Over the mountains and to Grand Junction we go for the 2025 Summit for Recycling! 

June 2nd - 4th | Grand Junction Convention Center

The Summit for Recycling annual conference is the biggest statewide networking and educational event focused on capturing the value in our waste stream and moving towards a circular economy in Colorado. We are super excited to bring the Summit to a location with so much happening around waste diversion. Grand Junction here we come!

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2025 Summit for Recycling Agenda
June 2nd | June 3rd | June 4th

Monday, June 2nd

1:00 pm - 5:30 pm | Policy Retreat | Colorado 1 & 2

The Policy Retreat is the Policy Committee's annual gathering of members to review  legislative activity from 2025 and to strategize efforts to support in 2026. This will be an interactive meeting with workshop time with fellow sector members.

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Welcome Reception | Colorado 1 & 2

Come meet the attendees and exhibitors at our fun kickoff event before we dive into our conference sessions and workshops. Drinks and snacks and networking, Oh My!

Tuesday, June 3rd

8:00 am - 9:00 am | Breakfast | Colorado 1 & 2

• C&D Council Meeting in Colorado 3 Breakout Room
• Young Professionals meet up in Creek Breakout Room

8:45 am - 9:45 am | Welcome and Keynote | Colorado 1 & 2

Building a Sustainable Circular Economy with the C3 Program
Liz Kuhn and Kathleen Hynes from the Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise team
Dive into how the Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise supports local businesses, nonprofits, and communities in building a sustainable circular economy. With funding opportunities, rebate programs, and expert guidance, C3 helps drive innovation and collaboration to create a more resilient, resource-efficient future for Colorado.

9:45 am - 10:00 am | Stretch, Coffee, Snack, Exhibitors

10:00 am - 11:30 am | Breakout Sessions

Colorado 1 & 2

• Unlocking Circularity: C3’s STEPS Program for Public Entities
• Liz Kuhn with the Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise
• This interactive workshop will explore C3’s STEPS program, designed to assist municipalities, public K-12 school districts, and tribes with implementing circularity. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions on key challenges in policy, stakeholder engagement, and program implementation. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and solutions to advance circular economy initiatives within their communities.
• Economics of Deconstruction and Demolition
• Anna Perks owner of Perks Deconstruction, Joe Pitts with Resource Central and Marianna Sparks with Property Pro’s

• Have you heard that it takes more time, resources, and money to deconstruct a building than demolishing it? Hear about how and when deconstruction can make financial sense from an appraiser, deconstruction contractor and reuse center expert. Session will include information on how you can recover the costs of deconstruction through assessment of the materials, relevant IRS tax codes, donation of materials to non-profits and more.

Creek

• Organic Matter Matters
• Clinton Sander with A1 Organics and Rutger Myers with Eco-Cycle
• Organic matter in the soil, derived from compost application, plays a transformative role in creating resilient and sustainable ecosystems. By enhancing water retention, compost helps soil hold moisture longer, reducing the need for frequent irrigation and ensuring plants receive a consistent water supply during dry spells. Additionally, the rich organic content fosters robust microbial activity, stimulating beneficial soil organisms that break down organic material and release essential nutrients. These microbes not only improve soil fertility but also contribute to a healthier, more dynamic soil structure. Here from 4 key stakeholders in the world of soil as they highlight the vital benefits of compost for water conservation and vibrant microbial life.

Colorado 3

• From Bins to Wins: Strategies to Boost Your Recycling Engagement
• Chandra Valenza with Boulder County, Amelia Kovacs with Walking Mountains, Ryan Buhay from Recycle Coach, Christy Turner with High Country Conservation Center and Doug Bair with the Summit County Volunteer Foam Recycling Group
• Workshop that highlights varying perspectives on how to ramp up recycling excitement within Colorado communities in the 21stCentury. From counties utilizing social media as a form of outreach, to the use of apps as a direct connection to consumers, and the importance of volunteer groups to drive home neighborhood commitment. This hands-on session will offer realistic strategies and options, for local governments and those sustainably focused!

