Global warming, climate change, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, carbon footprints, carbon offsets, carbon sequestration, carbon capture are some of the terms used by a greening America.

As a ripple effect of the Kyoto Protocol and in advance of the introduction of cap & trade regulation or the implementation of a carbon tax, many companies have voluntarily adopted a carbon neutral strategy. With the formation of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) a market value for carbon credits has been established. Increased worldwide environmental awareness has evolved to a point of unprecedented opportunity for the recycling industry.

Traditional valuation of scrap materials was based on the price you would receive from selling the materials only. Over the past few years the increase in landfill disposal and haulage fees has allowed for the calculation of waste diversion or tip fees to justify recycling efforts. Today by using tools such as the US EPA WARM model, the upstream climate footprint of recycling can be measured.

This approach of viewing the economic impact of recycling has the potential of altering the way the recycling industry is traditionally viewed; many materials thought of as marginal or uneconomic to recycle may be viewed in a new light. By taking into account the climatic impact of recycling, the footprint value may be equal to or greater than the current scrap price of some commodities.

RecycleNet has introduced the Recycling Offset Credits (ROCs) program as a certified measurement system to reward companies for their recycling efforts. By voluntarily reporting materials recycled, participants are awarded Recycling Offset Credits (ROCs) for each ton of material recycled. ROCs may be redeemed for a certificate to verify tonnage recycled or accumulated ROCs may be traded.

For over 13 years RecycleNet has operated an online secondary commodities exchange. RecycleNet is excited at the opportunity of offering an innovative new service for the trading of Recycling Offset Credits (ROCs). This service allows the buying and selling of ROCs and creates a potential new revenue stream for recyclable commodities.

It is RecycleNet's hope that the creation of the Recycling Offset Credits (ROCs) program will provide an economic incentive to increase the sustainability and strength of the recycling industry and over the long term result in an increase in the total volume of materials recycled.