The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has established a chapter in Colorado, strengthening its presence in the Rocky Mountain state.

“Our state chapters serve to amplify the voice of our members in the states where they operate,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith in a statement. “So many issues important to our industry start at the state and local level; our state chapters are a valuable resource for members to advocate on behalf of the waste and recycling industry. I am pleased that the waste and recycling companies in Colorado see the value in establishing a chapter with us.”

The chapter has elected Scott Hutchings of Waste Management, Inc. as its chairman and Bryce Isaacson of Western Disposal Services, Inc. as its vice chairman, and it will focus on flow control, permitting, local ordinances and Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radiative Materials (TENORM) legislation.

"There is a lot of energy from members around forming this chapter," said NWRA Sunbelt Regional Director Kirsti Nelson in a statement. "Colorado has many independent haulers that can now align with larger ones in a unified voice around common issues to their public officials."

NWRA's Sunbelt regional office is exploring expanding the group to a multi-state chapter to include New Mexico and Wyoming, as these states share similar legislative topics as Colorado.