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  • A Deep Dive Into Garbage Pollution: The Future of Waste Management

A Deep Dive Into Garbage Pollution: The Future of Waste Management

  • 11 Apr 2025
  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Willamette Heritage Center, Dye House 1313 Mill St SE, Salem, OR 97301

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With the recent closure of the Brooks garbage Incinerator, we must now find  new solutions for how to dispose of our garbage.   For the short term, it will probably go to the certified Coffin Butte Landfill, and subsequently to Eastern OR.  


However starting in July,  the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582, 2021) will become effective. This will significantly expand and reform our outdated recycling system and should make our state a national leader in recycling once again.More specifically., it will make recycling easier for the public, expand access to recycling services for people statewide, and provide environmental and social equity benefits.  Also it will require producers to take responsibility for their products and packaging, and to financially invest into our modernized recycling system. Finally it will create a uniform list of recyclables for all Oregonians including a broader range of plastics.


Speakers

Ryan Zink

Senior Fiscal Analyst / Franchise Administrator

City of Salem | Finance Department


Ryan has worked for the City of Salem since 2007.  As the City of Salem’s Franchise Administrator, Ryan frequently interacts with utility customers to resolve complaints. He administers franchise agreements with various utilities such as electric, telephone, wireless, broadband, cable TV, and garbage companies and reviews the impact of proposed utility and franchise-related legislation. Ryan’s work also includes the annual review of solid waste hauler financials and the rate-review process. Currently Ryan is leading the City’s efforts to implement the Recycling Modernization Act in Salem and is staff liaison to the City’s Solid Waste Committee.


Brian May

Division Manager, Environmental Services Division

Marion County Public Works


Born and raised in Oregon, Brian has over 30 years of experience in the solid waste industry.  The first 14 years of his career he focused his efforts on removing industrial and municipal waste from landfills.  In 2004, Brian became the Operations Manager at Coffin Butte Landfill and Pacific Region Compost Facility. In 2010 Brian successfully permitted PRC as the first compost operation in Oregon to accept type 3 feed stocks. This allowed Salem to be the first in the state to allow meat, cheese, and dairy in the curbside organics cart. After a two year stent working in municipal relations in the Portland Metro Region, Brian joined Marion County Environmental Services as the Division Manager in 2016.  Currently Brian is leading Marion County ’s efforts to develop a Materials Management Plan that focuses on the importance of waste reduction and prevention. 


Registration Details

Members: Free

Non-members: $10.00

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