November 7-8, 2018 | Lansing, MI
Training Highlights:
- Fundamentals of waste and materials management
- Fiscal and environmental benefits
- Waste stream assessment how-to
- Materials Recovery Facility tour
- Components of successful program implementation
Course Description
The Materials and Recycling Management (MRM) Training is a consecutive 2-day learning experience. Participants will gain knowledge and resources necessary to support successful materials and recycling management programs. The MRM Training is ideal for those new to the industry. However, practiced professionals are encouraged to participate to refresh their perspective, gain new ideas, and share their experience through the interactive format. Upon satisfactory completion, participants will be issued a certificate of training.
Sarah Archer
Tracy Purrenhage
Sarah Archer and Tracy Purrenhage of Iris Waste Diversion Specialists, Inc. enhance the Materials and Recycling Management training with their broad range of field and industry experience. As skilled trainers and educators, they deliver practical knowledge using a variety of methods, including subject matter guests, to create a fun and interesting learning environment.
MRM Training is provided in partnership with Michigan State University.
Schedule
Wednesday, November 7
9:00 am - 9:00 pm (lunch and dinner provided)
MRC Large Conference Room
602 W. Ionia St.
Lansing, MI 48933
Thursday, November 8
8:00 am - 5:00 pm (continental breakfast and lunch provided)
Michigan State University Recycling Center Education Room
468 Green Way
East Lansing, MI 48824
Day 1 - November 7, 2018
Part 1 - From Waste to Resource
Participants will gain an understanding of the Federal and State policies that govern waste disposal and resource recovery and learn about the various types of waste as defined by these policies. Guest presenters will highlight current Michigan policies and pending legislation.
Concepts that support environmental responsibility will be introduced such as sustainable materials management, the waste management hierarchy, zero-waste, and product stewardship.
Part 2 - Sustainable Program Management
Through group work, trainees will engage in a mock waste assessment and utilize tools and worksheets provided to evaluate the findings of the waste assessment and identify materials management options. Facilitation of an interactive evening segment will provide participants with practical knowledge to evaluate their individual programs and discuss solutions to existing challenges.
Day 2 - November 8, 2018
Part 1 - The Nuts and Bolts of Recycling
China's regulations on the recycling industry have affected resource recovery across municipal, business, and manufacturing sectors. A guest trainer will provide participants with an understanding of the impacts and their implications for local resource recovery efforts.
Participants will gain an understanding of the challenges to quantifying diversion due to the ever-changing nature of product packaging. The evolution of specific recyclable commodities will be discussed, and various methods and tools for quantifying diversion will be introduced.
The methods of handling and processing recyclable commodities will be presented in advance of a tour of the Michigan State University Materials Recovery Facility.
Part 2 - Sustainable Program Management
Establishing a materials management program requires more than putting a collection system in place. Trainees will learn about collection container selection, effective container placement, and the use of signage to get proper participation. Practical tools and ideas for engaging people in the program, as well as opportunities for program promotion will be provided and discussed.