Recycling conference slated Oct. 9 at UCO

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The Oklahoma Recycling Association (OKRA) is hosting a one-day conference and expo at the Nigh Center on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond, Oklahoma. Slated Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the theme for this year’s conference is Increasing Diversion: Events, Offices, Rural Areas.

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.

March Lichtenstein, president of the National Recycling Coalition, and Rachel Hering, Cooperative Teamwork for Recycling Assistance, will serve as keynote speakers at the conference. Lichtenstein will present “Moving Forward on National Diversion Rates” and Hering will present “Cooperative Infrastructure and Marketing for Recycling Rural Areas.”

Lynn Malley, assistant Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension specialist, waste management programs, said other conference topics will include bin loan programs, event recycling, composting food waste, office recycling, commercial-scale composting and managing recycling volunteers, in addition to a question and answer session.

“We’re really excited to be a part of this conference and hope participants will go home with many new ideas that can be implemented in their communities,” Malley said. “Participants also have an opportunity for a couple of tours, including UCO’s recycling and sustainability programs and Minnick Materials, a commercial-scale composting facility.”

Conference registration is $40 for OKRA members if paid by Oct. 2 and $55 after that date. Nonmembers may register for $60 by Oct. 10 and $75 thereafter. Students may register for $15 by Oct. 2 and $20 after that date. Registration includes a continental breakfast, lunch, break refreshments and parking. Participants may register at www.recycleok.org/events-activities.php.

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

The event is sponsored by UCO, the Oklahoma Department of Environment Quality, OSU, Batliner Recycling, Republic Services, Choctaw Nation, City of Stillwater, Covanta Energy, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, OGE Energy Corp., SWANA Indian Nations Chapter, Ardmore Beautification Council and Natural Evolution, Inc.