Our Committees are where all of the lifting occurs! Check out highlights from their discussions at our most recent meetings. All members are encouraged to attend committee meetings to get the most out of their memberships.
Membership Round Table a Success!
With our new Membership & Marketing Director, Heather Schuler, now on board, we held our first-ever Virtual Member Roundtable in March. This informal meeting was a big success, as it provided the perfect opportunity for our members to network with one another and for the CDRA board and staff to hear directly from members. Individual successes and challenges were shared, and members learned how to use CDRA online tools and more. Plans are being worked on for quarterly round tables. Even if your company has been a member for some time, meeting with peers and CDRA leadership is valuable in this setting. We hope you will consider joining us for the next Round Table.
End Markets Recap
Did you miss it? The latest End Markets Committee meeting on the 19th was very informative. Dr. Huyang Ma presented on carbonizing recycled concrete (RCA) fines and the benefits for the environment of enclosed carbons on recycled aggregate, its strength advantages, and its water-repelling features. Need help with fiberglass? Committee members shared the challenges of processing fiberglass-reinforced gypsum boards, including finding more economical processing solutions. Permitting for BioChar production and the current equipment used for this activity were also discussed. The committee is interested in exploring this subject again as part of a future meeting. Look for more information soon!
We’d like to thank Bernie Laber of Revolution Recovery (PA) for her dedication and leadership of the committee over the last few years as she passes the baton to Will Hancock of Michael Brothers (PA). We’d also like to welcome Lincoln Young, President of Rockwood Solutions (TN), as our new vice chair. Lincoln brings a wealth of experience developing new markets in an area not known for its recycling culture.
Interested in an Aggregates Recycling Committee?
Our most active gypsum and shingle recycling committees were developed as a direct result of interest from the End Markets Committee. We are now considering establishing an Aggregates Recycling Committee to better serve members in this space. Please contact Executive Director Terri Ward if you’re interested in helping develop this committee.
Gypsum Committee Meeting Recap
Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council, joined us in March to inform us that legislation mandating gypsum drywall recycling is expected to be introduced in the State of California during the 2025 session. The CDRA Gypsum Committee agreed to assist in drafting this legislation and a task force will be formed shortly to ensure our member’s interests are represented.
The Committee suggested, and the board approved, initiating a pioneering Life Cycle Analysis for Gypsum Drywall recycling. Determining the optimal waste management strategy for a product or material isn't always straightforward for engineers and policymakers. Therefore, a life cycle analysis is crucial for predicting future outcomes based on today's decisions. Proposals have been received and are being evaluated by a task force at this time. Several members are contributing to the costs and providing expertise to conduct this important project. We greatly appreciate their contributions.
Safety & Risk Management Committee Meeting Recap
The latest Safety & Risk Management Committee meeting was held on March 5th. John Thomas of Mount Materials shared an eye-opening presentation regarding how ergonomic improvements can positively impact his drivers for their hauling operations, fleets, and even on-the-road sales staff. This industry-shared knowledge is an excellent example of how our committee members share insight to support the safety of our member's employees.
Upcoming Committee Meeting Schedules
April 4th @ 2P EST: Legislative & Regulatory CommitteeApril 9th @ 4P EST: Shingle Recycling CommitteeApril 17th @ 3P EST: Convention CommitteeApril 24th @ 3P EST: Membership and Marketing Committee
May 8th @ 11A EST: Gypsum Recycling Committee
Are you interested in getting involved? Please click the button below to sign up for a committee or contact our Membership Administrator Michael Van Kerckhove to be added to one or more committee rosters.
