Conference Agenda

Join AOR at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside, OR, June 16–18, 2011 for its annual conference and trade show, Sustainable Oregon.

Looking for a quick summary of the conference schedule? Check out the CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE.

Want to learn more about speakers and moderators? Check out the CONFERENCE BIOS.

8:00 Registration Opens

9:00 – 10:30 Opening Plenary: Climate Change and Recycling

In 2010, the Oregon Global Warming Commission began the “Roadmap to 2020” Project to develop recommendations on how Oregon can meet its 2020 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal. Angus Duncan, Chair of the Commission, will provide an overview of the Commission’s report submitted to the Oregon Legislature during the 2011 session, which includes 38 recommendations related to materials management. DEQ’s David Allaway digs deeper into what these recommendations mean for our industry, discussing an effort to include emissions from materials management in a new protocol for community-scale GHG inventories and an update on the development of a consumption-based emissions inventory for Oregon.

Speakers
Angus Duncan, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (bio) (presentation)
David Allaway, Oregon DEQ (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Rosalynn Greene, Clackamas County (bio)

10:30 – 11:00 Break: Silent Auction Opens

11:00 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions

1. “Mommy, Where Do Markets Come From?” (presentation)

New to the recycling industry? Need a refresher on how recycling markets work in Oregon? This session will give you a stronger grasp on the interrelationships between educators, collectors, haulers, and processors in developing markets for mixed recycling and plastic film recycling.

Speakers
Jill Kolek, City of Portland (bio)
John Lucini, SP Recycling (bio)
Laura Leebrick, Western Oregon Waste (bio)
Vinod Singh, Far West Fibers (bio)

Moderator
Pete Chism, City of Portland (bio)

2. The Ins and Outs of Diversion Rates (presentation)

What do the numbers show? Taking the time to calculate diversion rates may boost a business’s bottom line. You’ll leave this session armed with the correct terminology and answers to important questions related to business waste diversion rates.

Speakers
Will Elder, Metro (bio)
Mike Geller, Providence Health & Services (bio)
Heather Schmidt, New Seasons Market (bio)
James Jedibudiah, Ovations Food Services (bio)

Moderator
Aymie Reynolds, Community Environmental Services (bio)

3. City Climate Action Plans and the Role of Materials Management

Cities and counties throughout Oregon have adopted plans that outline strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to prepare for climate change. Presenters will provide an overview of their city climate action plans and highlight the roles of materials management and our industry in lowering GHG emissions at the city level.

Speakers
Michele Crim, City of Portland (bio) (presentation)
Matt McRae, City of Eugene (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Rosalynn Greene, Clackamas County (bio)

12:30 –2:00 Lunch: Meet the Candidates

Meet the candidates for AOR’s Board and hear about proposed bylaw changes before the big vote!

2:00 – 3:15 Concurrent Sessions

1. Sneaking Fun Into Waste Prevention Messaging

How can municipalities utilize existing non-waste programming to strengthen waste prevention programs and messaging? Come hear practical advice from local government leaders on the front line of innovative waste prevention messaging, including the City of Eugene’s Climate Masters at Home program and the City of Portland’s Be Resourceful Campaign.

Speakers
Ethan Nelson, City of Eugene (bio)
Peter Chavannes, City of Eugene (bio)
Alicia Polacok, City of Portland (bio)

Moderator
Will Elder, Metro (bio)

2. Product Design and Delivery for a Greening Market

Large businesses have both the challenge of designing high quality environmentally preferable products in a cost-effective way and the opportunity to make an impact on a global scale if successful. If you’re curious about the role that business can play in a greening market, don’t miss this discussion of how businesses are designing products to be more efficient to manufacture, package and ship, use, and recycle at end of life.

Speakers
Meagan Bozeman, Xerox Corporation (bio) (presentation)
Ed Musho, Adidas (bio) (presentation)
Jim Hanna, Starbucks (bio)

Moderator
Stan Jones, Port of Portland (bio)

3:15 – 3:45 Break

3:45 – 5:00 Concurrent Sessions

1. Plastics 101: Sorting Types and Setting it Straight (presentation)

Learn all about plastic numbers, types, and recyclability in this hands-on educational session. Perfect for those new to the recycling industry and for any of us who struggle with understanding why plastics are so different than other recyclables.

Speakers
Patty Moore, Moore Recycling Associatesn (bio)
Kim Holmes, 4R Sustainability (bio)

Moderator
Shaunna Sutcliffe, City of Gresham (bio)

2. Commingling and Contamination

Where is commingling and contamination today and where is it headed? Hear about the Commingled Recycling System Improvements Group, the results of the 2010 DEQ MRF Sort Study and a MRF’s perspective on these results, plus learn how to translate recycling best practices into education for the public.