11:30 pm - 12:30 pm | Lunch & Exhibitor Energy Booster | Colorado 1 & 2

• Colorado Composting Council leadership meeting in Creek breakout room

Colorado 1 & 2

• Glass Recycling: Where we are and where we are going as a state
• Celene Peck-Adreano with Glass to Glass, Liz Mauro with South Canyon Landfill, and Jimena Baldino with the City of Aspen
• At this session you will learn about the glass recycling process in Colorado, where we are and where we’re going at a state level. You will leave this session empowered to improve the glass recycling processes at your local municipality and know what funds and resources are available in Colorado.
• Large Processor Innovations

Creek

• Innovations in Organics Circularity
• Vann Fussell from Living Memorial Institute, Nikki Chernick with Vanguard Renewables, Robert Tepperberg with Auraria Sustainable Campus, moderated by Rylee McCone with Auraria Sustainable Campus
• Transform organic waste from problem to opportunity. Beyond traditional composting, new technologies enable complete circularity while reducing methane emissions. Hear from experts in anaerobic digestion, aerobic technology, and human biomass management about innovations that convert organic materials into energy, soil amendments, and landscapes for memorialization.
• Grand Junction Compost Program and Farm Trial Study
• Shawn Bruckman from the Ground Up, Jeff Pieper with CSU Extension, Angela French with the City of Grand Junction, and Jennifer Richardson with Mesa County Solid Waste
• In 2023 the City of Grand Junction was awarded USDA grant funding to implement an organic waste diversion and compost utilization study. Through partnerships with CSU Extension, Mesa County, The Ground Up and other local organizations, they developed a 2 year project to build an organic waste collection route to divert organic waste from hunger relief organizations, schools, hospitals and restaurants, and to offer community education. On-farm trials were also conducted using field test assessments to demonstrate municipal compost use in various crops including tree fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and ornamental plants. Data gathered from this project was used to establish municipal compost use guidelines for growers in the western slope region.

Colorado 3

• Quality of Life Counts Too: How Diversion Goals Interlink with Community Safety, Health, and Happiness
• Ellen Orleans with the City of Boulder & Shelly Fuller with Boulder County
• This presentation explores diversion efforts in disproportionately impacted communities.  Addressing environmental hazards and improving infrastructure, we’ll also examine the human and logistical sides of hazardous material and hard-to-recycle collection events, including fire mitigation, community safety, resident leadership, and family well-being. Participant engagement session also included.
• Deconstruction Reuse Warehouses
• Sarah Miller with Revolve Reclaimed LLC, Joe Pitts with Resource Central, Anna Perks owner of Perks Deconstruction, Natalie Trecker with the Motherlode Mercantile in Pitkin County, moderated by Cameron Garcia with Pitkin County.

• Strengthening our local circular economies mean going beyond recycling your bottles and cans; it means reimagining reuse of everything from your windows to your walls to your bathroom stalls. Panelists will provide insight into how we can better recover and re-distribute high-quality building materials back into our communities at affordable prices. Speakers represent reuse warehouses from across Colorado, including from the Western Slopes, mountain communities and the Front Range.

2:15 pm - 5:00 pm | Tours & Media Training Session

• Leveraging Media to Drive Results
• Tamara Chuang with the Colorado Sun and Marissa Heffernan with Resource Recycling
• In this session, professional journalists will discuss best practices on how to engage media effectively to tell your organization’s story, drive sustainability outcomes, and engage new communities. 

TOURS
All tours will have buses provided for transportation. Stairs are apart of loading and unloading of buses.

• Waste Management 101: This tour will have uneven ground, stairs, dust and loud noises from equipment. Participants will be standing outdoors for the duration of the tour. Longer pants, closed shoes are encouraged. Additional PPE is optional to bring.
• City of Grand Junction Recycle Center: Get an exclusive tour of the City of Grand Junction’s municipally owned Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), where innovation and sustainability come together. This facility plays a vital role in the community’s recycling efforts and has been transforming waste into valuable resources for years. Learn about its growth and evolution, made possible in part by Colorado’s Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) program—now known as C3. Get a sneak peek into the future with plans for the first regional MRF on the Western Slope. Whether you're a local resident, industry professional, or sustainability advocate, this tour offers a unique opportunity to see recycling and resource stewardship in action.
• Western Metals Recycling: Explore one of the area’s few dedicated metal recycling facilities and learn how metal is processed for reuse. See firsthand how metals are collected, sorted, and refined to reduce waste and conserve resources. Discover the types of metals recycled, the technology used, and the environmental benefits of the process. Whether you're passionate about sustainability or just curious, this tour offers a valuable look at the crucial role metal recycling plays in our economy. Please note: Attendees must wear long pants and close-toed shoes for safety.
• Mesa County Solid Waste Campus: Join us for a tour of Mesa County’s waste diversion management programs and see how the community is working towards a more sustainable future. The tour begins at the Hazardous Waste Management Facility, one of only eight in Colorado. Learn how this facility safely handles and disposes of household hazardous materials to protect both public health and the environment. Next, we’ll visit the Organic Materials Composting Facility, where residential yard waste and agricultural waste are transformed into Mesa Magic compost. See how organic materials are processed into nutrient-rich compost that benefits local gardens and farms. During the compost tour, we’ll showcase the equipment that helps make this process possible. Be sure to stop by the vendor booths at the Summit to learn more about the tools and technology driving sustainability in the industry.
  

