Get ready to talk some trash when Oct. 17 rolls around. This is the date of the Oklahoma Recycling Conference, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the ConocoPhillips Alumni Center on the Oklahoma State University campus.

Hosted by the Oklahoma Recycling Association (OKRA), the conference is geared toward municipal and county officials, recycling professionals, community and business leaders, educators, students and Oklahoma residents interested in recycling or improving local programs. The theme for this year's conference is Recycling Trends: Past, Present and Future.

Jerry Powell will serve as the keynote speaker at the conference. Powell is owner and publisher of "Resource Recycling, Plastics Recycling Update" and "E-Scrap News."

Lynn Malley, assistant OSU Cooperative Extension specialist, waste management programs, said other topics will include curbside recycling, hospitality industry recycling, construction and demolition debris, rural challenges of recycling, materials recovery facilities and general recycling.

"We're really excited to bring this conference to OSU and hope participants will go home with many new ideas that can be implemented in their communities," Malley said.

Conference registration is $40 for OKRA members if paid by Oct. 10, and $55 thereafter. Nonmembers may register for $60 if paid by Oct. 10, and $75 thereafter; students may register for $15 by Oct. 10 and $20 thereafter. Registration includes a continental breakfast, lunch, break refreshments and parking.

Up to five continuing education credits will be offered to members of the Solid Waste Association of North America who attend the conference. For more information, contact info@recycleok.org.

"Recycling Trends: Past, Present & Future offers case studies, best management practices and a forum for networking," said Ilda Hershey, OKRA conference chair. "It's a fun and productive day of information exchange in support of recycling efforts across Oklahoma."

An optional free workshop will be offered from 3:45-4:45 p.m. featuring Stan Slaughter titled Best Practices in Compost Education. This workshop is open to anyone.

"We hope kindergarten through high school educators, along with Extension educators, will take advantage of this no-cost opportunity," Malley said.

The event is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Environmental Management Authority, OSU, Choctaw Nation, Indian Nations Chapter of SWANA, OG&E Energy Corp., Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, Waste Connections of Oklahoma, Republic Services, City of Stillwater, Natural Evolution, Inc. and United Engines LLC.