Current student moves initiatives forward during her internship with The Recycling Partnership

This post was written by current student Julia Warren.

I am still working on the three projects I mentioned in my first post, however, I have expounded upon my initial research. I am wrapping up my research on island recycling compiling tonnage data and providing recommendations for partnership next steps. These recommendations include grant making opportunities for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I am also investigating the recycling end markets that exist on the islands. Essentially, I am trying to figure out where the collected recyclables end up, are they exported off island, or are repurposed and sold back to the consumers? For my Pay-As-You-Throw research, I am trying to assess the impact of these programs by identifying the diversion rates of the communities that have these programs. Lastly, my research on tribal communities is still ongoing.

The research I am doing for the partnership will be useful for years to come. My work is to inform the system optimization team about future granting opportunities. Moreover, this research is the first step for the partnership in providing aid to undeserved communities. Ultimately, it is the path for TRP to continue executing their mission in solving for circularity.

At the end of this month, TRP is welcoming me to their All-Hands Staff Retreat in Denver, Colorado. I am so excited to be included in this experience and I cannot wait for everything that I will learn during this experience. This opportunity will provide me with information about all of the amazing things the broader organization is working on that I otherwise would not have gotten.