Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order No. GA-14 on March 31st, 2020, which among other provisions, deems recycling an "essential service." The Order states that: "'Essential services' shall consist of everything listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 2.0." In the Critical Manufacturing section of that Guidance (page 13), it lists "processing and reprocessing of solid waste." STAR will continue to work with municipalities and companies to ensure materials are collected and processed for use in manufacturing in Texas, and beyond. ---------------------------------On March 26th, STAR advanced a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott asking the State of Texas to formally recognize that recycling operations are essential businesses, necessary for the continued supply of raw materials for manufacturing in Texas. We highlight the fact that materials generated from the curbside recycling stream have value and that there is an economic and supply chain impact if taken away. Click the button below to read the full letter. STAR Letter to Gov. Abbott—COVID-19 STAR is also advocating for heightened education about workplace hygiene and worker safety utilizing existing procedures and practices regarding communicable diseases, as well the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Recycling during a pandemic is important to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the production of critical items like boxes, packaging, and containers. Safety for the community and recycling workers is duly important. There has been an abundance of information lately about Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, best practices, and news/updates. STAR has compiled a list of resources and websites for you to utilize during these unparalleled times. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
EUROPEAN UNION (EU) TEXAS CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
INDUSTRY RESPONSE
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL WASTE & RECYCLING ASSOCIATION (NWRA) SOLID WASTE ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE PERFORMANCE (SWEEP) INSTITUTE OF SCRAP RECYCLING INDUSTRIES (ISRI) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINSTRATION (OSHA) SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA (SWANA)
RESOURCE RECYCLING WASTE DIVE US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |