WASHINGTON, D.C., July 14, 2026 — The Vinyl Institute (VI) has awarded a $12,128 recycling grant to the Utah Recycling Alliance (URA), a pilot program, to expand the collection and recycling of vinyl (PVC) materials in communities across the greater Salt Lake City region. This is in addition to the over $3 million in grants awarded to various organizations by the VI since 2023. The funding will support URA’s Vinyl Integration Project, which will incorporate vinyl collection into its established Collection of Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) events and other recycling programs, that include single-item collection(s) for e-waste, expanded polystyrene (EPS)/Styrofoam, paper products, stretch plastics (i.e., film and clamshells), metals, and other miscellaneous items (e.g., oral care products and socks)
“This investment shows our continued commitment to advancing practical, community-based recycling solutions,” said Jay Thomas. “By partnering with organizations like the Utah Recycling Alliance, we can expand access to vinyl recycling while supporting improved material recovery and sustainable markets.”
Expanding Access to Vinyl Recycling
Utah’s recycling landscape remains limited for curbside access for many materials, creating a need for community-based collection solutions. Through this project, URA will provide residents with new opportunities to recycle household vinyl products that are not typically accepted in standard programs.
Building on the success of its CHaRM events, which collected approximately 45,000 pounds of hard-to-recycle materials in 2025, this grant will help URA reach their 2026 goal of collecting 65,000 pounds as they now integrate vinyl into its collection efforts.
“URA is incredibly grateful for the support from the Vinyl Institute, we are able to expand our programming to include vinyl materials and provide more practical recycling options for Utah residents,” said James Flock, Executive Director of the Utah Recycling Alliance. “This partnership will help reduce landfill waste and reinforce a Zero Waste Utah.”
Project Scope and Impact
Over the initial 12-month project period, URA will:
The program is expected to collect at least 2,500 pounds of household vinyl in its first year alone, with additional growth anticipated as participation increases.
URA also plans to reach more than 3,000 consumers through educational programming and outreach, helping improve understanding of how and where vinyl materials can be recycled.
Building a Scalable Model
The project is designed to serve as a scalable model for expanding vinyl recycling in regions where access remains limited. By leveraging URA’s existing infrastructure, municipal partnerships, and community engagement, the initiative aims to demonstrate how targeted investments can improve recycling systems and material recovery outcomes.
Throughout the program, URA will track collection volumes, participation, and operational data to support continuous improvement and long-term viability.
“This collaboration is about building durable systems that deliver measurable results,” Jay Thomas added. “We’re focused on solutions that can grow over time and strengthen recycling networks across the country.”
Contact:
Patrick Lynott | Manager of Press & Content at The Vinyl Institute
plynott@vinylinfo.org | (301)-500-8250
About the Vinyl Institute
The Vinyl Institute represents leading manufacturers of vinyl (PVC) products in North America, advancing sustainability, innovation, and the responsible use and recycling of vinyl materials. Vinyl Sustainability & Advocacy | The Vinyl Institute
About the Utah Recycling Alliance
Founded in 2011, the Utah Recycling Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing waste and increasing recycling through education, outreach, and community-based collection programs across Utah.
About the VSC Grant Program
The Vinyl Sustainability Council’s (VSC) VIABILITY grant program funds projects that advance post‑consumer vinyl recycling across the U.S., supporting recyclers, manufacturers, nonprofits, and universities. To date, it has awarded nearly $2.9 million to expand recycling capacity, improve technologies, and strengthen end markets for recycled PVC. Vantage Vinyl – A Vinyl Sustainability Council Initiative
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