Thursday, July 22, 2010

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.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

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.

Friday, July 16, 2010

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.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Senate Considers Moving Towards Energy Only Package

Shannon Crawford, Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Programs, SWANA

It appears as though in the current political climate (no pun intended) the only form of climate change legislation that has a chance of passing would be that with a strong focus on energy provisions and less focus on a cap-and-trade system. The language in the recently released Kerry-Lieberman draft (which was to be the vehicle for climate change legislation this year) includes significant incentives for offshore oil drilling and provisions that would open up new tracts of land to drilling. After the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico these provisions are extremely unlikely to pass and must be abandoned in order for any legislation to move forward.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has called on the chairpersons of various committees to begin examining a number of bills that can be combined into one large energy package. The bills under consideration include: S.1462, American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009; S.3442, Electric Vehicle Deployment Act of 2010; S.3495, Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2010. All of these bills include incentives to promote clean energy such as renewable energy and a more efficient usage of power through electric vehicle and energy efficient measures.

In an effort to address the crisis in the Gulf these bills would be combined with S.3516, Outer Continental Shelf Reform Act of 2010. This legislation would place much stricter standards on offshore oil drilling operations.

A positive of this legislation for the solid waste industry is that S.1462 includes a renewable portfolio standard (RPS). This RPS would allow both landfill gas and waste-to-energy to qualify as renewable sources of energy to help states meet their mandated quota under the bill. The

Senate is expected to begin markups on the package later this week.

For any questions please contact me directly at 240.494.2241 or scrawford@swana.org.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

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.

Friday, July 9, 2010

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.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

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.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Landfill Reuse

Happy July 1st Everyone,

We are now only 46 days away from WASTECON!! As the event gets closer, we will continue to bring you the latest updates and exclusive interviews with our speakers and faculty members. Today's post features an interview with W. Michael Brinchek, Project Engineer at CDM.

Michael will be presenting a session on Tuesday, August 17th from 9:00 am - 10 am on Landfill Reuse.

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

My session will discuss the possibilities for long term development of a solid waste facility beyond disposal or treatment. Although the presentation will focus on the transformation of a landfill into a park, there are opportunities for redevelopment, and as land becomes more valuable and sustainability becomes more mainstream, the need to create a long-term asset will continue to grow.

Why is this session important to solid waste professionals?

It challenges the solid waste professional to look beyond the disposal or treatment unit and create a long term development master plan that will be a long-lasting resource for the community.

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

APWA brings together top level Directors, Department Heads and Executives to share innovative ideas and explore new ideas for sustainability in public works. I believe this presentation exemplifies this idea by taking a closed landfill facility and creating a park for public use in the heart of one of our regions fastest growing communities.

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

By collocating these two events, the different perspectives from both organizations can be shared and hopefully the transfer of knowledge between these two groups can be a benefit everyone.

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.