DRBC and Our Shared Waters (OSW) Partner TerraCycle recently hosted a "Water & Waste" roundtable at TerraCycle's headquarters in Trenton, N.J. The event offered an opportunity for folks to connect and engage with one another and to share ideas and perspectives on the water-waste connection, as well as on Delaware River Basin water quality and the economic impacts of clean water. Invited guests included Our Shared Waters partners working across sectors to improve and protect the Delaware River Basin's shared water resources, as well as local elected officials.

Before the roundtable began, attendees were treated to a TerraCycle facility tour, including the Dr. Ernel Simpson Research & Development Lab, where TerraCycle materials scientists investigate different materials that make up products like shoes and food wrappers and then develop a process to break down and recycle these products. 

In addition to learning about the innovative work that TerraCycle does, participants also had the opportunity to hear from DRBC Sr. Aquatic Biologist Jake Bransky about a recent Commission study on microplastics in the Delaware River Estuary. This study showed that microplastics were found in all samples tested, including blanks, highlighting the pervasiveness of the problem and the need for solutions to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.

We thank all attendees for their time and interest and for the healthy discussions that ensued around the connection between water and waste. Events like these help spark conversations and allow the DRBC to better understand and serve the needs of Basin communities.

Special thanks go to Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Assemblywoman Melinda Kane (NJ-6), Yardley Borough Councilman David Applebaum and staff from Governor Murphy and N.J. Senator Corey Booker's offices for attending. Thanks also go out to our partners representing the Delaware River Greenway Partnership, N.J. Sustainable Business Council (NJSBC), Spearhead Project Earth, Washington Crossing Park Association, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, Kona Composting and the Sourland Conservancy for their participation.  

DRBC extends sincere gratitude to our co-host, TerraCycle, especially Tom Szaky, CEO; Eric Ascalon, International Director, Community Relations and Government Affairs; and Kariina Rand, Manager of Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships, N. America, for having us!

• Learn more about TerraCycle
  
  
• Learn more about DRBC's Microplastics Study
  
  
• Learn more about Our Shared Waters

Tom Szaky, TerraCycle CEO, welcomes attendees and introduces folks to how TerraCycle works on Eliminating the Idea of Waste®. Photo by the DRBC.	Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora provides opening remarks about Trenton's opportunities and challenges around developing its "river town" identity. Photo by the DRBC.	DRBC Sr. Aquatic Biologist Jake Bransky reviews DRBC's recent Microplastics Study. Microplastics were found in every sample, highlighting the pervasiveness of the issue. Photo by the DRBC.	Washington Crossing Park Association's Soledad Cepeda discusses water quality concerns with plastics and issues with road salt usage in the winter. Photo by the DRBC.
L to R: N.J. Assemblywoman Melinda Kane (NJ-6); DRBC's Avery Lentini; TerraCycle's Eric Ascalon; NJSBC's Richard Lawton; and DRBC's Beth Brown. Photo by the DRBC.	Attendees got to tour the Dr. Ernel Simpson Research & Development Lab to see what TerraCycle scientists are working on. Photo by the DRBC.	In addition to the R&D lab, attendees got to check out the design garage and see examples of upcycled products. Photo by the DRBC.	A view of the TerraCycle facility in Trenton, N.J. Their mission is Eliminating the Idea of Waste®. Photo by the DRBC.