Presentations

Attendee List

Hilton Vancouver Metrotown

Book Your Room – SWANA Rate Ends Monday, March 24, 2025

Session 1 – Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Stratton Kirton, Liberty Tires

Stratton Kirton is the vice president of government affairs at Liberty Tire Recycling, the leading tire recycling company in North America. Previously, he was a partner at a strategic communications firm, where he advised clients on sustainability issues. He also worked in the U.S. Congress in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House before joining the private sector. He serves on the board of the non-profit Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment, as well as chairing the Synthetic Turf Council’s Sustainability Committee, and working with the Tire Recycling Foundation.

He is a parent of two young boys. Before becoming a parent his hobbies included hiking, kayaking, and all things outdoors. After becoming a parent, his hobbies include youth baseball, basketball, soccer, and swimming; as well as Cub Scouts and learning more than he ever thought was possible about Pokemon and Roblox.

Mannie Cheung, Product Care Recycling

Mannie Cheung is the Vice President of Operations at Product Care Association of Canada, a not-for-profit industry association that develops, implements, and operates extended producer responsibility programs for household hazardous and special products in Canada and the USA on behalf of its’ industry members. Mannie has over 20 years of leadership and management experience in the extended producer responsibility sector and more than 9 years in the hazardous waste management industry, leading business and program development, compliance, optimization of operational efficiencies and program effectiveness.

Jenn Robson, Interchange Recycling

Jenn Robson is a dedicated and versatile environmental professional with extensive experience in sustainable waste management and environmental compliance. In her role as Director of Operations at Interchange Recycling, Jenn oversees the organization’s mission to provide cost-effective and environmentally responsible recycling options for motor oil, antifreeze, and related products throughout British Columbia. Prior to this, she held senior roles at Encorp Pacific (Canada) and the Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA), where she managed strategic projects, developed stewardship programs, and ensured compliance with provincial recycling regulations.

Mike O’Donnell, Mattress Recycling Council

Mike O’Donnell has worked in solid waste and recycling for over 30 years and has experience managing stewardship programs for various consumer product categories including mattresses, mercury-containing lights, paint and e-waste. As COO for the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), he is responsible for creating and implementing legislatively mandated statewide mattress collection programs in California, Connecticut, Oregon and Rhode Island.

Wilbert Yang, Tetra Tech on behalf of the SABC

Wilbert Yang is an Environmental Engineer with over 30 years of experience in the waste management field.  He started his career with BC Ministry of Environment – “where he learned the rules”, then worked with Metro Vancouver – “where he applied those rules”, and then we went into consulting – “where he shares what he has done and finds new ways to manage solid waste”.

Wilbert has been involved conducting waste composition studies for more that two decades. He finds these studies interesting because it provides insight into what a community does and how well waste programs are working.

Session 2A – Zero Emission Garbage Trucks

John Carlton, HDR

John Carlton has more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of solid waste management as a consultant and in executive positions for public sector authorities. His strength lies in strategic planning where he has led the solid waste management planning efforts of both small rural communities and large urban cities and counties. In addition to strategic planning, John has extensive experience with integrated solid waste management systems, including environmental permitting, landfill and transfer station designs, facility operator procurements, operational reviews, feasibility studies, collection franchising, financial reviews and rate setting, market assessments, and due diligence reviews. John has a strong working knowledge of solid waste management regulations and practices, and has considerable experience working with stakeholders, legislators, and regulators.

Michael Toland, District of North Vancouver

Michael Henry Toland is an accomplished speaker and expert with over 40 years of experience in Canada and the UK. Specializing in the municipal, forestry, waste management and fire and rescue sectors, running fleets, specialized assets and operational management. Michael has developed a robust understanding of the intricacies involved in optimizing operations and leadership in diverse industries.

Throughout his career, Michael has played a pivotal role in driving efficiency and innovation in both public and private sector organizations. His hands-on experience managing fleets and overseeing large-scale operational strategies has made him a trusted advisor to organizations looking to improve their service delivery and operational effectiveness.

Pinky Vargas, Republic Services

Pinky Vargas joined Republic Services in 2021. Born in Canada, she is a Dual Citizen of the United States, where she has resided for the last 25 years. Pinky manages the Government accounts for the Northwest Washington and British Columbia markets. Pinky is responsible for all aspects of business development, community relations, public process, communications, account management, and government relations. She manages more than 1 million tons a year in Solid Waste.

