In This Issue:

1 | House committee looks to slash EPA budget by $3 billion

The words "cuts" and "tough choices" have been on the lips of many Washington politicians as the president and Congress querulously hash out budgets that will almost certainly slash funding for many government operations. The Environmental Protection Agency, which administers recycling initiatives, is no exception.

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2 | Less than one week until Plastics Recycling 2011

There are just a few days left until the start of the biggest conference and tradeshow in plastics recycling and registering for this year's Plastics Recycling Conference has never been easier, thanks to the conference's new online registration system. All credit card transactions in the new system are verified and processed through PayPal, meaning registering online for the Plastics Recycling Conference is simple, secure, and unbelievably fast!

With a sold out exhibit hall and over a thousand attendees expected at the 2011 show March 1-2 in New Orleans, the Plastics Recycling Conference is the largest conference devoted exclusively to plastics recycling. For more registration or sponsorship information on this must-attend event, visit www.plasticsrecycling.com.

3 | Chinese recycling collections growing

A mandatory recycling program is being launched in one of China�s largest cities, and a similar program may be inaugurated in Beijing.

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4 | Bottle bill dies in Colorado

A bill introduced in the Colorado Assembly that would have created a container deposit program for glass or plastic beverage containers in the state has died in committee.

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5 | PRC 2011: Mapping clear paths to increasing supply

Communities are interested in increasing recycling rates. Plastics recyclers have made significant investments in processing infrastructure. Manufacturers want to plan on consistent material streams. So what�s the key to each? Supply! It is no secret that everyone needs more high-quality material. This session � hosted by the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) � will begin with brief overviews from each stage of the materials management stream: local collection, MRF sortation, reprocessing and application into new consumer goods. But the panel will then engage the audience in a discussion on how best to move past identified supply barriers.

The Plastics Recycling Conference is universally considered a must-attend event for industry insiders and is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with clients, prospective partners, colleagues, vendors and industry leaders. For more information on how to attend the 2011 Plastics Recycling Conference, March 1-2 in New Orleans, visit www.plasticsrecycling.com.

6 | ORPET on target for July startup

A $10 million plastics recycling operation will open July 1st in Oregon, although construction crews have yet to break ground on the region's first-of-its-kind plant. The project is set to open on schedule despite repeated delays stemming from concerns over securing enough supply.

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7 | Patent watch

Several patents related to chemical recycling of plastics and equipment optimization have recently been filed.

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8 | NewsBits

New packaging and lobbying efforts are outlined in this week's NewsBits.

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9 | Upcoming conferences

Click here for a complete directory of upcoming conferences!

10 | Jobs Available & Sought

VP Sales and Marketing, Omni Resource Recovery, Inc..
Details are available here.

Service and Repair Technician, Steinert US.
Details are available here.

Service Manager, Steinert US.
Details are available here.

Plastics Business Development, Continental Waste Management LLC (Raleigh, North Carolina).
Details are available here.

PET Procurement Specialist, Perpetual Recycling Solutions (Richmond, Indiana).
Details are available here.

Regional Manager, Steinert US.
Details are available here.

Jobs Sought
Database of job seekers available here.

If you would like to submit a job available or job sought listing, send an email to newsletter editor Henry Leineweber at [email protected].