• Organics Application on the Western Slope: This tour will have uneven ground and dust. Participants will be standing outdoors for the duration of the tour. Longer pants, closed shoes are encouraged. Additional PPE is optional to bring.
• Clifton Community Center: Join us for a tour to see how Mesa Magic compost is making a difference in the community! Visit the new Clifton Community Center, where compost is used to enrich the landscaping that surrounds this vibrant community hub. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including the library, childcare center, gym with basketball courts, and other community events, all set against the backdrop of lush, thriving greenery made possible by the use of compost. Learn how the addition of compost improves soil health, supports sustainable landscaping, and contributes to a beautiful, functional public space.
• Clark & Co Distilling brought to you by Clark Family Orchard: Discover the full-circle craft of Clark & Co’s Distilling, where the fruit grown just steps away at Clark Family Orchard is transformed into exceptional, small-batch spirits. This immersive tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at their sustainable distilling process, from harvesting orchard-fresh peaches, pears, apples, and plums to the final pour. You'll see how they reduce waste, honor generations of family tradition, and put every part of the fruit to good use—a fresh take on farm-to-bottle you can truly taste.
• Sauvage Spectrum Winery: Join us at one of the area's premier wineries for a unique tour that highlights the impact of compost application and sustainable farming practices on grape yields. Learn how the use of compost contributes to healthier soil and better-quality grapes, enhancing the winery’s production process from grape to glass. After the tour, enjoy the fruits of the harvest with a glass of wine, showcasing the winery’s products made possible by sustainable farming practices. Please note, attendees must purchase wine separately. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and local wine production!
• Innovation in the Grand Valley: This tour will have uneven ground and dust. Participants will be standing outdoors for the duration of the tour. Longer pants, closed shoes are encouraged. Additional PPE is optional to bring.
• CSU Agricultural Experiment Station: Join us for a tour at the CSU Agricultural Experiment Station, where you'll learn about groundbreaking farming practices and water conservation efforts. Discover how innovative techniques, including the application of biochar, are helping to conserve water, improve soil health, and enhance soil biota for more sustainable farming practices. See firsthand how biochar is applied to improve water retention in the soil, reduce irrigation needs, and foster a healthier environment for crops.
• Business Incubator - CEDC & SURPstone: Discover how the Business Incubator Center (BIC) has been driving economic growth and supporting local businesses in Mesa County for over 25 years. Located on a 47-acre campus, BIC houses more than 79 startup businesses at any given time, offering facilities like manufacturing, technology, services, a commercial kitchen, makerspace, and training & conference spaces. During the tour, you'll learn about BIC's mission to foster sustainable job creation and economic diversification, as well as the impressive success of its graduates. Explore the Colorado Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC), an initiative helping businesses transition to more sustainable practices, and see how companies like Surpstone are revolutionizing industries with innovative solutions like recycling plastic into eco-friendly aggregates.
  

Join us in celebrating the many people working to reduce waste and increase recycling and composting across Colorado. There will be delicious food, networking, and fun games with music from Chuck J!

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Wednesday, June 4th

8:30 am - 9:15 am | Breakfast | Colorado 1 & 2

• Greater Colorado Council Meeting in Creek Room

9:15 - 10:15 a.m. | Welcome and Keynote | Colorado 1 & 2

Producer Responsibility: Charting Colorado’s Path Toward Circularity
Rob Writz with Circular Action Alliance, Wolf Kray with Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, and Liz Chapman with Recycle Colorado.
Colorado’s landmark Producer Responsibility law is reshaping the state’s recycling system—and collaboration is key. This dynamic session will explore how Circular Action Alliance is working with interest-holders to tackle early challenges, and seize opportunities to build a more circular, equitable system. Whether you’re looking for clarity, connection, or a way to get more involved, this session will offer practical insights and an open dialogue about what Producer Responsibility means for Colorado’s communities.