Prior to joining the company, she worked for Washington Energy utilities for 14 years, on Energy Efficiency, and Community Outreach.  She also served on Bellingham City Council for eight years and completed her term in December 2021. Specializing in Economic Development, Climate Solutions, Justice, and Housing, Pinky has extensive experience in project and account management and working with government entities on a host of issues. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Mgt and lives in Bellingham where she enjoys all the benefits of outdoor recreation.

Greg Grabinsky, Peterbilt of Canada

Greg Grabinsky has been involved in the automative/truck world for over 30 years. Starting as Truck Purchases/Spec at GE Capital Truck Vantage Group, after 8 years moved over to PACCAR Financial selling lease and finance packages. Opportunity came up in 2007 to transfer to the Peterbilt Division in 2010 moved into his current role of Canadian Vocational Sales Manager.

Session 2B – PFAS in Landfill Leachate

Victor Leung, Axine Water Technologies

Victor Leung leads technology development, product validation, lab services, field testing and intellectual property management within Axine. Victor holds a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from The University of British Columbia and boasts 7 patents and patent applications to his name. His valuable contributions play a pivotal role in advancing Axine’s innovative wastewater treatment solutions.

Peter Baker, Rochem

Peter Baker is a New York professional engineer and holds a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.  Pete has over 30 years’ experience in the solid waste and municipal wastewater treatment sectors.  Since 2022, Pete has been with Rochem Americas, leading projects ranging from bench-and pilot-scale testing through full scale design/installation, and operational support of reverse osmosis-based leachate treatment systems.  Prior to joining Rochem, Pete’s experience includes solid waste design and operations support, solid waste/wastewater permitting and construction, technology evaluation, design and operations.

Kent Jensen, Skagen Energy Services

Kent Jensen started his career in petrochemicals over 40 years ago. He moved through the leadership ranks in Nova Chemicals, performing roles in engineering, ethylene operations, polyethylene operations, HR, purchasing, feedstocks and strategic direction. He was recruited away from Nova to take on the role of Canadian Divisional President for Exterran Gas Compression. Shortly afterward, he took the role of VP Operations for an oil sands project in Canada. Kent and his family started Skagen Energy Services in 2016. The business began in the natural gas sector, evaporating produced water for customers in the Marcellus. It quickly expanded into the landfill management business, evaporating leachate using the same proprietary technology developed for oil and gas. He looks back with fond memories of his employment career but says nothing beats working with the kids. It’s a privilege he appreciates every day.

Kent has a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and a Masters degree in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University in California.

John Lavery, RAMO

John Lavery is the CEO and managing partner with Ramo’s Western Division, also known as Bionera Resources. John’s calling is the sustainable circular economy – one that effectively addresses societal or industrial issues, improves our environment, and creates economic, social and cultural benefit through its mechanisms of action.

The circular economy journey has taken John through several decades working with wastes and residuals, to a point where his main focus is on closing that loop using one of natures truly amazing species – the shrub willow tree.  He can’t wait to show you how a natural systems approach can dramatically improve mine water management and reclamation simultaneously.

When not focused on the circular economy, John can usually be found at a local hockey rink, supporting his boys minor hockey adventures.

Victor Okereke, Vikek Environmental Engineers

Dr. Okereke is the Founder and President of Vikek Environmental Engineers LLC. He has more than 36 years of solid waste management experience in the public and private sectors.

At Vikek, Victor and partners specialize in collaborating and assisting public and private entities to deliver high-impact, data -driven solutions to solid waste and environmental managing challenges, including feasibility studies, strategy development, environmental and socio-economic assessments.

He is an active member of SWANA, life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), a licensed civil engineer, board certified environmental engineer, certified lean six sigma sensei, and strategic management professional.

Session 3A – Disaster Debris

Caleb Moore & Julie Hauenstein, Tetra Tech

Caleb Moore is Vice President of Tetra Tech’s Solid Waste West operating unit.  He has 26 years of landfill and civil engineering experience, including design of new landfill facilities, landfill master planning, and design of landfill earthwork improvements, liner systems, leachate collection systems, final cover systems, and drainage improvements.  He was Principal Engineer for the fast-track design and construction of the Olowalu TDS facility.  Caleb has managed large landfill design and construction management contracts at some of the largest landfills in the western United States.  He holds master’s degree (University of Southern California) and bachelor’s degree (California State Polytechnic University, Pomona) in civil engineering, and is a licensed professional civil engineer in ten states.

