Ontario Recycling Group Names New Director

Suzanne Elston has been named executive director of the Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO), Toronto. She replaces long-time executive director John Hanson, who stepped down several months ago to begin his own consulting firm and to remain an advisor to the RCO.

Elston’s background is that of an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and environmental educator who has had a long relationship with the RCO.

“We’re extremely pleased to have Suzanne join the RCO,” says John Jackson, chair of the RCO Board. “She brings a unique combination of skills, energy and compassion for the environment that will take our organization in exciting new directions.”

Elston’s environmental column, “Your Earth” has been in syndication since 1989. Her radio commentaries can be heard in the U.S. via the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, National Public Radio’s “Living on Earth” and International Public Radio’s “Marketplace.” Elston also has a background in fund raising management and served two consecutive terms as a public utilities commissioner. “The Recycling Council of Ontario has always been a leader on waste management issues,” says Elston. “It is a privilege to serve as the RCO’s executive director and lead it on issues that extend well beyond the blue box.”

The RCO is a not-for-profit organization focused on eliminating waste and supporting recycling. RCO’s mission is to inform and educate all members of society about the generation of waste, the avoidance of waste, the more efficient use of resources and the benefits and/or consequences of these activities. Since its inception in 1978, RCO has helped Ontario become a leader in supporting residential recycling programs. In 1997 over 3.7 million households had access to curbside or depot recycling in the province. Curbside recycling in Ontario now diverts approximately 600,000 metric tons of material from landfills each year.