The New Jersey Buy Recycled Business Network is being reorganized and expanded as part of a state effort to strengthen the market for recycled materials by increasing the number of businesses buying products with recycled content.

The network, which has been run in cooperation with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) since 1993, has formed a partnership with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers to offer member businesses more services and increase demand for recycled products.

"The network can influence the decision making of manufacturers and lead to an increase in the production of recycled products in New Jersey, new jobs and economic gains," said DEP Commissioner Bob Shinn.

A governing board for the network has been established to lead that effort, chaired by Joseph Verga of Bell Atlantic Co. in West Orange and Steven Rinaldi with DEP's Bureau of Recycling and Planning.

"Undoubtedly, the reorganization of the network resulting from this partnership will lead to a more dynamic, proactive and efficient 'Buy Recycled' organization," Verga said.

The other five board members are: Al Fralinger of PSE&G Co., who also is president of the Association of New Jersey Recyclers; Peter Marcalus of Marcal Paper Mills, Inc., Elmwood Park; Jeff Brown of Rainbow Eco Specialties in Fairfield, Jim Kerstein of Polywood, Inc. in South Plainfield, and Aletha Spang of Recycling Unlimited in Holmdel.

"Through this partnership, the message of the network will spread to more and more New Jersey businesses and result in an increase in demand for recycled products thereby strengthening recycling markets and recycling in general," Fralinger said.

The new board will establish an annual work plan and scope of services for the year 2000. DEP will provide funding through this year and will move administration of the program to the Association of NJ Recyclers.

"The purchase of recycled products by companies creates the demand that is essential to the continued success of recycling efforts. Purchasing recycled products not only promotes environmental goals but is a practical procurement strategy that can be readily incorporated into day-to-day operations," Shinn said.

For further information, contact Steven Rinaldi in the Bureau of Recycling and Planning at 609-984-3438 (Srinaldi@dep.state.nj.us) or Marie Kruzan at the Association of NJ Recyclers at 908-722-7575 (anjr@erols.com).