David Bordieri | Waste prevention coordinator, R.I. Resource Recovery Corp.
1. You’ve worked at RIRRC in multiple positions for 30 years. What have you learned about Rhode Islanders’ waste habits? More and more, they’re seeking ways to divert materials from the landfill. That’s a good thing, but it also presents us with a new challenge. Our primary focus used to be keeping recyclables out of trash, now we’re tasked with keeping trash out of the recycling. Individuals and businesses don’t want to send materials to the landfill, but sometimes that’s where it belongs. We’ve seen a rise in “wish-cycling” – recycling something just because you don’t want it to go to the landfill.
2. One of the free RIRRC services you offer businesses is on-site waste assessment and counseling on best practices for waste diversion. What does such a visit entail and how can firms sign up? RIRRC provides technical assistance and waste assessments to any [Rhode Island-based] commercial entity. The statewide service is offered to help start or improve a waste reduction and recycling program. Assessments are a walk-through of the business or facility in order to identify the type of waste being generated and determine the best practices to be implemented. Businesses can request an assessment on our website or by contacting me directly at david@rirrc.org.
3. What types of industries, and specific businesses, have signed up for the service in the past? RIRRC has provided assistance to many sectors [including] retail, manufacturing, hospitality, health care, education, government and community organizations. Some of the groups we’ve worked with include Lifespan Corp., R.I. Department of Corrections, Alex and Ani, FM Global, Brown University, South County YMCA, Newport Energy and Environment Commission, Audubon Society of Rhode Island and the Peace Dale Congregational Church. Large or small, we’re here to help in any way.
4. Do you ever find businesses averse to the free RIRRC waste assessments? Not usually. We basically provide a free consulting service, so there’s really no reason to be hesitant.
5. What do you wish more businesses knew about RIRRC and its services? Simply that we exist, and we are here to help. RIRRC offers an extensive suite of free educational programs designed to inform Rhode Islanders on how to best deal with their waste and recycling needs.
We also offer tours of our facility and virtual tours on our YouTube channel [and] we’ll come to you, too.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, Gowdey-backus@PBN.com.
