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Oct
29
Written by:
news editor
10/29/2010 1:00 AM
Ohio’s glass recycling market will be strengthened by an innovative agreement between Rumpke, Inc. and Owens- Illinois, Inc. Facilitated by the ODNR Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention.
Governor Strickland Announces Innovative Agreement to Increase Glass Recycling Market in Ohio
COLUMBUS, OH— Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that Ohio’s glass recycling market will be strengthened by an innovative agreement between Rumpke, Inc. and Owens- Illinois, Inc. Facilitated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention, the agreement will enable Rumpke to provide recycled glass feedstock to Owens-Illinois (O-I).
Recycled glass is used in the production of new glass containers. Historically, glass recycling has been a challenge for some Ohio communities when it has not been economically feasible. Further, Ohio’s recycled glass has not met the specifications of large users, such as O-I. This landmark agreement between these two high profile Ohio businesses will begin to close the loop on glass recycling in the state.
Governor Ted Strickland helped connect these two companies after he visited them individually and saw the opportunity for them to work together. “Instead of looking outside of the state, Ohio companies, such as Owens-Illinois, can now utilize a valuable resource—locally recycled glass materials from Ohio’s community recycling programs—which provides economic as well as environmental benefits to Ohioans,” Strickland said. “This partnership with the private sector will provide an important service and help encourage glass recycling throughout Ohio while also facilitating the growth of two major Ohio companies.”
The agreement calls for O-I to provide technical assistance to Rumpke in the development of a recycled glass treatment center which will provide up to 40,000 tons of ground glass annually. O-I agrees to purchase the majority of recycled glass cullet handled by Rumpke. Both businesses will work with ODNR to increase municipal glass recycling programs across Ohio.
“Rumpke is excited to be a part of this important private-public partnership, which will positively impact both industry and local communities while strengthening glass recycling in Ohio,” said Steve Sargent, director of Recycling Operations for Rumpke.
Rumpke’s plans to expand their Dayton processing plant will create at least 20 jobs, which will also benefit other haulers and brokers, as well improve regional glass collection programs. According to the U.S. EPA, the recycling and reuse industry employs more than 1.1 million people, generates an annual payroll of nearly $37 billion and grosses more than $236 billion in annual revenues.
“O-I has long sought to improve the sourcing of recycled glass from Ohio. Governor Strickland’s involvement was instrumental to the creation of this collaboration between O-I and Rumpke, which will bolster O-I’s Ohio glass container manufacturing operations,” said Ken Lovejoy, vice president of Environmental Health and Safety for O-I.
Because of this partnership, more recycled glass can be processed to meet the needs of Ohio industry. The current market for recycled glass yields between $5-15 per ton. It is expected that the improved processing of glass collected in Ohio will enable community recycling programs to increase glass recycling collections, rather than sending glass waste to landfills.
“This demonstrates the first true collaborative effort with manufacturers, hauling companies, glass processors and recycling professionals working together for a common goal—to develop strategies to strengthen Ohio’s recycling markets,” said ODNR Director Sean Logan.
The last waste characterization study conducted in Ohio concluded that nearly 60 percent of the waste going into state landfills can be recycled. Of that, 5 percent by weight is glass. ODNR has begun analyzing how much glass can be recycled in Ohio and determine how to increase glass recycling. The study being conducted by DSM Environmental will be released in December.
Owens-Illinois, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of glass containers. Headquartered in Perrysburg, O-I is more than 100 years old.
Rumpke Consolidated Companies, Inc., ranks among the nation’s largest privately owned waste and recycling companies. It operates seven Ohio recycling facilities.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Johnston, Owens-Illinois, Inc.
567. 336. 7199
Jonathan Kissell, Rumpke of Ohio
513. 741. 6062
Terrie TerMeer, ODNR Recycling & Litter Prevention
614. 265. 6424
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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