10:15 am - 10:30 am | Passing Period, Snacks & Coffee, Exhibitor Showcase

10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Breakout Sessions

Colorado 1 & 2

• Closing the Loop: Innovations for a Sustainable Future
• Adam Peer with the American Chemistry Council, Omar Terrie with Alterra, and Leslie Schrof from LyondellBasell
• This panel discussion will highlight the latest in sortation and advanced recycling technologies that are driving the transition to a circular economy. This session will showcase the entire process—from sourcing and processing materials to the innovative companies leading the charge in transforming waste into valuable materials used to make new packaging and products. We’ll explore how advanced recycling technologies are helping enable brands to create sustainable packaging by utilizing feedstocks and resins derived from recycled materials. This will provide an opportunity to learn from industry leaders and discover how these cutting-edge solutions are reshaping the future of packaging and waste management.

• Changes to the CDPHE Waste Tires Program due to the passage of SB 24-123
• Shana Baker and Michelle Kelble with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
• Waste tires and changes to the CDPHE Waste Tires Program due to the passage of Senate Bill 24-123. Changes include the creation of a Waste Tire Management Enterprise and how this Enterprise will aid in the proper management of waste tires by providing financial incentives and rebates for the recycling of waste tires into end-use tire-derived products. Also discussion of current waste tire recycling/reuse trends.

Creek

• Working with Food Rescue Groups to Reduce Food Waste in Colorado
• Diane Calvin with Cafe Food Rescue, Rita Mary Hennigan with UpRoot, and moderator Rachel Setzke from Eco-Cycle
• Donating edible food complements composting of non-edible food scraps and yard trimmings as powerful actions we need to take to divert organics from Colorado landfills. Colorado has a network of food rescue organizations working to move edible food to people who need it. Food rescue groups can also be valuable partners in educating businesses and residents about food waste reduction practices. Learn about food rescue organizations in our state, how municipalities and businesses can connect with them, and what communities can do if they don't already have such an organization. 
• Organic Waste Diversion Program - Aspen’s case study
• Jimena Baldino with the City of Aspen and David Reindel with Evergreen Zerowaste

• In this session, we’ll discuss the challenges and successes encountered during the implementation of the City of Aspen Organic Waste Diversion Ordinance. We’ll explore the perspectives from both the local government and the waste hauler, EverGreen ZeroWaste, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this initiative.

Colorado 3

• Spread Compost, Spread Awareness
• Jess Anderson with A1 Organics, Vann Fussell with Adapt Soil Partners, Liz Mauro with the South Canyon Landfill, moderated by Clinton Sander with A1 Organics
• Completing the loop on organics circularity: an interactive conversation about the logistics of using compost. Speakers will describe how compost is used in their region, who is using it and how, and where we could use more compost in our communities.  Participants will ask questions and discuss their unique roadblocks to using finished compost.  

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch | Colorado 1 & 2

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Breakout Sessions

Colorado 1 & 2

• Zero Waste Toolkits for the Food Service Industry
• Molly Saylor with MKS Sustainability Consulting and Amber Barbella owner of Diversion Designers
• This session will showcase zero-waste restaurant toolkits from around the country, highlight best practices vetted through restaurant outreach, and introduce a “work-in-progress” toolkit communities can purchase and tailor. Local governments wishing to develop their own toolkit will benefit from best practice research, restaurant engagement findings, and discussion of industry needs.

Creek

• Compostables in Compost: Where Do We Go From Here?
• Alex Trulove with the Biodegradable Products Institute, Meghan Ibach with Eco-Products, Mellik Gorton with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Julie Mach with Elements Mountain Compost, and Brian Loma with Green Latinos
• Colorado quickly became the first state to support composting through EPR packaging policy and strict on-product labeling requirements. Yet, most Colorado residents don’t have access to compost, and the acceptance of certified compostable products to divert organic waste remains a challenge. Hear from experts across the compost industry, from leaders in composting, government, compostable packaging, certification, and community organizing to discuss how Colorado can continue to integrate compostables to improve outcomes. 

Colorado 3

• Contracted Hauling Crash Course
• Emily Wenger and Caroline Mitchell with HDR Engineering, and Samantha Grant with the City of Golden
• How to do it and when, and lessons learned from those who survived.

All tours will have buses provided for transportation. Stairs are apart of loading and unloading of buses.

