Sustainability goals set by our governments, facilities and businesses with the goal of making our communities more “green” often rely on the solid waste and recycling industry’s capacity, infrastructure, and innovation. But amidst the National Sword, international bans, contamination, and diminishing markets, operators of solid waste and recycling facilities are often confronted with the challenge of maintaining their own “green”- revenue and commercial viability. Has our motto of “Strive for Sustainability” in reality morphed into “Strive to Survive?”
The nationally known Federation of New York Solid Waste Association’s Conference, running May 17- 20, 2020 at The Sagamore in Bolton Landing, NY, will continue its successful program of offering timely topics and trends by attracting top speakers and experts in all fields. This conference typically draws 20% new attendees each year, including many young professionals. You may be an “expert in the field” and not recognize yourself as such, but sharing information is how knowledge is passed on to the next generation of professionals. Abstracts are now being accepted to develop next year’s program.
If you have an innovative program or improved process that you’d like to share with hundreds of your peers, please consider presenting at the 2020 Federation of New York Solid Waste Association’s Conference. Abstracts of up to 250 words will be accepted through Nov. 1, 2019, on any topic associated with solid waste, including waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, energy-from-waste (EFW), and landfilling operations. Topics which tie recycling and engineering together and are potentially PE credit eligible will receive immediate consideration as a direct result of attendee feedback. Exhibitor product technical presentations are also encouraged. Abstracts are easily submitted through the Conference website at www.nyfederation.org. (Papers from the 2019 Conference can also be viewed there.)
Presentations are generally 20 minutes, followed by questions and answers. We continue to expand our traditional 2.5 day format into 3 days of technical presentations. The breakout session tracks are designed to provide more in-depth discussions of solid waste/materials management issues. Topics for the 2020 conference are envisioned to include all things green: innovative design and case studies, operational optimization, safety best practices and training, conversion technologies, emerging contaminants (PFOAs), food waste composting and biological treatment, debris management, extended producer responsibility, beneficial use of LFG and closed landfills, collection and transportation efficiencies, and more.