DALTON, Mass. — Local environmental activist and Green Committee member Dr. Thomas Irwin was awarded the inaugural outstanding volunteer award during MassRecycle's 29th annual award ceremony. 

 

MassRecycle is a statewide non-profit coalition dedicated to improving sustainable materials management, recycling, and organics reduction and diversion. 

 

According to its website, it works with various stakeholders, including municipalities, institutions, waste service providers, and others, to advocate for "sustainable materials management policies and programs."

 

During the ceremony, the nonprofit recognized several individuals, organizations, and a municipality that have had "outstanding achievements in and contributions towards recycling, reuse, and waste reduction in Massachusetts," the nomination application said.

 

"MassRecycle celebrates the best, most creative, and most determined people working locally to make a difference by reducing, reusing, and recycling." 

 

This year, the organization established a new category, outstanding volunteer, inspired by Susan Waite, the municipal assistance coordinator at the state Department of Environmental Protection.

 

The organization was "overcome" by Irwin's dedication to passing the Paintcare Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, said Gretchen Carey, MassRecycle president. 

 

"Working in the sustainability world is challenging, and there are many unsung heroes trying hard to make a difference," said Carey. "Tom Irwin was the obvious choice for this due to his incredible dedication to Paint EPR. We were very excited to have him share the stage with us." 

 

Irwin has dedicated extensive time and effort over the past year and a half to help get this legislation passed, she said. 

 

Irwin has organized EPR forum meetings in Pittsfield, Amherst, and Worcester, attended numerous municipal meetings across the state, collected signatures statewide, and canvassed at various events.

 

In February 2023, the Senate referred several bills related to paint recycling bills to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. 

 

On Jan. 18, 2024, the joint committee viewed in favor of the bill and sent it to the House Ways and Means Committee as H. 4263. It has not passed at this point but Irwin said there is still hope to add it to environmental bond bill or other legislation.

 

"[Irwin] single-handedly secured written resolutions and support letters from at least 66 municipalities," Corey said. 

 

"Under [Irwin's] leadership, Massachusett's Paintcare bill has made it farther than ever before, raising awareness about EPR legislation in Massachusetts. His optimism, conviction, and relentless drive continue to inspire others."

 

During the ceremony, Irwin thanked MassRecyle for the award but emphasized that he did not do the work alone. Irwin said he would not be getting this award if not for the amazing work of the paint stewardship team Sharon Kishida, Waneta Trabert, Claire Galkowski, Josie Ahlberg, Peg Hall, Brook Nash, and Tanya Keeble. 

 

"They taught me, encouraged me, challenged me, and inspired me, as well as doing amazing work of their own," Irwin said. 

 

"Additionally, and as I'm sure you easily imagine, there are many others who have thoughtfully contributed their time and effort to advancing this important cause in their communities, which I'm also extremely grateful." 

 

Together, they have garnered 94 resolutions and endorsements and "given paint stewardship a statute in the statehouse it has never previously enjoyed," he said. 

 

"So now, when we reach out to legislators about paint stewardship, they listen, and many are now becoming co-sponsors of paint stewardship amendments. What wonderful progress. What amazing progress." 

 

Despite all this support, more work still needs to be done to pass this legislation, which is why he is striving to gain another 82 resolutions to show more than 50 percent of the commonwealth communities and more than 50 percent of the population are in favor, Irwin said. 

 

"I believe this is necessary in order to get this bill passed for this to be accomplished, though we will require the assistance of many, and I call for your support, especially in those communities who have not yet passed supportive resolutions," he said. 

 

"I firmly believe that if we continue to work as we have before the completion of the 194 session of our state's legislature, we will have the privilege of seeing our governor sign paint stewardship, a true EPR law, into law."