver of the U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste will moderate a session on economics and markets. Panelists include Dr. Don Brock, Astec Industries Inc.; Ryan Hodder, Lafarge North America (invited); Dan Chassie, Halifax C&D Recycling Inc.; and Wayne Gjerde, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Additional information, including the most up-to-date schedule of events and online registration, is available at www.shinglerecycling.org.