Julie Hauenstein is a Senior Project Manager with 19 years of experience in landfill engineering, construction management, construction quality control, and project management.  She was the site engineer during construction of Olowalu TDS facility.  She participated in the preparation of designs for site earthwork, a leachate basin, stormwater controls, and technical specifications and a Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) Plan. She also oversaw the monitoring of the contractor’s debris placement and construction activities to ensure that they remained in compliance with the site operations plan.   Julie has extensive expertise in engineering analysis, earthwork design, and preparation of designs for lined refuse disposal cells and final cover construction systems.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (California State Polytechnic University, Pomona) and is licensed California professional engineer.

Cameron Baughen, Baughen Consulting

Cameron Baughen has worked in solid waste management and emergency management for over 20 years. He project managed the Thompson Nicola Regional District disaster debris response to the 2021 wildfires and atmospheric river event. This included being involved with Integrated Project Management for the Village of Lytton and developing the curbside collection of flood debris for the City of Merritt. He is presently the administrator for the BC Product Stewardship Council, coordinator for the solid waste services for the District of Summerland and operates his own consulting business.

Heidi Gerlach, Dillon Consulting

TBA

Session 3B –  Improving Recycling Outcomes

Jenny English, Dillon Consulting

Jenny English is a seasoned expert in waste management and recycling, with a proven track record in developing and implementing innovative waste reduction programs. Based in Squamish, BC, she has successfully integrated sustainability principles into business functions, driving growth and supporting environmental initiatives. With a strong foundation in Environmental Science and Sustainable Business Leadership, she has excelled in roles such as an Account Executive with ReCollect and Waste Reduction & Recycling Coordinator for the City of Richmond. Her notable achievements include facilitating the launch of several city-wide waste reduction programs in the City of Richmond and managing landfill operations in Simcoe County. Recognized with the 2017 Waste 360 40 Under 40 Award, Jenny is committed to advancing innovative waste management solutions and fostering sustainable practices across the country.

Komal Fatima, KIAM Consultancy

Komal works at the intersection of strategy, communications, and behavior change to mobilize community action. Through her consultancy, she helps organizations like Recycle BC design campaigns that nudge and empower diverse communities toward sustainable behaviors—equipping them with both practical tools and a sense of ownership. Her approach combines systems thinking with on-the-ground insights, using stakeholder interviews and community dialogues to identify where small, strategic nudges can create big participation leaps. Outside of work, you’ll find her experimenting with Pakistani fusion recipes or diving into nonfiction with a cup of chai in hand.

Cristy Houston, City of Richmond

Cristy Houston has worked at the City of Richmond for eight years, and has been a Waste Reduction & Recycling Coordinator for three. Her portfolio focusses on projects such as the Business Recycling Resources pilot program and Green Ambassadors as well as communications for Environmental Programs.

Outside of being enthusiastic about recycling (seriously, ask her family), Cristy’s hobbies include an extensive indoor plant collection and balcony gardening.

Lyndsey Chauhan, Recycle BC & SK Recycles

Lyndsey Chauhan is the VP, Program Engagement with Recycle BC and SK Recycles in Saskatchewan. In her current role, Lyndsey is responsible for marketing communications, stakeholder relations, customer service and Indigenous engagement. Her eight years working on the Recycle BC program have provided the opportunity to build positive and productive relationships with team members and partners, explore creative solutions advance recycling and bring the brand to life in a meaningful way. Prior to joining Recycle BC and SK Recycles, Lyndsey worked with 2010 Legacies Now, VANOC, the Vancouver Canucks and Molson Coors in various capacities in marketing, communications, brand engagement, partnerships and event management. When not working on recycling-related engagement, Lyndsey loves hitting the North Shore trails for a hike or run, especially when she’s able to drag her husband and daughter out with her.

Session 4A – Organics Management

Jim Miller, JRMA

Jim Miller, CEO and Founder of JRMA, is a highly respected professional with a long-standing reputation as a trusted advisor and industry leader in the design and implementation of process-driven facilities. Jim has built a wealth of expertise across on organic waste processing facilities which has allowed him to make significant contributions to a wide range of facilities, resulting in the alignment of economy and sustainability with operational functionality and efficiency. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field, receiving accolades such as the SWANA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and the Civil Engineering Career Achievement Award from the University of Kentucky in 2011. His commitment to excellence and innovation in facility design has earned him a reputation as a thought leader and influencer in the industry.

