2013 Session Topics

Getting More Out of Multifamily Recycling

If you deal with apartment recycling or are looking for ways to increase residential recycling rates, then you can’t afford to miss this informative panel focused exclusively on new research on improving the distinct and sometimes challenging world of multifamily recycling. Be prepared to take extensive notes and go back to work armed with valuable, concrete information on how to improve your outreach strategies and boost your recycling rates.

Across the country, multifamily properties represent an exciting and largely untapped opportunity for local governments to achieve recycling targets. Over the past two years, the Washington State Recycling Association conducted a first-of-its-kind study to characterize the state of multifamily recycling in Washington, identify challenges and recommend best practices for improving programs. In this compelling presentation, Angela Wallis (King County Housing Authority) offers the insightful results of two unprecedented surveys of government multifamily recycling programs and over 500 apartment property managers.

In another Washington study, Cascadia Consulting Group collaborated with Waste Management, Snohomish County Solid Waste, and the King County Solid Waste Division to identify innovative strategies implemented in communities around the world that have succeeded in achieving a measurable increase in multifamily recycling. Their goal was to generate new outreach strategies and program ideas that can be implemented locally, ultimately seeking ways to increase residential recycling rates. McKenna Morrigan (Cascadia Consulting) will share eight important case studies, exploring the nitty gritty details of what makes these communities so successful.

An Assessment of Single- and Dual-Stream Recycling

It’s widely known that single stream recycling has become increasingly popular in North America. The primary factors cited for the switch from dual-stream service include potential cost savings and higher diversion, but how has this switch actually impacted municipalities? A thorough assessment, prepared for Continuous Improvement Fund, turns a critical eye towards nearly 30 single- and dual-stream systems as it examines implications regarding collection, processing, end market material quality and diversion potential. Get the full details of this intriguing and highly relevant study from Mike Birett at the Resource Recycling Conference on August 27-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Getting a Handle on Economic Impacts Studies

Many communities are struggling with the threat of significant cuts to their recycling programs. The economic impact of recycling is now, more than ever, a critical subject in the debate over protecting your existing programs or establishing new ones. But what kind of information will you arm yourself with in the battle for your recycling budget? This timely presentation by Chaz Miller (National Solid Wastes Management Association) will analyze a wide variety of national and regional studies in terms of their conclusions, how recycling was defined, what jobs were included and the methods used in the study. You will walk away from this presentation with a broader understanding of measuring economic impacts and when you get back to the office you will be better prepared for the next time you do an economic impact study.

Recovered Paper Markets: Today and Tomorrow

What can we expect from recovered paper markets? Is China’s appetite for U.S. recovered paper waning? Find out from veteran industry expert, Bill Moore, as he critically examines the current status and future outlook for the major recovered paper grades: OCC, ONP, SOP, and Mixed Paper. This important analysis will include a review of supply, demand, quality and pricing information on both the US supply/domestic market and the ever more important offshore recovered paper markets.

Effective Recyclability Communication: The SPC's How2Recycle Label

Variation in recycling programs, unclear labeling and inaccurate recyclability claims make proper recycling a real challenge. To combat these barriers, GreenBlue's Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) created the How2Recycle Label to provide consistent and transparent on-package recycling information to consumers. The recent soft launch of the How2Recycle had participation from 12 companies, but SPC hopes to have the label on most consumer goods packaging by 2015. This timely presentation by industry expert, Anne Bedarf, offers the nitty-gritty details about this promising tool, including how you can get involved.

View 2012 Resource Recycling Conference Agenda

View 2011 Resource Recycling Conference Agenda

View 2010 Resource Recycling Conference Agenda