RRS will be at WasteExpo this year - in person! We are looking forward to learning about new technologies, hearing about recent research, and most of all - what is like to be back in person??? Several RRSers will be at this year’s show. See below for who and how to connect with them.
More info on WasteExpo 2021: https://www.wasteexpo.com/en/home.html
MARISA ADLER, Senior Consultant
Speaker during Sustainability Talks: Undressing Textile Waste to Achieve Circularity
Wed. June 30, 2021 | 1:15p-2:00p
Progress over the past 5 years: Textile circularity is now firmly on the sustainability agenda; reuse and recommerce are scaling and becoming more socially acceptable; brand and industry commitments indicate their potential willingness to adopt important supply chain shifts like replacing virgin fibers with recycled ones; and supportive tech is beginning to target data gaps across the value chain through companies like Eon, Digimarc, and others. Now comes the heavy-lift. We must build textile recovery infrastructure and networks: collection, sorting, and processing capacity for end-of-life textiles. We have to invest in R&D for advanced sorting technologies and integrate those technologies into the networks of domestic charities and graders and fill gaps where they exist. Many questions remain including around collection systems, economics, processing, composition, and demand.
JD LINDEBERG, Principal & President
Speaker during Part Two: Commodities Updates, End Markets & Export Opportunities
Wed. June 30, 2021 | 9:30a-10:30a
In this Super Session, attendees will learn the latest on recycling commodities, end markets, exports, and what trends the industry is seeing in 2021. In part one of this session, industry experts will provide the lowdown on paper, aluminum and glass. In part two, they will take a deeper dive into plastics including polypropylene, PET and HDPE.
BRENNAN MADDEN, Senior Consultant
Recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award, Class of 2021
RRS is super proud to have Brennan as an RRSers and of his being recognized for his dedication and initiative to create change. If you see Brennan - be sure to give him a “Congrats!”.
KERRY SANDFORD, Senior Engineer
Kerry, aka the MRF whisperer, will be at the show talking to equipment vendors and getting the latest on MRF and material processing technologies.
MARISSA SEGUNDO, Senior Communications Strategist
Moderating Innovation & Advancement Through Parntership
Wed. June 30, 2021 | 1:00p-2:15p
An ever-evolving waste stream pushes the recycling industry to keep advancing. However, that can be a daunting task for an individual organization. That is where partnerships can drive progress in improving recycling and recycled-content manufacturing. Currently, there are programs available to municipalities and materials recovery facilities (MRFs) to improve processing of materials, such as cartons and polystyrene foam, and increase participation through community outreach support. There are other programs that are providing MRFs assistance and funding pilot projects that address gaps in the glass recycling supply chain. And yet another program that aims to identify and nurture ideas, and pair with potential funding for improving access, infrastructure and end markets. This session will provide insight on how partnerships can equal organizational success and industry progress through support, resources and funding.
Speaking during Cart Smarts: Changing Behavior to Combat Contamination
Wed. June 30, 2021 | 3:15p-4:30p
It’s no secret that behavior change can lead to decreased contamination in the recycling stream. By reducing landfill materials; combating “wishcycling;” improving communication, training and education programs; utilizing enhanced separation equipment and technologies in materials recovery facilities; etc., consumers and industry professionals alike can lower contamination. Learn about these contamination-fighting efforts and effective recycling campaigns. Marissa will highlight a communications campaign from Lakeland, FL that used resident commitment to reduce contamination.
Recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award, Class of 2020
Due to the pandemic, the 40 Under 40 Class of 2020 did not get their award ceremony and were invited to celebrate this year. RRSer Marissa Segundo was part of that class and we celebrate her accomplishments in advancing the use of communications and outreach to improve recycling, composting, and material recovery. When you see Marissa, be sure to shout out a hardy “Congratulations” - we dare you!
MICHAEL TIMPANE, Principal & Vice President of Process Optimization and Material Recovery
Speaking during NothingWasted! The Future of Recycling - Lessons Learned from the Past
Mon. June 28, 2021 | 8:00a-9:15a
As we strive to take recycling to new heights, remembering the industry’s roots is more important than ever. Join this session to find out the true meaning of recycling, what successful recycling systems have had in common and how we can apply historical knowledge to our future recycling industry. Hear a vibrant introduction of the major twists and turns in recycling’s evolution over centuries, as well as a current overview of recycling in the U.S., followed by a rich discussion among experts as they share their insights into where recycling could be headed. You won’t be able to find this unique perspective anywhere else!