ISRI and SWANA to host MRF Summit

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, will partner for their MRF Summit, taking place Nov. 18 and 19.

“The essential role of recycling and the critical need for a more sustainable society has perhaps never been greater,” says ISRI President Robin Wiener. “ISRI is proud to partner with SWANA to bring together stakeholders from throughout the recycling supply chain for this timely event that will equip attendees with tools for innovative solutions to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. November’s MRF Summit builds on the success of the event ISRI and SWANA jointly held in 2018 that attracted hundreds of representatives from brands and manufacturers; federal, state and local governments and the recycling industry and started a number of critical conversations that continue today.”

Peter Wright, assistant administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will be speaking during the MRF Summit, providing an update on the administration’s work on recycling in the context of America Recycles Week as well as the work the agency is undertaking year-round, such as the development of a national recycling strategy. In addition, several congressional staff members will speak to discuss the various bills that have been introduced in Congress to address recycling challenges and opportunities.

Participants will be given tools needed to expand public education and communications. Technology providers and MRF operators also will share how new technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), are driving improvements. Participants will learn what tools and equipment are available now to generate high-quality material at a lower cost at facilities, the organizers say.

Adina Renee Adler, ISRI’s vice president of advocacy, will deliver a review of the challenges and opportunities that are expected in next year’s global market landscape. Advances in innovation, sustainability commitments and education have inspired growth opportunities for recycled materials, but impending restrictions on trade of these important commodities, including an amendment to the Basel Convention affecting plastic, will have bearing on achieving that growth. 

“We are very pleased to be partnering with ISRI again to host a summit focused on MRFs and recycling,” says David Biderman, SWANA executive director and CEO. “The MRF Summit is timely and needed, given the many changes occurring throughout the recycling system. We invite all recycling and scrap companies, local agencies, and others interested in preserving and expanding recycling to register and participate in this important event.”

The MRF Summit will provide educational sessions for best practices and the latest industry updates from top leaders in the field in addition to networking opportunities to make connections, meet with the event’s speakers and discuss the day’s sessions.