Speakers
Leslie Kochan, Oregon DEQ (bio) (presentation)
Peter Spendelow, Oregon DEQ (bio) (presentation)
Chris Thomas, Waste Connections (bio) (presentation)
Beth Myers-Shenai, Marion County (bio) (presentation)
Denise Wolgamott, Rogue Disposal (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Meg Lynch, Metro (bio)

3. Tillamook County Creamery: Materials Management in Sustainability Planning

Come hear how Tillamook County Creamery has chosen to develop a sustainability program to meet the needs of their company, their customers, and the consumer. Key topics include recognizing opportunities, developing innovative partnerships, measuring progress, and continuing the sustainability effort.

Speaker
Shanna Eller, Portland State University Community Environmental Services (bio) (presentation)
Shawn Reiersgaard, Tillamook County Creamery Association (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Jennifer Purcell, Tillamook County (bio)

5:00- 7:00 Hospitality Reception

8:00 — 1:00 Golf

9:15 — 11:00 Green Schools Meeting

Training meeting for Oregon Green Schools regional coordinators.

9:30 – 10:30 Coffee and Table Topic Networking

Whether you have something to share or something to learn, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with others over topics of mutual interest in a relaxed, informal setting. Don’t forget to bring your business cards! Stop by the AOR booth to preview topics or suggest new ones.

Nonprofit Organizations
Facilitated by Jen Higgins, Free Geek

Outreach & Education
Facilitated by Justin Gast, Washington County

Where Is the Recycling Industry Headed?
Facilitated by Dave White, ORRA

Recycling in Non-Urban Areas
Facilitated by Jennifer Purcell, Tillamook County

Strategies for Recycling Plastic Film
Facilitated by Amy Roth, Green Spectrum/AOR

10:30 – 11:30 Meet & Greet with the AOR Board

Ask questions and get to know your board members.

11:30 – 12:45 Concurrent Sessions

1. The History and Future of Prescription Drug Disposal in Oregon

Pharmaceutical waste can be found in our streams, our drinking water, our soils, and sometimes in the wrong hands. How should we dispose of this toxic material properly? Come listen and learn from local advocates working to address the environmental and safety issues related to improper pharmaceutical waste management.

Speakers
Leanna Lindquist, Oregon Medical Association Alliance (bio) (presentation)
Mathew Workman, City of Warrenton Police Dept. (bio) (presentation)
Jennifer Purcell, Tillamook County (bio) (presentation)
Maggie Codding Jones, Lower Columbia River Estuary Project (bio)
Risa Buck, Recology Ashland Sanitary Service (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Ronda Chapman-Duer, Washington County/AOR (bio)

2. Introduction to Oregon’s Recycling System

Join some of the founding members of AOR for an informal education on Oregon’s recycling system. This session offers a high-level overview of the players in the recycling industry, covers some basic jargon, and touches on select recycling legislation in order to explain why Oregon’s system functions like it does.

Speakers
Bruce Walker, City of Portland (bio)
John Matthews, Garten Services (bio)
Jay Simmons, North Pacific Paper Corporation (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Rick Winterhalter, Clackamas County/AOR Chair (bio)

1:00 – 2:00 Lunch, Annual Meeting, and Board Elections

It’s time to elect half of AOR’s Board and decide on proposed changes to AOR’s bylaws. Voting quorum must be present.

2:15 – 3:30 Concurrent Sessions

1. Managing Food Waste: Prevention and Collection

This session will provide participants with an understanding of food waste prevention techniques and tips for businesses as well as information on how to properly collect and prepare materials for commercial organics collection. At the end of this illuminating session, participants will feel confident about their ability to implement a successful program and know where to go for additional support.

Speakers
Leslie Kochan, Oregon DEQ (bio) (presentation)
Andrew Shakman, Lean Path (bio) (presentation)
Athena Ehnot, Pacific Natural Foods (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Michelle Metzler, Waste Management (bio)

2. Legislative Update Session (presentation)

This session will provide information and discussion about bills that came before the 2011 Oregon Legislature. These include efforts to modernize the Bottle Bill, ban plastic bags at retail checkouts, modify state solid waste policies, and pass several product stewardship bills. Discussion about legislation in Washington and California as well as how efforts to reconstitute the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) are going will also be addressed.

Speakers
Scott Klag, Metro/AOR (bio)
Holly Sears, ORRA (bio)
Palmer Mason, Oregon DEQ (bio)
Jerry Powell, Resource Recycling (bio)

Moderator
Scott Klag, Metro/AOR (bio)

3:30 – 4:00 Break: Silent Auction Ends

4:00 – 5:30 Plenary Session: Lightning Round (presentation)

This fast-paced plenary features nine eight-minute presentations highlighting some of the exciting work happening in the recycling industry. Lee Barrett of Eco-Logistics/AOR serves as moderator.

2050 Vision for Material Management in Oregon
Loretta Pickerell, Oregon DEQ (bio)
Loretta will present DEQ’s process for developing a 2050 Vision for Sustainable Materials Management in Oregon.

Bridging the Boundaries for Reuse
Joe Connell, Reuse Alliance (bio)
The Reuse Alliance is a national organization dedicated to fostering communication between reuse organizations. Joe will discuss how to bridge traditional boundaries and find common solutions.

