Last month, I shared the helpful tailwinds I see that carried us to today’s modern, integrated solid waste system. But we aren’t done. We have miles to go and we face some stiff headwinds.

Following the symposium theme "Winds of Change," I had the opportunity to reflect on both tailwinds and headwinds for solid waste in my keynote address for SWANA's Pacific Chapter Northwest Regional Symposium in British Columbia. In this month's feature below, I share my thoughts on the key headwinds we must face and resolve going forward.

We are eager to help you share how your community is addressing the local "headwinds" for solid waste management programs. Please email me or give me a call!
Keep on reusing and recycling!

Elizabeth Roe
Eco Partners Inc.
317-450-3346 
Headwinds: What are we facing as we look to the future?
Helpful "tailwinds," such as a reduction in litter and climate activism, have carried us forward in solid waste management. But the work is not done.

We have miles to go facing stiff "headwinds." Here are some key hurdles we need to overcome:

  • The “forever chemicals” known as PFAS
  • A new focus on methane at landfills
  • Food scraps & wasted food
  • Marine and microplastics
  • Mountains of textile waste
  • Fighting for the right to repair
  • Finding the right solid waste staff & keeping them safe

For an in-depth discussion of each headwind, read the full "headwinds" portion of my keynote address. And in case you missed it, here's last month's "tailwinds" article.

Image Credit: AntiMartina | iStock | Getty Images Plus
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