• Waste Management 101: This tour will have uneven ground, stairs, dust and loud noises from equipment. Participants will be standing outdoors for the duration of the tour. Longer pants, closed shoes are encouraged. Additional PPE is optional to bring.
• City of Grand Junction Recycle Center: Get an exclusive tour of the City of Grand Junction’s municipally owned Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), where innovation and sustainability come together. This facility plays a vital role in the community’s recycling efforts and has been transforming waste into valuable resources for years. Learn about its growth and evolution, made possible in part by Colorado’s Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) program—now known as C3. Get a sneak peek into the future with plans for the first regional MRF on the Western Slope. Whether you're a local resident, industry professional, or sustainability advocate, this tour offers a unique opportunity to see recycling and resource stewardship in action.
• WM: Step inside the only privately-owned Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Grand Junction for an exclusive look at how sustainability and innovation drive its success. Learn about the unique recycling processes that help this facility thrive in a small community and contribute to the region’s waste management solutions. A highlight of the tour is the chance to see the fleet of natural gas-run vehicles in action, powered directly on-site, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future. Please note: Attendees must wear long pants and close-toed shoes for safety.
• Mesa County Solid Waste Campus: Join us for a tour of Mesa County’s waste diversion management programs and see how the community is working towards a more sustainable future. The tour begins at the Hazardous Waste Management Facility, one of only eight in Colorado. Learn how this facility safely handles and disposes of household hazardous materials to protect both public health and the environment. Next, we’ll visit the Organic Materials Composting Facility, where residential yard waste and agricultural waste are transformed into Mesa Magic compost. See how organic materials are processed into nutrient-rich compost that benefits local gardens and farms. During the compost tour, we’ll showcase the equipment that helps make this process possible. Be sure to stop by the vendor booths at the Summit to learn more about the tools and technology driving sustainability in the industry.
• Organics Application on the Western Slope: This tour will have uneven ground and dust. Participants will be standing outdoors for the duration of the tour. Longer pants, closed shoes are encouraged. Additional PPE is optional to bring.
• Clifton Community Center: Join us for a tour to see how Mesa Magic compost is making a difference in the community! Visit the new Clifton Community Center, where compost is used to enrich the landscaping that surrounds this vibrant community hub. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including the library, childcare center, gym with basketball courts, and other community events, all set against the backdrop of lush, thriving greenery made possible by the use of compost. Learn how the addition of compost improves soil health, supports sustainable landscaping, and contributes to a beautiful, functional public space.
• Clark & Co Distilling brought to you by Clark Family Orchard: Discover the full-circle craft of Clark & Co’s Distilling, where the fruit grown just steps away at Clark Family Orchard is transformed into exceptional, small-batch spirits. This immersive tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at their sustainable distilling process, from harvesting orchard-fresh peaches, pears, apples, and plums to the final pour. You'll see how they reduce waste, honor generations of family tradition, and put every part of the fruit to good use—a fresh take on farm-to-bottle you can truly taste.
• Sauvage Spectrum Winery: Join us at one of the area's premier wineries for a unique tour that highlights the impact of compost application and sustainable farming practices on grape yields. Learn how the use of compost contributes to healthier soil and better-quality grapes, enhancing the winery’s production process from grape to glass. After the tour, enjoy the fruits of the harvest with a glass of wine, showcasing the winery’s products made possible by sustainable farming practices. Please note, attendees must purchase wine separately.
  
• Innovation in the Grand Valley: This tour will have uneven ground and dust. Participants will be standing outdoors for the duration of the tour. Longer pants, closed shoes are encouraged. Additional PPE is optional to bring.
• CSU Agricultural Experiment Station: Join us for a tour at the CSU Agricultural Experiment Station, where you'll learn about groundbreaking farming practices and water conservation efforts. Discover how innovative techniques, including the application of biochar, are helping to conserve water, improve soil health, and enhance soil biota for more sustainable farming practices. See firsthand how biochar is applied to improve water retention in the soil, reduce irrigation needs, and foster a healthier environment for crops.
• Business Incubator - CEDC & SURPstone: Discover how the Business Incubator Center (BIC) has been driving economic growth and supporting local businesses in Mesa County for over 25 years. Located on a 47-acre campus, BIC houses more than 79 startup businesses at any given time, offering facilities like manufacturing, technology, services, a commercial kitchen, makerspace, and training & conference spaces. During the tour, you'll learn about BIC's mission to foster sustainable job creation and economic diversification, as well as the impressive success of its graduates. Explore the Colorado Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC), an initiative helping businesses transition to more sustainable practices, and see how companies like Surpstone are revolutionizing industries with innovative solutions like recycling plastic into eco-friendly aggregates.

5:30 pm | Happy Hour

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