Reuse corridor Working group

The CAN ReUse Corridor Working Group provides a resource to shape and inform discussions among regional stakeholders about how sustainable materials management and circular economy models create opportunities to enhance Appalachia’s economic development. Identify gaps, opportunities, and action items relating to improving materials management. 

ReUse Corridor’s GOALS

  1. Provide resources to shape and inform discussions among regional stakeholders about how sustainable materials management and circular economy models create opportunities to enhance Appalachia’s economic development. Identify gaps, opportunities, and action items relating to improving materials management. 
  2. Inform Regional Discussions: Shaping how sustainable materials management can enhance Appalachia’s economic development.
  3. Bridge Industry Gaps: Identifying opportunities for primary processors and manufacturers to source recycled feedstocks locally.
  4. Foster Collaboration: Connecting stakeholders to share resources, capture value, and transform waste into opportunity.

Reuse corridor CO-CHAIR

Co-chairs play vital roles in leading Working Groups and serve on CAN’s Leadership Team. Co-chairs are regional leaders in the just economic transition of Central Appalachia.

Maria Bonner
Zero Waste Manager,
Rural Action
A vertical shot of a pile of recyclable plastic and metal containers in a recycling bin, emphasizing sustainability.

ABOUT

The ReUse Corridor was founded in 2019 as an initiative of Coalfield Development, Rural Action, and other key regional partners, the ReUse Corridor was designed to scale sustainable programs and jumpstart the circular economy. Awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant, the group coordinated logistic efforts, met regularly to strategize and share knowledge. Since then, we have diverted over 500,000 lbs of landfill-destined materials through deconstruction work, collection events, and specialized recycling.

Since early 2021, our partners have met consistently to share knowledge and align efforts, a practice that has naturally evolved into our current role as a formal Central Appalachian Network (CAN) Working Group. For several years, we have maintained a strategic meeting rhythm designed to balance connection with action: 

  • General Networking: Creating a dedicated space for regional stakeholders to build relationships and coordinate logistics.
  • Topic-Specific Sessions: Featuring expert guest speakers to dive deep into specialized subjects like circular economy models, material-specific recycling, and sustainable business development.
  • Waste diverted October 2021-October 2023: over 3142 tons equates to the same amount of Co2 removed by 10,500 acres of forest per year. Includes Traditional recyclables, compost & hard to recycle material.

This collaborative evolution allows us to function as a vital regional hub, creating space for networking, knowledge and sharing among reuse and circular economy practitioners and stakeholders. 

Helpful Links & Resources

If you are interested in joining the ReUse Corridor, click below.
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For more information about CAN, visit these pages:

HOW WE WORK

OUR FRAMEWORK

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