2013 Conference Program

Monday, May 20, 2013

Recycling Commodities

9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Hard to Recycle Materials: Part I – Paint, Carpet, and Mattresses
Interest in collecting “hard to recycle” materials continues to increase. Three industries – paint, carpet, and mattresses – will describe what they are doing to increase recycling.

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Hard to Recycle Materials: Part II - Rechargeable Batteries, Cell Phones, Mercury Thermostats, and Pharmaceuticals 
Some products are easier to recycle than others. Three industries – electronics, mercury thermostats, and pharmaceuticals – are dealing with unique collection and processing challenges posed by items that are physically small, yet common in consumer use.

Hands-On Professional Skills

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
Dealing with the Media 
In this interactive session, attendees will work on how to communicate with the media. This includes how to present your company in the best light and working through some scenarios of what a reporter might ask and how to answer these questions. 

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Building Customer Rapport 
You may think that you know all of the tricks of sales, but in this workshop-style session, you will be provided with the latest information on how to sell in conditions of increased competition. Techniques will include telephone and email conversations as well as in-person sales.

Collection Technology

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
Alternative Fuels for Recycling and Garbage Trucks, A Status Report 
Many waste and recycling collection operations are converting portions of their fleets to alternative fuels (compressed natural gas, landfill gas, and biofuels). In this session, presenters will provide an update on current trends, why and how these decisions are being made, financial implications, and whether the trends will continue and for how long. 

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Management of Non-Mobile Assets: Carts and Containers 
Collection companies generally have excellent data and control of their mobile equipment. The same level of information often is not captured for non-mobile equipment. In addition to having a better handle on assets, there are significant opportunities for revenue improvement by matching actual service levels to invoicing. The panel will discuss the "nuts and bolts" of available technology and systems, and share implementation and success stories.

Labor Relations

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
Keeping a Firing from Backfiring 
While many employers have the right to fire employees at will, federal labor laws protect workers from being fired because of certain acts of discrimination or retaliation. Additionally, workers may be protected by state law, public policy, and contractual obligations, such as collective bargaining agreements. In 2011 and 2012 over 11,000 retaliation claims were filed in U.S. courts. This session is a must for all employers to know how to avoid termination pitfalls. 

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
National Labor Relations Act and Social Media: Protect Your Business 
Social media can be used to enhance a company’s business and increase communication with the public, but social media also can chill employee rights and lead to sexual harassment, discrimination, and other violations of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Learn what actions an employer may take to prevent these charges without violating employee rights under the NLRA.

Community Relations

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
Being a Good Neighbor: Developing and Implementing Community Watch Programs
The waste and recycling industry travels through neighborhoods on a routine basis and is uniquely situated to help police and fire departments prevent crime. Successful community watch programs have made a difference and positioned a company well with customers. Get your company more involved. 

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Authentic Community Engagement: Opportunities to Win Permits and Contracts 
The annual Saint Index continues to find opposition to waste and recycling industry projects. A new style of conversation with communities is required to overcome this opposition. Described as “identify, engage, harness, and mobilize,” this approach leverages leadership and corporate responsibility to earn the respect of communities.

Recycling

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
To Compost or Digest: Increasing Food Waste Recovery 
Composting and anaerobic digestion offer two very different solutions to increased recovery of food waste. Learn about the opportunities and pitfalls involved in both of these processes. 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
How to Recycle in Places that Resist Recycling 
Apartment buildings, businesses and public spaces pose unique recycling challenges. Presenters will discuss these barriers and how to overcome them and increase recycling where gains are least expected.

Law

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Legal Impacts: Organized Collection, Just Compensation, and More 
Many state and federal lawsuits have challenged the ability of waste management companies to conduct business. These lawsuits will be discussed with their impacts and what to expect in the future.   

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
Flow Control and the Courts 
Government decisions forcing waste and recyclables to be hauled to certain facilities (flow control) continues to be frequently litigated in the courts. The pros and cons of these government actions, court opinions, impacts on the industry, and future expectations will be debated.

Safety

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Transportation Safety: A Look at Compliance with Multiple Highway and Trucking Regulations 
On-going efforts at the federal and state level are focused on distracted driving, hours of service, compliance records or scoring, truck weights, and more, all impacting waste and recycling collection services. Ensure your operations are in compliance and your employees are protected by attending this session. 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
Balers and Compactors: Installation, Maintenance, and Customer Training 
The Z245 series of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards reflect the best practices for reducing accidents and injuries to employees. This session will cover safety issues associated with balers and compactors.

