SWANA to Present Haiti Earthquake Response at WASTECON 2010

SWANA to Present Haiti Earthquake Response at WASTECON 2010

Silver Spring - The Solid Waste Association of North American (SWANA) will present its recommendations for improving solid waste collection operations in Haiti in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake in a newly added technical session at WASTECON 2010 in Boston. The session will take place on August 17, 2010 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center at WASTECON 2010.

In March 2010 SWANA received a request from the Service Metropolitain de Collecte des Residus Solides (SMCRS) in Haiti for assistance in dealing with the solid waste problems occurring following the earthquake. Solid wastes were piling up in the streets and canals posing serious sanitation and public health problems and SMCRS personnel working 24 hours a day were unable to keep up with the large quantities of wastes being generated. The SMCRS is the state-appointed agency to collect and dispose of solid waste in the greater Port-au-Prince area of Haiti, which includes eight cities and a population of 2.5 million.

SWANA responded by establishing a SWANA Haiti Response Team comprised of volunteer SWANA members from SWANA's Collection Technical Division who met with representatives of the SMCRS and developed a position paper that documents Haiti's equipment and service needs. A copy of that paper can be downloaded here.

SMCRS representatives and SWANA's Haiti Response Team will participate in a technical session at WASTECON 2010 and will discuss the project and the recommendations of the team. Haiti represenatives will include:

• Germain Paulemon, General Director SMCRS,
• Stanley Delinois, Engineer Haiti Department of Planification,
• Patrick Charles, Interpreter and
• Carl-Henry Vielot, Engineering Director of Landfill.

SWANA would like to thank Waste Connections and Golder Associates for their financial assistance in sponsoring the travel expenses for the Haiti representatives.

The members of the SWANA Haiti Response Team that have been invited to participate in the WASTECON Haiti session are:

• Victoria Garland, Solid Waste Director - Charlotte, NC,
• Bill Del Vecchio, Director of Solid Waste and Recycling - Georgetown University,
• John Pittman, Assistant Solid Waste Director - Clearwater, FL,
• Rusty Cole , Waste Connections, LLC Operations Assistant Manager - Pierce County, WA
• Wayman J. Pearson, President - WJ Pearson Inc, And
• Jeremy O'Brien, Director of Applied Research, SWANA

For more information on this session, visit www.WASTECON.org or contact Jeremy O'Brien, SWANA staff liaison, at jobrien@swana.org.

Waste & Recyclables with Dr. Adam Read

Good Afternoon Everyone,

WASTECON2010 is a little more than a week away! As we reach the final stretch of preparing for this exciting event, we continue to bring you the latest updates and special interviews with this year’s speakers.

Today’s post features Dr. Adam Read, AEA’s Knowledge Leader for Waste Management & Resource Efficiency. Dr. Read will be presenting two sessions on Sunday, August 15: Using Door to Door Advisory Teams to Help The Public Take Responsibility for Their Waste & Recyclables at 2:00 p.m., and The Role of PR and Stakeholder Partnerships in Positively Changing Recycling Performance & Behaviour in the UK at 3:30 p.m.

Adam, what can attendees expect to take away from your session/course?

Attendees will gain insight on how to effectively plan and use outreach programs (in particular door to door campaigns) to build community ownership of waste strategies and new services and to ensure that new infrastructure is working effectively from day 1.

Why is this session important to solid waste professionals?

We are no longer an industry of engineers; We must understand how to engage effectively with target audiences and design services & solutions that meet customer requirements. Without appreciation of public needs, new recycling programs will always fail to deliver.

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

This is an excellent opportunity for two of the U.S.’s largest associations and trade shows to work more closely together on a topic that is growing in importance – just look at the climate change agenda and you can see how we are all facing a resources revolution. As a speaker, I am looking forward to meeting people from both associations who represent my core target audience – municipal waste managers – as they are being tasked with saving the environment, protecting communities and delivering to budget – a tough ask and I think I can help.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

I am looking forward to the breadth of speakers, exhibitors and attendees. I am also looking forward to gaining a better understanding of the US waste management sector and getting to share some of my own personal experiences from Europe. Learning is a beautiful thing.

