SMM Summit Small Group Dinner Discussions

Small Discussion Dinner Topics

“Building a Circular Economy, Shifting Public Policy and Markets: Opportunities for Reuse and Recovery”
We will review the triple bottom line benefits of reuse, discuss the key industry challenges and opportunities, and determine the policy opportunities. We will wrap-up by building consensus on a few policy issues that our working group can focus on over the next year.
Hosted by: American Sustainable Business Council, Building Materials Reuse Association, Reuse Institute
Where: The Common at 7:45pm

“Higher Ed/Industry Collaboration Dinner Discussion”
Join campus leaders and industry experts to discuss common needs and practical steps for improved collaboration between colleges/universities and sustainable materials management industries.  Please RSVP.  For those needing transportation to the dinner (approx. 3 miles), leave from the lobby of the College Park Marriott at 7:30 pm
Hosted by: Jack DeBell, Development Director, University of Colorado Recycling and Chair, NRC Campus Council
Where: Franklins at 7:30pm

“Threats in the Clean Power Plan: recycling and composting sector response to new state incinerator and landfill subsidies”
The Clean Power Plan (to be finalized in this summer) and EPA’s new policy allowing MSW RDF to be incinerated in coal plants could lead to a new wave of subsidies for waste disposal (incinerators and landfills), leaving reduction, recycling and composting at a disadvantage. Join the discussion about how recycling and composting sectors should be prepared for the impact of states developing Clean Power Plan implementation plans, and start planning a response.
Hosted by: Monica Wilson, U.S. and Canada Program Director, GAIA
Where: The Common at 7:30pm

“Life Cycle Analysis, Life Cycle Application: Mattresses”
Life cycle-based decision-making is a central focus of Sustainable Materials Management. We will discuss life cycle analyses and their policy implications, focusing on mattress LCAs prepared for CalRecycle and the European Union.
Hosted by: Susan Palmer, Economic Development Director, St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County and John Davis, Administrator, Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling Authority
Where: Franklins at 7:30pm

“Professional Certification and Workforce Development Roundtable”
Learn more about how professional certification matters in regard to local employers and raising the bar that brings professionals in the field to a similar level of expertise. English Bird will share further thoughts on how certification has benefited New Mexico and Joanne Shafer will share the employer’s perspective on how certification benefits the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (Pennsylvania) in regard to workforce development and retention.
Hosted by: Joanne Shafer, Deputy Director/Recycling Coordinator, Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority and English Bird, Executive Director, New Mexico Recycling Coalition
Where: The Carolina Kitchen at 7:30pm

“Food Waste Reduction and Diversion Efforts: Examples from Iowa”
Join Jen Jordan, Iowa Recycling Association member and past-president, to learn about various food waste reduction and diversion efforts across Iowa.  A state-wide food waste advisory council, public-private partnerships, an EPA pilot for “Food:  Too Good to Waste” are all aspects of Iowa’s effort to target food waste to help residents and businesses reduce waste and save money.
Hosted by: Jennifer Jordan, Recycling Coordinator, City of Iowa City/Iowa Recycling Association
Where: Azteca Bar and Grill at 7:45pm

“Organics Diversion – It’s the Right thing to do”
The diversion of Food Waste is a critical step towards Zero Waste.  Today we have the technologies and processes to do so much with discarded organics and food materials.  We can divert edible food products to feed hungry people, or feed animals; we can divert this organic material to a composting process to create valuable compost soils; or we can put this waste into an Anaerobic Digestion process to create a renewable energy source.  No matter what the process is for diverting this material, the environmental and social impacts of organics diversion is tremendous and can make such a difference in the lives of everyone in this country.  Our goal is to enhance the education of our citizens to the benefits of organics diversion and to create best management practices for the separation, collection and processing of this material.  Always keeping in mind the environmental and economic benefits deriving from this diversion effort.
Hosted by: Gary Bilbro, President, SMART Recycling of SC, LLC and Al Rattie, Director, Market Development, US Composting Council
Where: Mamma Lucia at 7:30pm

“Zero Waste”
Learn about Zero Waste USA, US Zero Waste Business Council and new USEPA Zero Waste Community Planning Assessment Tool
Hosted by: Ruth Abbe, President, Zero Waste USA and Rick Anthony, President, Zero Waste International Alliance
Where: Azteca Bar and Grill at 7:30pm