TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024

Schedule Subject to Change

7:30 - 9:00 AM Registration & Breakfast

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

7:30 - 9:00 AM Exhibitor Setup

Location: Minnetonka 1-6

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Tours

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Tour Alternative

Location: Minnetonka 7-9

Documentary + Discussion of "Kiss the Ground"

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch & Exhibits

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

1:00 - 2:15 PM Joint Session

Location: Minnetonka 7-9

Recycling Economics and Markets in Minnesota
This presentation will look at the present economic activity associated with the Minnesota's valued added manufacturing. It will also look at historical information going back to 1996.
Presenter:
Wayne Gjerde, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Driving Innovation & Partnership Across the Recycling Supply Chain with NextCycle
Learn how to utilize collaboration and partnerships with public, private, non-profit, universities, and impact investors to develop and improve circular economies, ensure equitable impact, and accelerate environmental and economic progress. Michigan will also share their success with the program.
Presenters:
Elisa Seltzer, Resource Recycling Systems
Julie Staveland, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Moderator:
Maggie Yauk, Anoka County

2:15 - 2:30 PM Break & Exhibits

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

2:30 - 3:45 PM Recycling

Location: Minnetonka 7-9

Revolutionizing Recycling: AI-Driven Reduction of Residential Contamination
Prairie Robotics has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to combat residential recycling contamination. This innovative approach, exemplified through AI-augmented recycling collection trucks, offers a sustainable solution to a pressing environmental issue. This presentation will delve into the transformative technology, share insights from successful case studies and highlight the benefits of combining AI-driven audits with personalized resident education. Discover how this innovative approach is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future in waste management.
Presenter:
Sam Dietrich, Prairie Robotics

Cost of Separating Plastic Bags & Film
Lots of brands and organizations say that plastic film can be recycled at the curb - but at what cost? Eureka finished a study that measured the cost, impact, barriers to separating this material this way.
Presenter:
Miriam Holsinger, Eureka Recycling

Moderator:
Chelsea Moody, St. Paul Public Schools

2:30 - 3:45 PM Organics Management

Location: Isanti 1

Track presented by:

Optimized Composting: A Science-Based Approach for Establishing Performance Specifications
In the world of large-scale composting there has historically been a gap between what the best available science teaches and what is put into practice by facility designers and operators. This presentation will review compost science that supports a process optimization strategy to reap the combined advantages of fast stabilization and minimized odor generation. We then show how odor and VOC emissions profiles change over time in a rapidly stabilizing process, and how this profile should inform the use of air emission capture and control methods. To illustrate these points we will review the KPI and performance outcomes from two large-scale composting facilities that have very different levels of process optimization. Finally, will present a simplified set of key performance indicators that provides a roadmap for designing, regulating and operating high performing and low risk large-scale composting facilities.
Presenters:
Tim O’Neill, Engineered Compost Systems
Dustin Montey, SMSC Organics Recycling Facility
Baraka Poulin, Engineered Compost Systems

Moderator:
Rob Friend

2:30 - 3:45 PM Solid Waste

Location: Isanti 2

Track presented by:

Waste to Carbon Removal
Carba is tackling climate change with a novel approach to permanent carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Carba puts solid carbon into materials and back in the ground. The technology is the most efficient and scalable permanent carbon dioxide removal solution available today. They have developed a proprietary process known as Biomass Torrefaction to Burial (BTB) to collect and convert plant waste to a recalcitrant solid carbon that can be used in materials or buried underground in anoxic pits where it is protected from degradation mechanisms. In this talk, Dr. Jones will describe their process and the ability to valorize waste streams in landfill cover.
Presenter:
Andrew Jones, Carba

Current State of Architectural Glass Recycling
A focus on the current state of architectural glass recycling with an emphasis on laminated and safety glass. Including information on why recycling rates are so low and many reasons for industry optimism. Practical solutions will be provided for those interested in learning how to recycle architectural glass.
Presenter:
Jeremiah Watson, Watson Recycling

