‘Recycling Through a Recession’ Seminar Set for Dec. 8

By Donald Stotts, OK State University

11-05-2009

Recycling through a recession will be the focus of this year’s Oklahoma Recycling Seminar, scheduled for Dec. 8 in Stillwater.

The 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seminar will take place at Oklahoma State University’s ConocoPhillips Alumni Center.

“Participants will be getting the latest updates on everything from recycling markets and operations to organics diversion and container deposit bills,” said Ilda Hershey, OSU Cooperative Extension assistant specialist for solid waste management programs.

The seminar is designed primarily for city and county government officials, recycling professionals, community leaders, educators, students and Oklahoma residents interested in the business of recycling or expanding local programs.

“December’s seminar will provide plenty of opportunities for learning, sharing and networking,” Hershey said. “Be aware that we’re asking participants to pre-register to ensure that we have sufficient seminar materials and refreshments available.”

Cost is $25 if registering by Nov. 23, and $35 thereafter. Students can attend for $20. Exhibitor rates are $100 for business or government if registering by Nov. 23, and $150 thereafter. Exhibitor rates for non-profit organizations are $50 if registering by Nov. 23, and $75 thereafter.

Participants can register online at http://recycleok.org/recycling-seminar.php or by contacting OSU Ag Conference Services at 405-744-6489, should individuals wish to receive a faxed registration form.
Michael Patton of the Metropolitan Environmental Trust will begin the program with an update on current recycling markets and the economic outlook for recycling. Patton will also lead discussions on how to set up a recycling center.

Stan Fullingim with the city of Ada will lead a session on how to measure recycling efforts.

Al Drinkwater of Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc. will present information about the organization’s new plastics processing facility in northeastern Oklahoma.
“We felt it important to feature an Organics Diversion Panel, given that so much of municipal waste is biodegradable,” Hershey said. “Representatives from Norman, Miami, Edmond, and others involved in yard waste collection will present case studies and answer questions about their composting or mulch operations.”

The seminar will conclude with a session on container and bottle deposit programs, including discussion about the current bottle bill being considered by the Oklahoma Legislature.
“Jim Bolgna, site-energy manager for Saint-Gobain Containers Inc., will be one of the experts on hand to present the benefits of a bottle deposit program and its implications for increasing recycling, reducing waste, saving energy and generating revenue,” Hershey said.

Up to five hours of continuing education credits will be available to members of the Solid Waste Association of North America who attend the seminar.

“There will be an optional site visit of the Stillwater Convenience Collection Center after the conclusion of the seminar,” Hershey said. “This tour is included as part of the basic registration fee.”
“Recycling through a Recession” is hosted by the Oklahoma Recycling Association and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, and is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and OGE Energy Corp.

Anyone seeking additional information about the Dec. 8 seminar should visit the Oklahoma Recycling Association Web site at http://recycleok.org or contact Hershey at 405-744-9806.