Joanie Hamel (Derry, NH) Receives 2016 NHtB Environmental Stewardship Award

John Dumais (L) and Ray Dube (R) of NH the Beautiful, Inc. present Joanie Hamel (Center) of Derry with the 2016 Environmental Stewardship Award. Mike Durfor of NRRA (far Left) looks on.

EPSOM, NH May 26, 2016 – New Hampshire the Beautiful presented Joanie Hamel, Recycling Coordinator and Crew Chief at the Derry, NH Transfer Station, with the third annual Environmental Stewardship Award on May 16, 2016 in Nashua, NH at the Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA) Annual Conference and Expo.

The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes a dedicated transfer facility professional who goes above and beyond their facility recycling responsibilities and engages their entire community in better recycling, for a better future.

Joanie Hamel started with the Derry (NH) Public Works in 1991. She served as the catalyst to implement a mandatory recycling program in Derry in the 1990s. She focuses much of her time on educating the public and students on the benefits of recycling, with emphasis on the financial benefits of how high recycling rates translate to more revenue to the town, which can offset residential taxes.

 Mrs. Hamel’s efforts were instrumental in guiding the design of the new Derry transfer station facility, which had a $3 million price tag. The new 15,320 square foot facility opened January 5, 2016 and allows residents to recycle numerous materials, including plastic, cardboard, mixed paper, aluminum and glass. In addition, residents can bring metal, yard waste, propane, waste oil and fluorescent light bulbs to the transfer station at no cost.

“No one better epitomizes the dedication and commitment to future generations of recyclers than Joanie,” said Michael Durfor, Executive Director, NRRA.