Well-said, Dr. Read! WASTECON 2010 is almost here. Are you ready? Make sure to check WASTECON.org for the most up-to-date information on speakers and schedules.

Space Heating with LFG

Greetings Readers,

Can you believe it? It's already the last week of July! Time is flying by this summer as we gear up for WASTECON 2010.

For today’s post, we spoke with Michael Cook, Civil Engineer for R.W. Beck. His session on “Space Heating with LFG: Small Project, Big Savings” will discuss the technology selections, procedures and equipment of applicable space heating projects and will take place on Tuesday, August 17 at 9:00 a.m.

Michael, what can attendees expect to take away from your session/course?

Attendees will take away knowledge on developing landfill gas (LFG) reuse projects that utilize LFG for on-site operations at smaller landfills typically unable to support a LFG to energy projects as well as LFG collection and control systems at smaller landfills that would otherwise be unable to support a collection and control system.

Why is this session/training important to solid waste professionals?

With greenhouse gas rules and regulations, smaller landfills that are near or meet the minimum values requiring greenhouse gas controls need to look at ways to efficiently install a LFG control system and reuse it on site in an effort to reduce other costs.

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

Since sustainability is on everyone's mind these days, I think it is very important to involve all aspects of public works and to work together to progress the goals and objectives of sustainability as a collective effort on all fronts.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

I’m looking forward to meeting other professionals in the industry and several of the other technical sessions.

WASTECON is less than 2 weeks away! We’ve extended the $200 registration discount but only until this upcoming Monday, August 2nd. Don’t delay any longer; register now.

Creating a Blue Bin Buzz

Happy Thursday Everyone,

The weekend (and WASTECON 2010) is just around the corner! It’s been hectic around the SWANA office but that won’t stop us from bringing you the latest updates and interviews.

Our post today features Cathie Chavez-Morris, Project Manager for the Multifamily Residential Recycling Program and Environmental Specialist II for the City of Los Angeles. Her session on “Creating a Blue Bin Buzz: Effective Outreach Tools” will take place on Monday, August 16 at 2:00 p.m.

Cathie, what can attendees expect to take away from your session/course?

The attendees will take away a greater understanding of how to use social media marketing tools to engage the public. We will cover Facebook, Twitter, Googlemaps and U-Stream. I will also give some information on redeveloping print materials based on surveys.

Why is this session/training important to solid waste professionals?

A Pew Research Center report identified that one-third of Baby Boomers (46-64 years old) use text messaging daily, have a social networking profile, and mainly get their news from the internet. These tools aren't just for reaching out to Generation X and Generation Y. Pew Research Center, "Millennials: A Portrait of Generation Next", February 2010

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

This is a great opportunity to further emphasize the importance of private and public partnerships related to waste resources.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

I’m very interested in the alternative technology and organic waste workshops. Plus, the Fenway mixer sounds like loads of fun! Go Red Sox!

With a passion for Recycling (and the Red Sox), Cathie’s session is sure to be interesting and informative! Don’t miss out on this—or any of our many sessions taking place at WASTECON 2010. Register now to save $200.

Effective Municipal Partnerships

Good Morning!

With less than a month until WASTECON 2010, we’re continuing to bring you the latest updates and exclusive interviews with our speakers and faculty members. WASTECON 2010 provides you with the opportunity to learn from your peers and with your peers through sessions developed and taught by solid waste professionals. Today’s post features Rosemary Nolan, Solid Waste Coordinator for the Tri Town Alliance and a Boston native!

Her session on Effective Municipal Partnerships, which happens to be one of the bonus sessions offered this year, will take place on Wednesday, August 18 at 9:30 a.m.

What can attendees expect to take away from your session/course?

Attendees will be able to see how 3 municipalities with different levels of service were able to work together and complete a regional bid process on solid waste services while maintaining their autonomy after the bid process.

Why is this session important to solid waste professionals?

The session is important to solid waste professionals because it is based on an actual regional experience that has the supporting data of its success in saving millions of dollars over the life of the contract.

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

The partnering of WASTECON and APWA enhances the learning experience while providing a more effective use of time management for solid waste professional.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

I am most looking forward to the ongoing learning experience from my peers by attending WASTECON.

