2025 Conference Program

Thursday, May 8 
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Room: W220 

Registration Fee: $175 

Workshop Leader: Celeste McMickle, Director of Client Solutions, TRUE Zero Waste certification program, United States Green Business Council (USGBC)

This workshop is intended for all who are looking for direction on achieving their sustainability and zero waste goals. Led by TRUE Director Celeste McMickle with USGBC, the workshop will be interactive and feature an overview of the TRUE Advisor which provides real life examples of how facilities, events, and construction projects can achieve certification for their project. The focus for the workshop will be on the achievement for all types of businesses including corporations, higher education, and operations as the target audience. Some of the activities will include a charrette on completing the TRUE planning tool for an example facility, along with group discussions and opportunities to problem solve unique challenges by implementing the TRUE program.

Key, workshop coverage areas will include:

• Actual examples of how facilities and varied projects achieved goals.
• Full overview of the USGBC’s TRUE certification program
• Honest and open discussion of the real barriers
• Steps for identifying where is best to start in your facility, business, organization
• Strategies for successfully moving toward goal completion

Don’t miss this interactive workshop designed to jump-start your sustainability goal setting and attainment.

Thursday, May 8
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Room: W225

Registration Fee: $175

Instructor: Gary A. Bilbro, Director of Sales, Ecosafe Zero Waste. Surrey, BC

This workshop will be focused on helping the attendee understand the processes required to implement and achieve a successful organics diversion program, no matter the type of location generating the food waste.  This workshop will include discussion of: 

• Benefits to our environment when we divert organics from landfill 
• A to Z process of how to easily divert food waste from landfill 
• Edible foods and feeding hungry people 
• More requirements to do the right thing – Legislation is making it required and easier  
• Benefits of compost for soils 

This workshop will help any municipality, business, educational institution, or commercial entity that generates food scraps and currently sends it to landfill or incineration. The process will be shown to be easy, concise and compliant with all municipal or state regulations. 

Thursday, May 8
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Room: W223

Registration Fee: $175

Instructors: Richard Anthony, Vice President, ZWUSA and Ruth Abbe, Chair, Zero Waste International Alliance and President, Zero Waste USA.        

Attendees will learn:

• The international, peer-reviewed definition of Zero Waste and the Zero Waste Hierarchy of Highest and Best Use
• Why Zero Waste is the fastest, most cost-effective way communities can reduce climate change impacts, promote local sustainability, and create green jobs
• How more than 250 U.S. municipalities are systematically pursuing high diversion and Zero Waste
• What Zero Waste businesses – now in the thousands, are doing to help lead the way
• How your community could move toward Zero Waste
• Where to find the resources needed to further your knowledge and practice of Zero Waste

This class is lively, interactive, and taught by Zero Waste USA staff and board members, including Richard Anthony, a nationally renowned expert. The content is designed to be easy to retain, and the extensive resources are easy to access. It is valuable to municipal staff, haulers, decision-makers, advocates, and all interested in Zero Waste. Zero Waste USA awards certificates of completion to students who pass the open book exam and submit the evaluation.

Tuesday, May 6
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
Room: W303-306

Registration Fee: $0

Hazard Recognition: Fire Safety & Prevention in Recycling  

Fire safety and prevention is a foundational part of safety programming. ReMA received grant funding through OSHA’s Susan Harwood Training grant program to develop these education and training materials. 

ReMA developed this comprehensive 4-hour course on fire safety & prevention in recycling to address the important topic. This course will help recyclers to better understand the following:  

• Emergency action procedures;  
• Fire extinguisher usage;  
• Ignition and fuel sources;  
• The importance of inbound source control;  
• Relationship building with the local fire department;  
• Fire protection systems; and  
• General housekeeping and storage.  

Employees receiving this training will benefit by obtaining a greater knowledge and awareness of fire safety and prevention in the recycling workplace.  

Each participant receives a copy of the ReMA Guide: Creating a Fire Prevention and Management Plan 

This material was produced under grant number SH-000132-SH4 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.  

Thursday, May 8
9:00 am – 11:00 am 

Visit Terra Firma Organics, one of the only permitted composting facilities in Las Vegas, and learn how they transform thousands of tons of organic waste into high-quality compost. See firsthand how their composting process helps reduce landfill waste while creating blends that support healthier plants and more efficient water use. This tour provides a practical look at sustainable waste management and its benefits for the environment.

*Closed Toed Shoes must be worn 

Thursday, May 8 
8:30am – 12:30pm

Description: 

Join us for a unique off-site experience at WasteExpo 2025 in Las Vegas, where you'll discover how landfills can be repurposed into thriving disc golf courses and play a round of Disc Golf! Hosted by SCS Engineers and Innova Champion Discs (the world's leading disc golf manufacturer) this event combines education, sustainability, and fun. 

Attendees will: 

• Learn about the environmental and community benefits of converting landfills into disc golf courses 
• Get an introductory lesson from experienced players, including a disc golf pro from Innova 
• participants will receive a disc made of recycled plastic 
• Play a round of disc golf in a team-based format, ensuring a great experience for all skill levels & great networking!  
• This engaging and interactive tour is perfect for those interested in innovative landfill redevelopment, outdoor recreation, and sustainability.  

*Sneakers are recommended & Individuals are welcome to bring their own discs