Tracie Onstad Bills, HDR

Tracie Onstad Bills has been in the Environmental and Resource Material Management Field for over 28 years, working for a hauler, municipality and the past 20 years with consulting firms. Tracie currently works at HDR Engineering, and is the Executive Director of the California Resource Recycling Association (CRRA). Her expertise spans across many services including, commercial recycling technical assistance, organics programs, large venue and event zero waste programs, research and sustainability planning, research and feasibility studies to help clients with comprehensive waste prevention and zero waste programs. Currently Tracie is focusing on current policy and implmentation in California. Additionally, Tracie has been the CRRA Executive Director since 2018. She is also a member of the National Recycling Coalition (NRC), Northern California Recycling Association (NCRA), Zero Waste San Diego, and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Ms. Bills graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Science from San Jose State University.

Tim Raibley, HDR

Tim Raibley is a Civil Engineer with 43 years of experience, nearly all in the waste industry.  Tim manages HDR’s National Organics Management Group which is a cross-discipline practice bringing water/wastewater, food/beverage and solid waste services together to serve communities and industry.

Sam Huang, Tetra Tech

Sam Huang is a Project Engineer and the Solid Waste Lead in Ontario for the Solid Waste Management Practice within Tetra Tech. Sam is very knowledgeable and experienced with all aspects of AD processes, including technology selection, feedstock variation, biogas utilization and digestate management. Sam also has experience with composting, waste planning, renewable energy, and landfill projects. While Sam is focused on Ontario, he also participates on project teams all across North America leveraging his expertise in organic waste management. He completed his master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Toronto with a focus in anaerobic digestion and hold two bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering and biochemistry. Sam brings both solid theoretical knowledge as well as practical operational knowledge in the organic waste management field.

Session 4B – Actionable Insights – Tracking Materials from Homes to Final Destination

Lynne Vidler, Metro Vancouver

Lynne Vidler is a Lead Senior Engineer for the Metro Vancouver regional government’s Solid Waste Operations team.  Lynne has been with the Solid Waste Department for the last 17 years and her group is responsible for Metro Vancouver’s weigh scales and disposal ban program, asset management, capital planning, division safety, emergency planning, and a wide array of other interesting initiatives. As a passionate advocate for responsible waste management, Lynne enjoys developing and implementing innovative programs that drive operational efficiency and elevate customer experiences.

Kevin Hahn, Routeware

Kevin Hahn is a Strategic Account Executive with four years working on enterprise municipal projects and revenue initiatives with some of the largest private haulers in the US. Passionate about fleet technology, compliance, and smart truck capabilities, Kevin focuses on being a reliable and responsive partner to his clients. He is proud to have formed some amazing relationships in this industry where education and learning never stop.

Rocky Strong, Strong Data Automation

Rocky Strong studied Mechanical Engineering at Memorial University. After his studies he moved to Norway to work in the oil industry for several years where he lived on a 32 foot sailboat. He moved back to Newfoundland and Labrador where he has led Strong Data with a focus on growth in the waste industry. Rocky is also involved with the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce and SWANA Atlantic Canada Chapter as a director.

Session 5A – Circular Economy

Jane Hamilton, Nanaimo

Jane Hamilton has been working in environmental and waste management for close to three decades. Her ground-level point of view is influenced by fourteen years of employment behind the scalehouse responding to the seemingly never-ending environmental and engineering challenges of residual waste management and landfill operations. In 2021, she completed a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Practice from Royal Roads University with a final research paper on microplastics, a topic she remains passionate about and drives her ambitions to help develop a Circular Economy (CE). In her free time Jane can be found in the kickboxing studio, beachcombing, or walking the Vancouver Island forests with her dog Rupert.

Alec Wu, Metro Vancouver

Alec Wu is a Professional Engineer and graduate from the University of Regina’s environmental systems engineering program. After trying out a number of industries including oil & gas, site remediation, and artificial intelligence, Alec made the switch to solid waste in order to work on local projects with an impact on his community. Alec works for Metro Vancouver in the Zero Waste Implementation team. Outside of work, Alec enjoys music festivals. He is shocked by the amount of disposable plastics left on the ground at these events, which encourages him to further promote reuse.

Shannon White, District of Squamish

Shannon White has worked in the Solid Waste industry for 15 years. After completing her Masters of Science and working in Europe with local and national governments on sustainable purchasing, she returned to Canada. She has worked for non-profits, and private industry in sustainability. And today she is responsible for waste management at the District of Squamish. Where she oversees a Landfill, curbside collection, and helps drive waste diversion, reduction and circular economy. Shannon continues to pursue moving the dial on waste reduction and welcomes collaboration on how we can do this together. Shannon loves learning from others and hopes one day to have the opportunity, even if temporarily, to work in the field of solid waste overseas.

