IRN started in 2000 as a membership recycling cooperative for colleges and universities, hospitals, nursing homes, and independent schools. Since 2006 we have offered services to organizations who choose not to become members. Like a local food coop, we offer members a discount on IRN services, so the value of membership really depends on how much you use IRN. The more services you use, the more likely it is that membership will pay for itself.
Members are under no obligation to use any IRN services. Members can use IRN to handle one or two, a few, or all of their recyclable materials. The same is true for IRN’s purchasing programs.
Non-members can also use IRN services as much or as little as they like. When we see a non-member build toward the volume at which membership will provide a financial advantage, we’ll let you know. IRN’s goal is to make recycling as simple and as cost-effective as we can for everyone who takes advantage of our cooperative recycling model.
Members and non-members can request IRN services by submitting an on-line service request, or by contacting IRN's offices by telephone or fax. Members can also contact IRN at any time to request current price information for any recyclable commodity we handle. IRN also posts price information, special group purchase opportunities, and other current developments of interest.
Membership is annual. IRN’s membership fee is set on a variable scale as follows:
| Institution type | Annual fee |
|---|---|
| Colleges and universities | $500.00 |
| Independent schools (elementary and secondary) | $250.00 |
| Public schools and school districts | $250.00 |
| Hospitals | $200.00 |
| Private firms | $250.00 |
IRN offers reduced membership rates for organizations in several state and regional associations, including the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges (CCIC), the Maine Hospital Association, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, and the Greater Philadelphia Commercial Recycling Council (GPCRC).
If you have questions, please feel free to contact the IRN office at 866-229-1962. Ask for Dana Draper or Mark Lennon. Alternatively, submit your questions by email and we’ll get back to you.
Organizations that want to join the IRN can print and fill out a membership form.
Give us a call at 866-229-1962 or email info@ir-network.com.