Hotels and tours are filling up fast! Remember to register by July 28th to receive a $200 discount on your registration.

Landfill Development Opportunities

TGIF Everyone!

For today’s post, we spoke with Todd Feland, Public Works Director for the City of Grand Forks, ND, on his session, “When a Solid Waste Landfill Development Opportunity Comes Around Again.” Todd will be presenting on Wednesday, August 18th.

Todd, what can attendees expect to take away from your session?

The message for Public Works professionals involved in establishing a new Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfill or other Public Works facility project is to dedicate the necessary time and energy to complete the task, maintain relationships with potentially impacted citizens, keep people (including the Mayor, City Council, City staff, and regulators) believing in the ultimate vision, personally lead each step of the process, take responsibility for the outcome, learn from setbacks along the way, and have the authority to close the deal.

Why is this session important to solid waste professionals?

The message is important for Public Works and Solid Waste professionals because of ongoing and increasing service level demand with a corresponding increasing scarcity of resources for Public Works and Solid Waste professionals. At the same time, citizens have a declining belief and lack of trust that government and other large institutions can meet service level demands and solve societal challenges. The message is important to understand and validate the current public policy arena, and further to examine methods, opportunities, and strategies to make good and constructive public policy decisions.

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

The challenges between Public Works and Solid Waste professionals are similar and more resource and knowledge sharing will benefit both professionals. The WASTECON and APWA groups will help grow one another and each can learn from the other professional “silo”. Further integration between the two groups will make both professional associations stronger and better informed for all members.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

I am looking forward to seeing how well the collocation between WASTECON and APWA goes this year in Boston.

WASTECON is rapidly approaching and the excitement is building. Four hotels have completely filled up and as a result, we added two new hotels for attendees. Along with the new hotel additions, we’ve decided to extend the $200 registration discount until July 28th. Don’t delay any longer; register now so you can maximize your savings for this one-of-a-kind event.

Upgrading Your Transfer Station

Greetings Everyone,

We are about a month away from WASTECON 2010! As we prepare for this colossal event, we will continue to bring you the latest updates – including special interviews with this year’s speakers.

For today’s post, we spoke with Bob Zorbaugh, Senior Manager of Operations for the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management. Bob’s session on “The Redevelopment and Revitalization of a Transfer Station Complex” will take place on Monday, August 16th from 2-3 pm.

Bob, what can attendees expect to take away from your session?

Attendees at my session will come away with Transfer Station design ideas to maximize operational efficiencies for handling waste, as well as, ideas for developing a modern transfer facility with a limited site foot print.

Why is this session important to solid waste professionals?

This session could save solid waste professionals the pain of learning from their mistakes in transfer station design, by experiencing lessons learned from our project.

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

The collocation with APWA will allow attendees to check out much more equipment on the show floor outside of waste handling equipment –specifically, equipment that is utilized to maintain waste disposal sites such as snow removal equipment, storm water infrastructure and roadway maintenance.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

I'm looking forward to checking out the APWA portion of the show, technical tours and the networking event at Fenway Park.

This is just one of over 70 sessions at this year's event. Register now for access to the collocated show floor, an opening reception featuring a live and local blues band, 200+ dynamic speakers and a great opportunity to network with other solid waste professionals.

Interview with Boston Local: Sumner Martinson

Hello readers,

We here at SWANA are so excited to be holding WASTECON in Boston this year. Apparently, we aren’t the only ones! One of our speakers and city locals, Sumner Martinson of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, tells us about his special “Composting Session” and why he is looking forward to this year’s collocated event.

Sumner will be speaking at the special “Composting Session” hosted by Biocycle with Christine Beling, Project Engineer for USEPA, on Tuesday, August 17th.

Sumner, what can attendees expect to take away from your session?

Attendees will take away an understanding of the implementation of the Massachusetts organics diversion and recycling strategy, and how it was applied to the largest convention center on the East Coast. Recycling data and a case study will be presented on organics diversion, as well as, other materials diverted from the BCEC waste stream to recycling.

Why is this session important to solid waste professionals?

This session will provide information and insight on how to implement organic and recycling diversion programs at convention center venues, along with the challenges, solutions, and benefits that come with the implementation of these programs.

