MEASUREMENT MATTERS SUMMIT RECORDINGS
In February of 2018, professionals from across North America converged in Chattanooga, Tennessee to discuss measurement issues and opportunities, data collection strategies, and effective data analysis. All three days included compelling presentations and table-top discussions which have been recorded so you don't have to miss a thing.
DAY 1
Opening Remarks
Description: Summit Opening and Welcome
Moderator (all day): Betsy Spetich, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
Speakers: Betsy Spetich, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality; Dr. Shari Meghreblian, Deputy Commissioner; Kathleen Salyer, US EPA
History Overview and Celebration of SMP Success
Description: Overview of the steps which have brought us to this Summit.
Speaker: Cheryl T. Coleman, US EPA
Expected Outcomes: To provide historical reference and demonstrate this is not a new idea but a growing effort to share data, improve benchmarking, and use the data effectively for messaging (internal and externally within our state governments)
Demonstration of State Measurement Program (SMP)
Description: Session will review the capabilities of the SMP including reporting and an exploration of upgrades and options.
Speakers: Chris Ronson, Emerge Knowledge; Rhonda Rollins, US EPA Region 4
Expected Outcomes: To provide an understanding of the SMP, basic navigation of the SMP system.
The Importance of Data Quality
Description: An overview of data quality and issues related to data collection. Exploring how different states collect their data and contrast between bottle bill states, required reporting states, regional reporting differences, and local reporting data.
Speakers: Wolf Kray, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Gretchen Newman, Washington Department of Ecology; Terri Goldberg, (NEWMOA)
Expected Outcomes: A frank discussion on how to improve data quality and identify ideas for improvement.
Insights on Measurement and Benchmarking Data
Description: Part A - Real life examples of how states use the SMP and the data. Stories of state planning, benchmarking and helping improve programs.
Speakers: Matt Hittle, Ohio EPA; Seth McCormick, Tennessee DEC
Expected Outcomes: Gain understanding on how various states make data driven decisions. Learn how to Benchmark your state to meet goals and compare with other states. Identify examples of successful data decision making.
Description: Part B – Session will seek an industry perspective and overview of data quality and issues related to data collection. Perspective from industry on why data is important and how it is used.
Speaker: Trina Matta, Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Expected Outcomes: Gain understanding on why industry needs data, how industry makes data driven decisions, importance of consistency, and how does industry use this info to site businesses?
State Level Discussions on Measurement
Description: Interactive discussion at the state level on data topics: Barriers to Participation and How to Overcome, Changes Needed to the Reporting System, Why is Measurement Important to You? Others as time permits.
Speakers: Facilitated Table Top Discussions
Expected Outcomes: Table groups will identify barriers to participating in the national State Measurement Program. Explore how to move past these barriers preventing collaboration. Identifying strategies needed for changes that hold states back from collaborating on their data reporting.
Closing and Adjourn for the Day
Description: Emcee will summarize the successes and actions of the day. Summit Announcements.
Speaker: Betsy Spetich, Recycling/Reuse Specialist Organization, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
Expected Outcomes: Provide a wrap up on the Measurement Matters Summit Day 1 activities. Identify and verbalize critical ideas and points needed to bring harmony to increase participation in the SMP identified during the day.
DAY 2
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Description: Recapping of Day 1 and Overview of Day 2 Agenda
Speaker: Dylan de Thomas, The Recycling Partnership
Expected Outcomes: Get the Audience Energized for Day 2.
EPA's Measurement of Sustainable Materials Management
Description: This session will present a review of EPA’s evolving data systems, including the Facts and Figures Report and other EPA reports and measurement initiatives, and will discuss how they fit into the big picture. Moderator: Dylan de Thomas, The Recycling Partnership
Speaker: Ron Vance, US EPA
Expected Outcomes: Audience will learn about variability in performance benchmarking for materials management and explore a path forward in performance benchmarking.
Definitions and Performance Benchmarking for Sustainable Materials Management
Description: What are the performance benchmarks for materials management, waste diversion, and what are the indicators of a well-run recovery system? What is the role of state goals? This session will include research on these questions, as well as an open discussion of how performance benchmarks should be chosen.
