Raelyn Chwee
Membership Engagement Manager, ISWA
It was such a pleasure to be invited to the WasteCon 2024 in Dallas organised by our National Member in the United States, Solid Waste Association North America (SWANA). The monumental event for waste management professionals saw over 1,4300 attendees and over 137 exhibitors from across the US. The conference highlighted new innovations, fostered by local and international collaboration and has set the stage for a future of waste management.
On the first day of the conference, I was invited by Dr Sahadat Hussein from the University of Texas, Arlington (and also the representative from SWIS, ISWA’s Silver member and host for the annual Winter School). He had introduced us to his successful project on Plastic Roads. Interestingly, I had this discussion with Dr Sahadat, 4 years ago when I was one of the attendees of the ISWA-SWIS Winter school as the chair of the ISWA YPG then. I am happy to see how far this project has gone since we last spoke on the theory of this.
This project focuses on the integration of recycled plastics into road construction. A solution that not only tackles the plastic waste problem but also improves road durability. The UTA research team has shown promise in extending the life of road surfaces while simultaneously reducing plastic wastes into final disposal. This site visit organised by WasteCon and the SWIS team showed the commitment to showcasing practical, sustainable solutions that blend environmental stewardship with infrastructure improvements.
The second day of WasteCon was no different, SWANA announced their latest flagship program, RCon, which will take place in Colombia, Ohio in 2025. This new conference will combine both their SOAR and WasteCON event. The SWANA team emphasised that this conference will serve as a pivotal platform for developing new solutions in resource management, and bridging innovation and policy to tackle the challenges in waste management.
Aside from these major announcements, some interesting sessions that I managed to catch was on an engaging session on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as well as the safety on waste facilities. A major highlight of the event was the special acknowledgement that was made by the SWANA President was showing their support for James Law, the newly appointed ISWA President. James expressed his enthusiasm as the new president of ISWA thanking SWANA and SCS as his great supporters to be part of the ISWA board. He also emphasised on the importance of global cooperation and encouraged more international participation from SWANA members by participating in ISWA’s events and initiatives. Our presence at WasteCON reinforces ISWA’s commitment to advancing the global waste management agenda, particularly through collaboration with North American stakeholders.
Finally, I would like to thank the SWANA team for organizing such and amazing event and for having give us such a wonderful Texan welcome!
Till the next event! Catch ISWA at ECOMONDO and COP29!
Finally, I would like to thank the SWANA team for organizing such and amazing event and for having give us such a wonderful Texan welcome!
Till the next event! Catch ISWA at ECOMONDO and COP29!