Moderator:
Sonya Betker, Stantec

2:30 - 3:45 PM Hazardous Waste

Location: Isanti 3

Hazardous Waste in Metal Finishing
The presentation on hazardous waste in metal finishing will provide a comprehensive overview of the industry, covering waste generation, management strategies, and waste minimization techniques. It will include an introduction to metal finishing's significance in manufacturing, emphasizing its role in improving product appearance, durability, and corrosion resistance. Visual aids will help demonstrate various metal finishing processes such as electroplating and anodizing. The discussion will shift to waste streams, highlighting hazardous substances like heavy metals and other regulated compounds commonly used in these processes.  We will then discuss the handling and disposal of the waste which metal finishing processes commonly generate.  Finally, we will discuss waste minimization techniques, including process optimization and material substitution as emphasized through practical examples and success stories. Overall, the presentation will attempt to provide an informative exploration of metal finishing and its associated hazardous waste challenges, emphasizing opportunities for sustainable solutions in the industry.
Presenter:
John Atkins, MN Association of Metal Finishers

Pharmaceutical Waste: Challenges and Successes
This presentation will discuss pharmaceutical wastes in healthcare and discuss some of the challenges faced at Children's MN, as well as successes in our program. It will also review the complexity of the many regulations that govern our pharmaceutical waste world, and how a streamline program was created that is compliant with MN regulations.
Presenter:
Denise Deutsch, Children's MN

Moderator:
Paul Gelbmann, Ramsey County

3:45 - 5:30 PM Happy Hour

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024

Schedule Subject to Change

7:30 - 8:30 AM Registration, Breakfast, Exhibits

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

8:30 - 9:30 AM Keynote

Location: Minnetonka 7-9

Beyond ‘Kiss the Ground’
Take the conversation above and beyond the documentary, ‘Kiss the Ground’. Learn how to close the loop on regenerative agriculture practices and how it connects with organics recovery efforts here in Minnesota. Gain insights from environmentalists, solid waste facility operators, waste haulers, and state, county, and city government employees in the recycling and solid waste industry on why composting is so important and how we can use that information to support policies and programs to recycle food scraps and then use that compost on a broad scale.

Keynote:
Luke Jones, Understanding AG

9:30 - 10:00 AM Break & Exhibits

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

10:00 - 11:00 AM Joint Session

Location: Minnetonka 7-9

Bridging the Gap for Greater Success
Representing different perspectives, this panel will discuss how current challenges in our integrated waste management system require working together. This includes leveraging existing solutions as well as considering the potential of new technologies, evolving policies and regulations, changing consumer behavior, and more. We’ll consider what a path forward could look like to reach meaningful, impactful, and long-term solutions while still acknowledging multiple viewpoints. We’ll discuss:

• New technologies and legislation that may be at odds with the current waste hierarchy

• Our need to explore solutions that address goals in waste management policy, sustainable energy, climate change mitigation, and environmental justice

• How complex problems may require compromises to arrive at complex solutions

Panelists:
Miriam Holsinger, Eureka Recycling
Kirk Koudelka, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
David McConnell, Juno a Georgia-Pacific Company
Moderator:
Robert Craggs, Burns & McDonnell

11:00 - 11:15 AM Break & Exhibits

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Recycling

Location: Minnetonka 7-9

Apartment Recycling Champions: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Hennepin County launched the Apartment Recycling Champions program in May 2023 with the goal of addressing barriers to improve recycling at multifamily properties. The presentation will give an overview of the six-month pilot program, covering lessons learned, successes, and challenges.
Presenter:
Lianna Goldstein, Hennepin County

Lessons Learned from Apartment Mattress Recycling Pilot Programs
Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy and MNWaste Wise partnered with Second Chance Recycling to pilot mattress recycling programs with multi-unit properties located in Ramsey and Washington counties. Some of the key lessons learned from the pilot programs will be discussed.
Presenters:
Leslie Duling McCollam, Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy
Bonnie Nord, Minnesota Waste Wise

Multi-Family Recycling Challenges
A representative of Pope and Douglas Counties will present on unique challenges and opportunities for multi-family recycling in Greater Minnesota.
Presenter:
Nathan Reinbold, Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management