Management

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Speaking Spanish for Supervisors 
Many drivers, helpers, and other employees speak Spanish as their native language. For supervisors to ensure that their message is clearly understood, knowing a little Spanish can help. The Spanish language skills provided in this session will focus on the recycling and waste disposal place of employment. 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
The Invisible Spotlight: Why Managers Can’t Hide 
“See the unseen” -- every managerial gesture and interaction can inspire or disenfranchise employees. In an audience engaging, conversation style, free of jargon, and packed with real life examples, the presenter will uncover deeds and words that impact employees with the goal of making managers more aware of their actions. The result will be better workplace communication.

Government Relations

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Does a Government Affairs Program Help Your Bottom Line? 
Most companies put government affairs at the bottom of their “to do” list; but a well-organized program can actually help increase your bottom line. Grassroots efforts, proper communications, and lobbying must be part of your plan. A coordinated, successful effort can be implemented in a short amount of time no matter the size of your company. 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
Representative Impacts: How are Elected Officials Challenging Our Industry?
By now, elected officials have taken their place at the federal and state levels with their agendas on budgets, building infrastructure, fixing the economy, etc. A political expert will describe the political climate and what the industry can expect.

Lunch-N-Learn

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. 
Living Legends: Success Stories from Industry Leaders
The EIA Women’s Council is pleased to present two industry powerhouses who will trace their successful courses of action through the recent economic crisis. Charlie Appleby, President and CEO, Advanced Disposal Services, will review his company’s rapid growth from local Florida roots to a national business. Scott Dols, President and CEO, Big Truck Rental, will explain what it takes to grow at a time when competitors fail and customers restrict capital spending. Both will highlight the role of partners, investors, capital structure, and changing market conditions.

Workshop 1 – Landfills

9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Landfill Operations 
In this all-day workshop, presenters will discuss a variety of current issues affecting landfill operations from Clean Air Act requirements to technological advancements. The workshop includes lunch for attendees who want to network. 

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
The Changing Waste Stream for Disposal
Topics include: Upfront processing, organic removal, replacing lower volumes of MSW 

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Landfills Protect the Environment
Topics Include: Results of groundwater monitoring, etc. 

11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
Lunch and Public Affairs for Landfills 

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Landfill Gas Management 
Topics Include: NSPS revisions, greenhouse gases, remote sensing of emissions 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
Improving the Bottom Line 
Topics Include: improved design, alternative leachate treatment, stormwater management 
 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Recycling Markets

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Paper Recycling Markets: Boom or Bust? 
Paper markets cooled off in 2012. Will they boom or bust in 2013? Presenters will provide ideas on what to expect from markets for the next year. 

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Glass Recycling: Processing and Markets Update 
Through a case study, attendees will hear about an exciting new glass processing facility. In addition, trends in markets for processed glass will be discussed. 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
Bottles, Bags, and Bumpers: Plastics Recycling 
Update Plastics recycling markets are growing. Which plastic products are benefiting from this growth? What are the best methods to collect and process different types of plastics to take advantage of market expansion?

Money and Finance

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Financing for Small and Medium-Sized Operations 
This session focuses on financing options for small and medium-sized companies. Should you buy or lease a truck? What financial mechanisms are available for your operations? Attend this session and find out what questions you should ask when considering how to finance your business. 

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Volatility Trends, Profitability, and Leveraging 
Automation in Fuel Best management practices in considering volatility, profitability, and automation in fuel purchasing will help you focus on the decision-making process at your company. Come to this session prepared to share your best management practices and get answers to your questions. 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
Growth Investment or Cash Flow Annuity -- A Capital Markets Discussion 
The solid waste sector has been changing for many years driven by consolidation, efficiency improvements, and increasing regulation that benefits private operators. Over the last several years, public and private market valuations have fallen and several industry leaders have shifted away from investments in core solid waste. Significant investments in private infrastructure have emerged. What this means today and for the future will be discussed by a panel of investors and public company representatives.

Collection

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Green Fleets: Five Practical Ways to Improve on Daily Operations in Tight Economic Times 
Most reports on “green fleets” are focused on improving fuel consumption and reducing emissions that can be very costly and impractical. In this session, the presenter will offer five achievable steps to improve sustainability and your bottom line. 

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Every Other Week Garbage Collection 
Managing changes to the frequency of trash and recyclables collection and remaining profitable is not easy. In this session, presenters will consider every other week garbage collection, why this trend is taking place, how to address customer concerns, and how to implement this change at your collection operations? 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
Managing Rejected Loads 
When a disposal facility rejects a load because of illegal materials (asbestos, low-level radioactive materials, hazardous waste) what do you do? Managing this waste is difficult but necessary because customers make mistakes. The goal of this session is to provide attendees with practical and proven options.

