DeNeile Cooper, Recyclability Solutions Manager

(she/her/hers)

DeNeile Cooper serves as the Recyclability Solutions Manager at The Recycling Partnership, a mission-driven organization dedicated to protecting the planet by transforming recycling and activating a circular economy in the United States. 

With a decade of experience as a sustainability strategist, DeNeile is passionate about advancing a circular economy. She blends her expertise in waste management, recycling policy, and urban design with her background in environmental management to create innovative, practical solutions for businesses and communities. In her role at The Recycling Partnership, DeNeile facilitates industry harmonization across recycling tools, standards, and frameworks through initiatives such as The Recycling Partnership’s Pathway to Circularity Industry Council. She also guides companies in evaluating the recyclability of their packaging through the Circular Packaging Assessment Tool. 

DeNeile holds a Master of Environmental Management from the Yale School of Environment and is an advisory board member for the Packaging Recycling Summit. She recently served as committee chair and member for the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board. 

Why I Care About the Circular Economy

“The circular economy makes sense on so many levels. Keeping our materials in use minimizes our impact on the planet by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources. It also improves the quality of life by creating green jobs, fostering healthy communities, and inspiring innovation. To embrace product circularity is to treat the planet, its people, and materials with respect and care.” 

Personal Passions and Interests

When she’s not helping friends find where to take their hard-to-recycle materials, DeNeile visits museums, dances ballet, and takes urban hikes in her community.

Highlights

  • 2024 Packaging Recycling Summit Speaker: Harmonization of Recycling Data Standards 
  • Master of Environmental Management Candidate with an Industrial Ecology and Green Chemistry Specialization from Yale School of the Environment 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with an Environmental Studies Certificate from Wesleyan University 

Contact

If you’re interested in brainstorming innovative systems for the circular economy, reach out to DeNeile at dcooper@recyclingpartnership.org.