One of the Midwest’s largest recycling and solid waste management forums is coming this fall to Dubuque, Iowa. The 2019 Iowa Recycling and Solid Waste Management Conference will be held September 30 – October 2, 2019 at Grand Harbor Resort and Grand River Center. During the conference, decision-makers in the fields of recycling, sustainability and waste management will tour noteworthy facilities, participate in educational sessions, enjoy networking, and explore the Tri-State area.
The conference is planned and hosted by the Iowa Recycling Association (IRA) and the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations (ISOSWO), the foremost organizations representing recycling and solid waste professionals in Iowa. Organizers anticipate about 300 registrants and exhibitors, generating an approximate economic impact of $259,750 for the Dubuque community.
The event kicks off Monday, September 30, with a young professional luncheon, welcome session, educational sessions, and board meetings for the IRA and ISOSWO. On Tuesday, Neil Seldman will give the keynote address titled, “Insulating Cities from the Chinese Ban on Recyclables,” addressing the major issue facing communities nationwide as markets for recyclables have diminished following China’s implementation of strict standards for importing recycled materials.
The Grand River Center will be open to all those interested in learning about developments in the recycling, sustainability and solid waste industries. All are welcome to visit the exhibit hall on Monday, September 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, October 01 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., regardless of whether they have registered as a conference guest. Tuesday night, a pub-and-grub crawl will be held in downtown Dubuque. On Wednesday, Oct. 02, conference attendees will have the opportunity to tour Dittmer Recycling facility, the Dubuque Metro Landfill, the Alliant solar farm, and the Bee Branch Creek watershed area.