Moderator:
Elizabeth Walsh, Minnesota Waste Wise

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Organics Management

Location: Isanti 1

Track presented by:

What Role Does Food Waste Play in Climate Action Planning?
Waste management has a significant role in our transition towards climate resiliency and has a major part in our decarbonization route. This session will discuss how critical waste is to the decarbonization pathway and how waste climate strategies are pivotal for long-term climate resiliency.
Presenter:
Kate Bartelt, HDR

Waste Characterization Studies: Digging Through the Data
Understanding what is in our trash can help develop programs to better meet waste diversion and recycling goals. Waste characterization studies, or waste sorts, provide valuable data about what materials are in the trash, going to landfills, or waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities in the state and beyond.
Presenters:
Angiulo Damiani, HDR
Jennefer Klennert, HDR

Moderator:
Baraka Poulin, Engineered Compost Systems

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Solid Waste

Location: Isanti 2

Track presented by:

Mixed Waste Processing and Anerobic Digestion: Where Do They Fit into the Waste Management Hierarchy?     
Explore these emerging solid waste management technologies. What do they involve, how are they related, and considerations for their application?
Presenter:
Robert Craggs, Burns & McDonnell

The Role of Resource Recovery in a Fully Integrated Solid Waste System
Discussion on new technology implemented at MRRA facilities and how they fit into integrated solid waste planning efforts. Most facilities are publicly owned and rely on collaborative work with solid waste programs and planning.
Presenters:
Chris McConn, Otter Tail County
Michael Reed, Ramsey County Environmental Health
Jon Steiner, Polk County

Moderator:
Stantec Representative

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Sustainability

Location: Isanti 3

Hennepin County Zero Waste Plan
Community engagement is an integral aspect of effective governance, fostering collaboration between government bodies and the communities they serve. In this presentation, we will explore the significance of community engagement within the framework of Hennepin County's Zero Waste Plan, emphasizing its role in creating 62 inclusive policies and initiatives. Learn from experts how fostering open communication channels, Hennepin County harnesses the collective intelligence and expertise of its constituents, leading to more informed decision making and sustainable outcomes.
Presenters:
Jessica Nyaribo, Hennepin County
Joe Vital, Hennepin County
Moderator:
Amy Ulbricht, Anoka County

12:15 - 1:30 PM Lunch & Exhibits

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

1:30 - 2:45 PM Recycling

Location: Minnetonka 7-9

Colorado EPR Needs Assessment: First in the Nation
A comprehensive analysis of Colorado’s recycling, composting, and hauling infrastructure by assessing Colorado’s current capacity to manage packaging and the potential for expansion to sustainably manage materials across the state. Explore the process of what is involved in a first-of-its-kind needs assessment.
Presenter:
Jessica Lally, HDR

EPR for Packaging in MN: A Proposal
Three metro counties have worked with stakeholders to develop a legislative proposal for extended producer responsibility for packaging. Find out about the process, the proposed language, and all the details for the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act.
Presenter:
Mallory Anderson, Hennepin County

Moderator:
Paul Gardner, Clean Water Council

1:30 - 2:45 PM Organics Management

Location: Isanti 1

Track presented by:

Fighting Food Waste in Minnesota's Food Rescue System
Food rescue efforts in MN provide an outlet for surplus foods while serving communities in need. Food shelves and pantries supply food to an increasing number of individuals each year that would otherwise be headed to the landfill or compost facilities. This panel will be an open discussion with industry professionals to better understand the food rescue system and present ideas for increasing the capacity and effectiveness of food rescue as a priority use of food that would otherwise be managed as waste. Individuals that work at food producers, distributors, food banks, donors, and food shelves and pantries will share realities and challenges of food loss within their operations, industry specific successes in reducing food waste and future goals for food rescue and waste prevention.
Presenters:
Karla Bauer, Second Harvest Heartland
Ashleyn Przedwiecki, Luum Collective
Lisa Schutz, SEMNFRR
Jeanne Thoreson, Community Food Response
Moderator:
Madeleine Partch, Minnesota Waste Wise

1:30 - 2:45 PM Solid Waste

Location: Isanti 2

Track presented by:

Leachate Pre-Treatment for PFAS Removal at SKB Rosemount Landfill
SKB installed a full-scale PFAS pre-treatment system to remove PFAS from the SKB Rosemount landfill leachate, the first of its kind in MN. This presentation will review the experience of operating the system.
Presenters:
Martin Bureau, ALTRA Sanexen
Ryan O’Gara, SKB Environmental

The Cost of PFAS Destruction in Landfill Leachate: A Feasibility Study from Minnesota
A feasibility study was conducted to understand costs associated with treatment and destruction of PFAS in four major waste streams. PFAS treatment in landfill leachate is challenging due to the complexity of the matrix, which requires extensive pre-treatment ahead of most commercially available PFAS treatment options.
Presenters:
James Aiken, PG, Barr Engineering Company
Becca Vermace, PE, Barr Engineering Company

Leachate Evaporation for PFAS Separation
PFAS in landfill leachate are predominantly low-volatile, ionic compounds that are highly soluble at the typical pH of landfill leachate. The transport of PFAS from liquid to air can occur through association with particulate matter and airborne aerosols, therefore warranting a review of the fate of PFAS during evaporative treatment.
Presenters:
Matt Holub, , Heartland Water Technology
Travis Smith, PE, Heartland Water Technology

Moderator:
Stantec Representative

1:30 - 2:45 PM Sustainability

Location: Isanti 3

Sharing a LOT: Library of Things
What is a Library of Things “LOT” and how several LOT's operate in the Twin Cities. Join representatives from three local LOTs as they share their business models, marketing tools they use, and what the market forecast looks like for growth.
Presenters:
Jessie Becker, Twin Cities Library of Things
Kate Hersey, Minnesota Tool Library
Rebecca Nutter, Minneapolis Toy Library
Moderator:
Jenny Kedward, Hennepin County

2:45 - 3:30 PM Break & Exhibits

Location: Minnetonka Prefunction and Minnetonka 1-6

3:30 - 4:30 PM Recycling

Location: Minnetonka 7-9

Fiber Forum
Learn about trends, growth opportunities, technology improvements and challenges surrounding recycling paper.
Panelists:
Jim Birmingham, Carton Council
Matt Lasiuta, LEI Packaging
Peg Wander, Liberty Paper
Moderator:
Mark Hackbarth, Vonco

3:30 - 4:30 PM Organics Management

Location: Isanti 1

Track presented by:

Implementation of an Food Waste Diversion and Recycling Requirements
A session in which Dakota and Hennepin County representatives discuss their respective ordinances geared towards requiring businesses to divert food waste and recycle. Representatives will share what they've learned from the field and discuss the challenges of ordinance implementation.
Presenters:
Joshua Suckow, Hennepin County
Chee Yang, Dakota County
Moderator:
Baraka Poulin, Engineered Compost Systems

3:30 - 4:30 PM Solid Waste

Location: Isanti 2

Track presented by:

Metro Waste System/Metro Policy Plan Implications for the System
This session will explore short and long-term solutions outlined in the Metropolitan Solid Waste Policy Plan 2022–2042. This plan will guide how we manage waste in the seven-county metro area. The plan sets goals and policies for recycling, hazardous waste management, and reducing our reliance on land disposal. In addition, county representatives will discuss how their respective counties are implementing the strategies and objectives laid out in the policy plan and how they are incorporating the policies into their respective county solid waste plans.
Presenters:
Alison Cameron, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Jamie Giesen, Washington County
Nick Reishus, Scott County
Moderator:
Stantec Representative

3:30 - 4:30 PM Sustainability

Location: Isanti 3

Curbside Pickup of Reusable and Recyclable Bulky Items
In this presentation, you will learn more about the City of Bloomington’s Bulky Item Management Program which aims to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. The City has a two-year contract with Better Futures Minnesota to provide monthly pickup of certain bulky items for recycling and reuse. The program began as a pilot in November 2022, and rolled out citywide in June 2023.
Presenters:
Jason Allen, Better Futures Minnesota
Laura Horner, City of Bloomington
Moderator:
Kristin Pierskalla, Hennepin County