2012

COOPERSTOWN – The New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR³), the professional recyclers’ association for New York State, recognizes a few of their members each year for their dedication, innovation, and passion for recycling.  For 2012, two people were recognized by NYSAR³ at their annual conference Nov. 13 - 15 in Cooperstown.

Recycler of the Year – Awarded to Peggy Grayson of the GLOW Region Solid Waste Management Committee. Peggy is the only employee covering a multi-county area of the state for recycling and she does it with enthusiasm and on a shoestring budget.  Peggy was one of the first in the state to execute multi-county household hazardous waste collection days and is also the driving force behind the Western NY Materials Exchange catalog.  She is described as an “inspiration . . . always willing to go the extra mile - or 50 - in rural communities to spread the word about recycling and get the job done, diverting waste from landfills and improving the landscape around her.”

Lifetime Achievement – Awarded to Marjorie Torelli, of the former Western Finger Lakes Solid Waste Management Authority.  Marjorie is of one recycling’s “fiercest advocates” who can always be relied on to make a justifiable argument in favor of recycling.  She spent 21 years educating western NYers with a truly hands on approach to recycling education by creating programs for school children and adults alike during her tenure.  Her expertise is routinely sought by others in the field as her reputation as a poised and respected professional is second to none.   

Kerri Scales, President of NYSAR³ stated “As we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of recycling becoming mandatory in NYS it is important to recognize people like Peggy Grayson and Marjorie Torelli who tirelessly promote our mission and were on the forefront of the beginning of the solid waste diversion movement.”