Moderator: Ron Vance, US EPA
Speakers: Debra Kantner, EREF; Nora Goldstein, BioCycle; Karen Moore, State of Florida; Scott Pasternak, Burns & McDonnell/SWANA
Expected Outcomes: Audience will learn about variability in performance benchmarking for materials management and explore a path forward in performance benchmarking.
Measurement of Recycling from a Nationwide Perspective
Description: This session will offer a look at how various groups measure the performance of the U.S. recycling system, including the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s Centralized Study on Availability of Recycling and The Recycling Partnership’s State of Curbside Report. The session will also review recent research on MRFs and feature an example of how commodity groups measure material recovery.
Moderator: Trina Matta, Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Speakers: Adam Gendell, Sustainable Packaging Coalition; Cody Marshall, The Recycling Partnership; Jerry Powell, Resource Recycling; Nina Butler, Moore Recycling
Expected Outcomes: Audience will gain understanding of existing national reports on recycling performance.
World Without Waste (Lunch Keynote)
Innovative Tools for Measuring Local Recycling Performance
Description: This session will focus on emerging ways to measure community-level recycling performance, including a discussion of the idea of capture rates and how it can be applied to curbside programs, a look at Re-TRAC Connect’s Municipal Measurement Program, and an example of how a state reporting system can help improve and expand local programs. Moderator: Rob Taylor, The Recycling Partnership
Speakers: Cody Marshall, The Recycling Partnership; Rick Penner, Re-TRAC Connect; Wendy G. Worley, NC Division of Environmental Assistance & Customer Service; Kanika Greenlee, City of Atlanta
Expected Outcomes: Audience will learn about the variety of ways to measure recycling program performance.
Measuring the Economic Impacts of Recycling
Description: This session will look at the methodologies of how recycling’s contribution to the economy has been measured and the results of some leading studies in measuring recycling’s economic impact.
Moderator: Will Sagar, SERDC
Speakers: Scott Pasternak, Burns & McDonnell; Will Sagar, SERDC; Joe Pickard, ISRI; James Goldstein, The Tellus Institute
Expected Outcomes: Audience will learn about the variety of ways to measure recycling program performance.
Looking Beyond Tons
Description: This session will share how Life Cycle Analyses and other non-tonnage methods can be used to measure the impacts of materials management. We will begin with an introduction to LCAs, and then share examples of how these methods have been used in materials management programs.
Moderator: Dylan de Thomas, The Recycling Partnership
Speakers: Dieter Eckels, Cascadia Consulting; Rob Hallenbeck, Waste Management; Martin Brown, Oregon DEQ
Expected Outcomes: Audience will learn about the pros and cons of LCA and other non-tonnage measures.
Closing and Adjourn for the Day
Description: Emcee will summarize the successes and actions of the day. Summit Announcements.
DAY 3
Final Day Welcome and Preview of Day 3 Agenda
Description: Recap Highlights of the First and Second Days and Review Agenda for Day 3.
Moderator for the Day: Dylan de Thomas, The Recycling Partnership
Panel Discussion on Advancing Materials Management Measurement
Description: A panel discussion framing challenges and opportunities for improving Sustainable Materials Management, vision and priorities. Input on how stakeholders can get organized to improve measurement and data collection.
Panelists: McKenna Morrigan, Cascadia Consulting; Ron Vance, U.S. EPA; Samantha McBride, New York City Department of Sanitation; Karen Moore, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Expected Outcomes: To develop a plan of action that will identify next steps, identify interested parties, and set into action a process to achieve the goals established by this Summit.
Discussion of Advancing Community Level Data
Description: Small table breakouts addressing critical questions with guided moderation. Report-outs and general discussion.
Expected Outcomes: To develop a plan of action that will identify next steps, identify interested parties, and set into action a process to achieve the goals established by this Summit.
Discussion of Advancing State and National Level Data
Description: Small table breakouts addressing critical questions with guided moderation. Report-outs and general discussion.
Expected Outcomes: To develop a plan of action that will identify next steps, identify interested parties, and set into action a process to achieve the goals established by this Summit.
Closing Remarks
Description: Brief Recap of accomplishments, recognition of participants, and Saying Good Bye’s
Speakers: Cheryl T. Coleman, US EPA; Will Sagar, SERDC