We were honored to receive an impromptu visit from Indiana Senator Mike Braun on Friday, July 8th.
We had the opportunity to speak with Senator Braun about the importance of “urban mining,” the recovery of important materials in all of our electronic devices. These are things that consumers often throw away in the trash when they break or buy new ones, even things like curling irons and Christmas lights. These items should not go in the trash but should instead be in the recycling streams.
In 2019, the United States generated 6.92 million tons of e-waste (about 46 pounds per person), but recycled only 15% of the material. Electronics can have their commodities recovered and fed back into the manufacturing sectors in our state. The commodities found in our electronic devices such as steel, plastic, copper, and aluminum, as well as circuit boards and lithium/cobalt batteries are needed to keep our economy running.
“I am pleased to see Senator Braun was able to come for a visit,” said RecycleForce Board President John Purcell. “I find these visits have benefits for all parties. It is a great opportunity to share information about the details of how a program such as ours works and affects lives. At the same time, we get to hear the Senator’s perspective on workforce development and how it might match some of our objectives. We look forward to further connection.”
Senator Braun recognized the importance of our urban mining work. But we were also very encouraged that Senator Braun saw the importance of the labor force we help come home from prison and jail with our federally funded “Transitional Jobs” program. Our employees are the urban minors who need to work, but who also need to develop themselves with new skills and workforce credentials so they can get a better job. This is the RecycleForce ABC Model: Any Job – Better Job – Career!