A Collaborative Approach to Effecting Conservation Behavior in Underserved Communities
Renée Bogin Curtis, Community Environmental Services (bio)
Renée will review a model of collaborative, regional approaches to developing creative outreach campaigns aimed at educating low-income, multicultural, and migratory residents about local recycling systems.

Best Management Practices for Multifamily Communities
Erin Anderson, Community Environmental Services (bio)
Erin will introduce a study of best management practices for multifamily communities created by Community Environmental Services in collaboration with Metro and local governments.

Durable Recycling Bags at Multifamily Communities
Heather Robinson, Washington County (bio)
Heather will discuss how Washington County is using recycling bags as an effective outreach tool for residents at apartment communities.

Rural Recycling Comes to Marion County
Alan Pennington, Marion County (bio)
Starting this July, mixed recycling will be offered for the first time to all residents in Marion County. Alan will cover the “Great Leap Forward” to divert more materials from the waste stream.

WoW! Water on Wheels
Paige Prewett, Jackson County SMARTWorks (bio)
Paige explains Jackson County SMARTWorks’ latest project: WoW! Water on Wheels mobile drinking water station, a novel creation funded by a DEQ Solid Waste grant.

Big Challenge, GREAT Results
Shaunna Sutcliffe (bio) and Tristan Whitehead (bio), City of Gresham
This presentation will cover how the City of Gresham’s GREAT Businesses program recruited 120 new participants into its program using a multi-pronged outreach approach.

Building Carton Recycling Access Nationwide
Jeff Epstein, Carton Council (bio)
Jeff will provide an overview of why cartons are a sustainable form of packaging, the strategy used to build access to carton recycling, and resources for communities to recycle cartons locally.

6:30 – 7:30 Cocktail Hour

7:30 – 10:00 Dinner Banquet, Awards, and Junk to Funk Trashion Show

8:00 – 9:00 Pancake Breakfast

9:00 – 10:15 Markets Panel

This important session will feature a variety of recycling markets experts assessing regional markets. What’s going on with paper, metal, organics, plastics, and more? How should we be prepared for what’s on the horizon, and what’s new in Oregon? Join us as we take a sharp look at the forces shaping our industry.

Moderator
Patty Moore, Moore Recycling Associates Inc. – Plastics Markets (bio)
John Lucini, SP Recycling – Paper Markets (bio)
Vince Tye, Recology – Organics (bio)
Metro Metals

Moderator
Jeff Murray, Far West Fibers/AOR (bio)

10:15 – 10:30 Break

10:30 – 11:45 AOR Policy Session: What are Our Values and Priorities?

Change is inevitable, but with a little forethought change can be advantageous and beneficial. Looking to the future, what kind of organization should AOR be? Let’s start mapping out a strategy together. Join us as we confront, head on in an open dialogue, the serious questions you’ve been asking. How would you like the organization to serve you and your company? Where does the larger sustainability movement fit in? Who are AOR’s members and are they happy with what the organization does for them? What role should the annual conference serve? Additionally, we will review a draft position that the AOR board wishes to take on degradable additives in plastics.

Moderators
Rick Winterhalter, Clackamas County/AOR (bio)
Ali Briggs, Resource Recycling/AOR (bio)

11:45 – 1:15 Lunch: "Reuse It" — The Movie

BRING Recycling presents “Reuse It,” a 12-minute film that takes a look at the used building materials industry in Oregon and shows why reuse is good for the environment and our economy.

1:15 – 2:30 Concurrent Sessions

1. Organics Processing

This session introduces the array of organics processing facilities available in Oregon. At the end of this session, participants will have a better understanding about trends and facility types in Oregon and where their organics are likely to be processed.

Speakers
Bob Barrows, Oregon DEQ (bio) (presentation)
Holly Stirnkorb, Tabor Consulting Group/Columbia Biogas (bio) (presentation)
Pierce Louis, Dirt Hugger (bio) (presentation)
Erin Stanforth, PCC—Rock Creek (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Michelle Metzler, Waste Management (bio)

2. Trends in Oregon Waste Disposal and Recycling

Join DEQ’s Peter Spendelow as he assesses the current landscape in materials management and disposal in Oregon. Spendelow weaves together disposal tonnages at landfills, the 2009 Oregon Waste Composition Study, the annual Oregon Material Recovery Survey, and other studies for a revealing summary of the impacts of the recycling and recovery programs offered in Oregon and recommendations of where further action might be most effective.

Speaker
Peter Spendelow, Oregon DEQ (bio) (presentation)

Moderator
Joe Wonderlick, Waste Connections/AOR (bio)

2:45– 4:00 Closing Plenary: The 2011 Legislative Session's Impact on Recycling

Join Bill Lunch as he digs deep into the politics behind current recycling issues fresh from the legislative update session. Lunch will review the efforts at expanding the Bottle Bill, the proposal to ban plastic grocery bags, and other relevant topics. He will then offer an analysis of what this legislation means for the future of our industry.

Speaker
Bill Lunch (bio)

Moderator
Kristen Leonard, C&E Systems (bio)

4:00 Final Remarks

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