About the Association for Resource Conservation

The Association for Resource Conservation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization overseeing a number of programs designed to fulfill its mission of reducing solid waste on Long Island. Since its inception in 1993, ARC has successfully implemented waste audit, educational, composting and solid waste management programs as it continues to identify new ways to facilitate public acceptance and participation in waste reduction opportunities. Incorporated in 1993 as an environmental organization dedicated to solid waste reduction, ARC administers several programs to attain its goals.

Mission Statement
ARC's mission is to improve the environment and create economic opportunity by conducting research, developing and applying waste reduction strategies that lead to conservation of natural resources and materials.

ARC's Services
  • Encourage and assist municipal and private efforts to reduce solid waste.
  • Conduct research related to waste reduction, composting and recycling; cooperate with competent authorities to investigate and report on the environment, natural resources and materials; and to disseminate the findings.
  • Provide professional guidance and service, or obtain persons professionally competent to do so, through development of educational materials, workshops and other outreach programs, for those who seek help with recycling, composting and waste prevention.
  • Solicit, receive, administer and disburse fees, gifts and grants of money and property of every kind from private and public sectors for projects and basic activities.
  • Facilitate the education of corporations, agencies, and individuals on the merits, benefits, and opportunities associated with recycling and materials reuse.
  • Provide training and skills enhancement for individuals in waste reduction industries

ARC's Previous Programs
On-Farm Composting
Since 1995 ARC arranged for Long Island growers to receive over 7,000 tons of leaves along with a $7 per ton tipping fee from municipalities for composting. Growers obtained $49,000 and are reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide use with the compost. Efforts continue to expand the program to include leaves from additional municipalities in order to further reduce the volume reaching landfills and increase the availability of materials to farmers.

WasteLess
WasteLess is a quarterly newsletter, which includes information on ARC programs as well as other issues relevant to reducing solid waste. Subscribers can keep abreast of legislation, technology and opportunities to prevent, reduce and recycle waste. WasteLess serves as an educational outreach tool for ARC. It provides current information on programs in place around the country and offers perspectives by experts and laypersons alike. Publication has been suspended temporarily.

WRAP
WRAP is an acronym for Waste Reduction Assistance Program. Through this program ARC helps businesses reduce waste by providing them with assessments and recommendations to prevent, reuse and recycle much of their solid waste. ARC currently charges a small fee to perform a simple audit that targets specific solid waste materials.

Food Processing Waste Composting
A program utilizing food processing waste such as produce trimmings and other organic waste. This material is composted on farms with ARC's farm-scale compost turner and trailer. ARC delivers this equipment to farmers and mixes and aerates food processing waste with leaves for composting. In two years with the help of New York State and foundation grants, ARC composted over 500 tons of food residuals at 12 Long Island Farms.



The Materials Resource Center is a service of the Association for Resource Conservation, Inc.
The Association for Resource Conservation, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
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