ReMA has released a new Economic Impact Study on Earth Day, underscoring the essential role recycled materials play in powering American manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and advancing environmental sustainability. On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with Emily Sanchez, ReMA’s Chief Economist, about the major takeaways from the study, and how the industry has been delivering the economic story, the sustainability story, and the American jobs story for more than 100 years.

The Recycling Education and Research Foundation (RERF) is a nonprofit organization associated with ReMA. Since its founding, RERF has funded valuable industry research and has awarded more than $1.6 million scholarships to more than 1200 students across the country. By funding research and providing academic scholarships, the foundation continues to raise the profile of the recycled materials industry. Recently, the RERF Board decided to raise to get K9 service animals to veterans in need. On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with Rickey Dana, RERF Program Director, and Jason Brenner, RERF Board Member and President of Brenner Recycling, all about the new fundraiser as well as the upcoming RERF silent auction at ReMA2026 in Las Vegas.

From April 13 – 16 2026, ReMA2026 – The Show, Powered by ReMatter is taking over Mandalay Bay and bringing together professionals in the recycled materials industry. To give attendees a sneak peek of what’s to come at the convention, This Week in Recycling is presenting a series featuring ReMA leaders, members, speakers, and exhibitors discussing aspects of ReMA2026.

On this episode we chat with Nidhi Turakhia, CEO & Partner at Allied Alloys, who will be speaking on the ReMA2026 education session, The Family Business: Next-Gen Leading Legacy Recycling Companies. The session provides practical insights into leadership transition, modernization, stewardship, and/or transfer within multigenerational recycled materials companies. The session is hosted by ReMA’s Women in Recycling Council and sponsored by VALIS, the official Women in Recycling Council Sponsor.

Industrial Athletes, recyclers show up every day ready to perform.

The ReMA2026 Safety First Stadium, Presented by Omnisource, is all about giving them the training, tools, and resources they need to stay strong, safe, and at the top of their game. On this episode of This Week in Recycling, Holly Brownell, ReMA’s Advocacy and Safety Programs Administrator discusses the new Safety-First Stadium that will be held during the ReMA2026 convention and what attendees can look forward there including mental health resources, PPE experts, boot fittings, live demos, and more.

Todd Foreman, ReMA’s Senior Director of Law Enforcement Outreach, often attends the FBI National Academy Professional Development Days, organized by the FBI National Academy Associates.  During the day, students meet with academic partners, members of law enforcement, and strategic partners for networking, specialized training, and exposure to various cutting-edge topics. Foreman uses the day to share ReMA’s suite of tools that help law enforcement combat metals thefts and to make important connections with emerging leaders. On this episode of This Week in Recycling Foreman shares what the professional development day entails and why this type of event is so important for ReMA’s law enforcement outreach efforts.

On Tuesday, February 10, more than 120 recyclers from across the country traveled to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to meet with lawmakers and legislative staff as part of ReMA 2026 Congressional Fly-In. On this episode of This Week in Recycling we chat with Boyd Jones, Director of Business Development and Public Relations at Michael Brothers Companies about his experience participating in the Fly-In, how to approach lawmakers and staffers with asks, and why it’s important for recyclers to engage in this type of advocacy effort.

On this episode of This Week in Recycling we cover ReMA President Robin Wiener’s recent trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil to attend the 2025 Eco Expo Brazil, how China’s new import restrictions on recycled dry milled pulp may impact recyclers, as well as tips and best practices to keep yourself and your family safe this Halloween season

This episode of This Week in Recycling features a conversation with Dr. Quincie Moore, executive director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). In September, the SCASA hosted a roundtable that highlighted the recycled materials industry. The roundtable included a panel featuring ReMA members on the impact and opportunities for South Carolina industries and South Carolina school districts and a showcase of the winning posters from the first-ever South Carolina recycling poster contest, a statewide initiative designed to inspire students to explore the power of recycling and its role in building a sustainable future.

On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with grad student Sarim Faheem about his experience participating in ReMA’s Pathways Program this past summer. The Pathways Program is designed to provide ReMA members with another resource to attract talent, fill workforce needs and critical competency gaps, and raise awareness about recycled materials careers. Faheem spent his summer internship with Benicia, CA-based Bay Area Compliance on projects that aligned with his area of study. Faheem is based in British Columbia, Canada, and pursuing a master’s in public health at NYU remotely.

On this episode of This Week in Recycling, we chat with Abbie Webb and Stephanie McLarty, co-chairs of ReMA’s Sustainability Network. They share their thoughts about the role and importance of the network for the recycled materials industry as well as some of the benefits for members who might be interested in joining.