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

Generally, public works personnel are not WASTECON attendees, though they are often integral in developing recycling strategies and programs. Having them participate will increase awareness of these programs and will help expand existing programs.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

As a state employee who is not usually able to attend a WASTECON conference, this year’s location provides me with an opportunity to participate and benefit from the exposure of a wide variety of people and information. Also, it's an honor for Boston to host this event!

Filled with rich history and dynamic experiences, Boston is the perfect home for WASTECON 2010! The Massachusetts Chapter of SWANA has been hard at work preparing to welcome attendees and guests with a homerun of a Monday Night Networking Event at Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox. Attendees will have commanding views of the playing field, where Ted William’s longest home run landed, while enjoying live music, dancing, games and raffles accompanied by a ballpark menu including beer, wine and soft drinks. Don’t miss out, register now at www.WASTECON.org.

Managing Transfer Station Systems at WASTECON

Hello from Silver Spring!

We hope that everyone is staying cool and hydrated despite the summer heat. We also hope that by now, you've registered for WASTECON 2010. This year's event is taking place next month in Boston, where the clam chowder is delicious and the baseball team is actually pretty good :) Have I mentioned that the Massachusetts Chapter of SWANA is giving away free pairs of tickets to Red Sox vs. Angels games at the Monday Night Networking Event?

Along with fun networking events, WASTECON 2010 will provide quality education and training with courses such as Managing Transfer Station Systems. Don Birnesser, who is a longtime SWANA Faculty Member and one of the instructors of this course, tells us more in our recent interview with him.

Don, what can attendees expect to take away from your course?

Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to plan, site, design, permit, operate and maintain transfer stations. The course will emphasize the importance of effective communication with employees, customers, managers, regulatory officials, as well as the general public.

Why is this course important to solid waste professionals?

As fuel costs have increased in recent years and disposal sites continue to become more distant, transferring solid waste has become an integral component of solid waste systems, both public and private sector, to increase system efficiency and minimize impacts to the environment.

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

System operators rely upon the same equipment as public works departments to operate and maintain their transfer stations.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

The sharing of new ideas between the attendees in the classroom and during the field trip is invaluable. Even though I have taught the course many times before, I always come away learning new angles as well.

Register now to get industry leading training with 10 courses and a new 1 day workshop developed and taught by solid waste professionals.

Collection Case Studies

WASTECON 2010 is going to be bigger than ever in Boston with over 200 speakers and an extra two days of bonus technical sessions, including a special session on “Collection Case Studies,” on Tuesday, August 17th.

Vince Trimboli, Community Relations Supervisor, City of Boise Public Works Department, tells us what attendees can learn from this special session and why he is looking forward to this year’s collocated event.

Vince, what can attendees expect to take away from your session?

An understanding of what outreach resources a medium sized city needs to accomplish a very successful rollout of a brand new trash and recycling program, while getting as much bang for your buck. We changed from a blue bin/single stream system to a wheeled cart/no-sort system and for trash we went from one price/essentially put whatever you want at the curb to a variable rate/wheeled trash cart. Our post roll out survey showed 90-plus percent approval for both programs. While we didn't reinvent the wheel with most of our ideas, we combined several approaches successfully. To get the best use of our money, we built a program/brand which will serve us for many years to come.

Why is this session important to solid waste professionals?

This will help communities who are looking to make changes, large or small, with their trash and recycling programs. I think we had some pretty good ideas and they are very replicable.

How do you think WASTECON attendees will benefit from the collocation with the American Public Works Association?

It will be an opportunity to learn about how the two industries blend from how important proper solid waste protection is to water quality to how the approaches to market each industry can be adapted and used by both.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s WASTECON?

I'm looking forward to learning from the best practical thinkers in our industry and using the knowledge to continue to make Boise such a great place to live, work and play.

Boston is a great place for friends and family! Bring your spouse or guests to the conference and enjoy one of our networking events together. This year, we are excited to announce Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox, as the venue for our Monday Night Networking Event. Attendees will have commanding views of the playing field, where Ted William’s longest home run landed, while enjoying live music, dancing, games and raffles accompanied by a ballpark menu including beer, wine and soft drinks. Don’t miss out, register now at www.WASTECON.org.