Nature of Materials

[2012] Through a grant from the Alameda Education Advisory Board, NCRA was able to host two classes on recyclable materials. The classes were called the Nature of Materials A and B. Nature of Materials A was held at the US EPA building in downtown San Francisco on November 27, 2012. The training was designed to offer both seasoned industry professionals and those newer to the recycling field a more in-depth knowledge of some of the most commonly recycled materials in the world. There were four featured materials: plastic, paper, glass and metal. The class spanned an entire day, which gave the speakers ample time to devote to the subject matter of their expertise.

Nature of Materials B was held in the same location on November 19, 2013 and continued to work from the Twelve Master Categories Of Discarded Materials. Topics explored in Nature of Materials B were Reuse, Textiles, Ceramics, Chemicals and Soils. While not part of curbside programs, these five materials make up a large part of what is in commercial and residential “waste” and NCRA believes recycling staff would benefit from a more sophisticated and nuanced understanding of these materials and their management.

Thanks to the Alameda County Education Advisory Board for financial assistance to develop these courses and we hope to offer these classes again in the future. Stay tuned!