My conversational style can be meandering at times, and it’s not unheard of for someone to ask me, ever so politely, to get to the point. For now, at least, I will heed their advice: This is my last issue as the editor of Waste Age. After seven years at this magazine — including the last five and a half as its editor — I am leaving to go into business for myself as a freelance writer and editor. It’s something that I have long dreamed of doing.

But deciding to chase a dream often is not an easy decision, and this instance is no exception. That’s in large part because I have truly treasured the company of my co-workers here at Waste Age, and I have enjoyed the hell out of covering this industry. Over the years, people would sometimes giggle when I told them about my job, but I always figured the loss was theirs: I knew what an interesting and important industry this is.

One thing that did make my decision easier is knowing that the magazine will left be in the talented and more-than-capable hands of Steven Averett, who has served as managing editor of Waste Age for nearly five years. It will be exciting to see where Steven takes the magazine and our new Waste360.com website in the months and years ahead.

I don’t consider this a total farewell: I will continue to write for Waste Age and will presumably be calling and e-mailing many of you as I report my stories. So let me ask this in advance: please return my call as soon as possible.

All kidding aside, thanks for reading the magazine. It’s been a pleasure.