Employment I

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
The Ever-Changing Employment 
Market The desired talent in the waste industry is becoming increasingly difficult. Commodity rates for recycling are volatile such that companies hire one minute and fire the next. During economic hard times, professionals are more hesitant to move between companies. Soft real estate markets are affecting some candidates’ willingness to move. Companies are “right-sizing” and requiring employees to perform the work of two people. Insights and suggestions to tackle these issues will be shared. 

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
New Technologies for Employee Management and Other Human Resource Information Systems 
The use of electronic systems to manage human resources has become the standard, but which system is right for your company? A case study will be provided along with an analysis of how to select from available technology. 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
Dealing with Difficult People at Work 
Dealing with difficult co-workers, bosses, customers, and vendors is never a pleasant experience, but kicking them is not an option and every workplace has this problem. Mastering the skills to overcome this difficulty can be rewarding and help increase your self-esteem and professional courage. This interactive session is a must for everyone.

Sustainability

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Preparing for Natural Disasters: What to Do Before, During, and After Waves 
The key to dealing with natural disasters is to be prepared to respond quickly. The presenter will review critical steps stressing the importance of emergency planning and emergency recovery plans. Also on the agenda is the need for coordination between the private and public sectors, good communication systems with vendors, suppliers, and customers. 

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. 
Extended Producer Responsibility, An Update for Operators 
By now, the concept of extended producer responsibility in which manufacturers accept financial responsibility for taking back their products from consumers is well known. Panelists will discuss opportunities for the recycling and waste industry. 

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. 
The Changing Waste Stream 
The waste stream is changing to include non-traditional materials such as waste from Marcellus shale operations. Some materials are subject to extended producer responsibility. For the waste and recycling industry to engage, companies need to understand this new customer base. This session describes these new customers and the opportunities available to companies of all sizes if they are willing to adjust.

Lunch-N-Learn

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. 
Sustainability: Moving from Disposal to Materials and Energy Management 
Our industry is moving away from traditional disposal and increasing waste diversion, creating energy and new markets through better utilization of resources. Current trends, sustainable infrastructure, beneficial uses, and industry positioning will be discussed.

Workshop 2 – Leadership

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Executive Management Leadership Skills: Reach Your Full Potential 
Senior leadership roles carry a heavy responsibility and require strong examples to influence followers to embrace their vision. The burden of leadership is made more difficult by incomplete skills and talents that call for complementary roles to support the mission. This session will call attention to the participants’ developmental challenges and highlight strategies to effectively transform intent to enthusiasm for successful execution of business plans. These practical solutions for lasting success will enhance your organization’s performance and move it toward a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This session includes lunch.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Employment II

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
Employee Motivation: When Salary Incentives are Unavailable 
Keeping employees happy when salary increases are not an option requires employers to consider other incentives such as creating the right atmosphere, offering more work schedule flexibility, better benefits, and a long list of other ideas. Learn to “think outside the box.” 

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
The Limits on Background Checks 
Companies are conducting background checks on employees to avoid problems with criminal records, immigration status, and to ensure that the prospect is the right fit for a job. However, there are legal limits on what an employer can seek and what an employer can say about former employees. This session will discuss these limitations in the context of the waste management industry.

Professional Development

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
Retirement Planning, It's Not Just Financial 
When experts refer to retirement planning, they are usually offering assistance on developing financial protection. However, just as important as money, is planning for filling your time and considering healthcare. 

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Improve Your Skills: Time Management, Internal Meeting Planning, and Team Building 
Whether you are starting your management career or working in an executive position, techniques for time management, controlling the flow of internal company meetings, and keeping your teams working successfully are critically important. The latest techniques will be discussed. Enforcement 

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
Roadside Inspections 
Attendees will be lead through a truck inspection on the show floor by enforcement officers. Don’t be late; we leave for the show floor at 9:00 a.m.   

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Best Implementation Practices Using Technology for Driver Safety 
A significant number of all collisions involve driver error. In-cab video technology enables fleets to identify and correct driver error, but the technology is merely a tool. A comprehensive and consistent approach to avoid collisions and ensure compliance is necessary. Presenters will discuss the steps for a successful program providing the latest information.

Management Tools

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 
Go Paperless: How to Increase Customer Satisfaction with Electronic Payments? 
Through a case study, the presenter will provide information on how companies can go paperless and establish electronic billing and payment systems that make sense for the waste and recycling industry. 

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. 
Safety Tools: Implementing the New Industry Manual 
The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) received a grant from the Environmental Research and Education Foundation to update its safety manual for the waste and recycling industry. This session will review the contents of the revised manual, highlight key changes, and discuss how to use it to improve safety at your facility.

Lunch-N-Learn

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. 
What to Expect from OSHA in 2013 and Beyond 
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) agenda includes violator programs, enhanced penalties, and repeat citation liability. Knowing how to respond to OSHA inspections, understanding employer and employee rights, and defending against a citation will be provided through practical recommendations.