A light-hearted Q&A with the president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries.

March 31, 2012

2 Min Read
Commingled Conversation: Robin Wiener

Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, loves her family, despite the fact that they mercilessly deprive her of sleep. But as you’ll learn in our informal Q&A, that doesn’t stop her from occasionally retreating to an alternate dimension, Starbucks in hand.

Waste Age: What is your pet peeve?

Wiener: I can’t stand surprises, especially at work. In the office I am always emphasizing the need for red flags to be thrown up as early as possible. Mistakes happen, the news isn’t always good, but it is always easier to manage if you are made aware of problems sooner rather than later.

Waste Age: What is your idea of the perfect day?

Wiener: Hanging out with my husband and daughters. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, just being with them makes for a perfect day!

Waste Age: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Wiener: The importance of taking a few hours every once in awhile to disappear from the world in order to recharge your batteries.

Waste Age: What was the last book you read?

Wiener: “The Submission” by Amy Waldman.

Waste Age: What is your favorite movie?

Wiener: “Henry V” with Kenneth Branagh. This was one of his first films where he both directed and acted, and he did a wonderful job with both.

Waste Age: What is your favorite TV show?

Wiener: That is hard. I am addicted to “The Good Wife,” “Homeland,” and “Once Upon a Time.” And I am looking forward to “Mad Men” finally returning!

Waste Age: Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Wiener: Definitely Rolling Stones!

Waste Age: What is the strangest piece of trash you’ve ever come across?

Wiener: I only come across recyclable commodities … never trash!

Waste Age: Do you prefer the beach or mountains?

Wiener: The beach, although truthfully I love swimming pools overlooking the beach the best. Watching the waves is incredibly peaceful, as is walking along the beach.

Waste Age: What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?

Wiener: My family … and Starbucks!

Waste Age: If you could invite three people — living or dead — to a dinner party, who would they be?

Wiener: Katherine Graham (former owner/editor of the Washington Post), Sheryl Sandberg (Chief Operating Officer of Facebook) and Nicholas Kristof (columnist for the New York Times).

Waste Age: If you weren’t serving in your current role, what would you like to be?

Wiener: An archaeologist. I always dreamed of being one when I
was young.
Waste Age: What is your favorite sports team?

Wiener: The New York Yankees!

Waste Age: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Wiener: The ability to go without sleep.

Waste Age: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

Wiener: Giving birth to children at age 40 and 45. They were both wild adventures (see previous answer), but with amazing endings!

If you have suggestions for future interviewees, send them along to [email protected].

Stay in the Know - Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Join a network of more than 90,000 waste and recycling industry professionals. Get the latest news and insights straight to your inbox. Free.

You May Also Like