Jon Gire, Bellevue Utilities

Jon Gire oversees the City of Bellevue Washington’s solid waste and public outreach programs. He has worked for local government solid waste programs for nearly 20 years, an experience that includes establishing the first Zero Waste sports stadium and managing solid waste contracts in one of the largest contracted service systems in North America. One of his favorite hobbies is hiking the beautiful PNW, though he has yet to spot Bigfoot.

Jeannie Bertrand, Dillon Consulting

TBA

Session 5B – Landfill Gas

Alex Erlenbach & Camryn Steiner, Herrera

Alex Erlenbach has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL. He worked in South Florida for over 8 years, both in local government and the private sector. He then escaped to Washington to join Herrera Environmental Consultants in the Seattle area in 2023. His expertise while at Herrera has been in post-closure monitoring and maintenance of closed landfills, including elements of cover systems, landfill gas mitigation, wastewater conveyance, and stormwater conveyance.

Camryn Steiner graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. She worked as an intern with Herrera during school before joining full-time in June 2021. While at Herrera, she has mostly been involved in closed and active landfill projects. She has worked on each stage of a landfill’s lifespan including permitting, design, compliance monitoring, operations, and maintenance, and land redevelopment.

Alanna Friesen, APIS Innovation

Alanna Friesen is a Landfill Gas Data Analyst at Apis Innovation, where she specializes in leveraging real-time data and advanced analytics to optimize landfill gas recovery and improve operational efficiency. With over six years of experience as a Landfill Gas Technician at Vancouver Landfill, Alanna brings a wealth of hands-on expertise in gas monitoring, compliance, and system optimization.

At Apis, Alanna combines her technical background with innovative technologies to support clients in maximizing methane capture and achieving sustainability goals. Her work focuses on integrating data-driven insights with smart monitoring systems to streamline processes and enhance landfill performance.

Hanna Musslick, City of Vancouver

Hanna Musslick, (MOLO, B.Sc) is the lead Landfill Gas Technician at the City of Vancouver Landfill. Over the last ten years, she has overseen the implementation of many new technologies to improve landfill gas collection. This includes: precision orifice plate gas well heads, solar and pneumatic leachate pumps, buried and suspended temperature sensing, down hole well inspections using a cabled camera and, most recently, automated well field tuning devices. In addition to these technologies, she has directed the change in wellfield tuning procedure in anticipation of two renewable natural gas facilities (commissioning in 2024), and been on call for flare station trouble calls during the best of times, and the worst of times.

Andrew Aubrey & Heather Faust, Sniffer Robotics

Dr. Andrew Aubrey completed his doctorate in 2008 at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, after which he worked 9-years at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA-JPL) in the field of advanced sensors and sensor systems. Andrew left NASA-JPL in 2017 to start a company called SeekOps Inc., an environmental remote sensing company using drone-based systems for gas detection. After leading SeekOps as CEO for 5 years, Andrew continued work in the methane emissions with Carbon Mapper Inc., a satellite remote sensing company. Andrew currently runs Celatech LLC, specializing in technology consulting with companies in the environmental and drone sectors.

Chris Hiller & Julie Flynn, Waga Energy

Chris Hiller is a Project Development Director for Waga Energy, Inc. and supports the development of landfill gas to renewable natural gas facilities in the Western US. He has 23 years of experience in the renewable energy field with 10 years as an onsite foreman and the last 13 years in project development for commercial, industrial, and municipal customers across the US using a variety of renewable energy solutions. Chris can discuss everything from transportation to microgrids and their potential impact in every major US market, so feel free to reach out and discuss your landfill energy needs even if they aren’t related to RNG. Chris currently resides in Northern CA, married 23 years to a South African with two teenagers, two dogs, and two cats.

Julie Flynn developed cutting-edge expertise in biogas and hydrogen engineering at Air Liquide. A chemical engineer with degrees from Université Laval and McGill University, she has long been convinced of the eminent role of renewable gases in the energy transition. She joined Waga Energy in 2021, as Director of the Group’s Canadian subsidiary. Julie actively promotes the role of women in engineering and renewable energies.

Session 6A – Building Partnerships for Sustainable Waste Management

Meg O’Shea, Canada Plastics Pact

Meg O’Shea is a seasoned change manager with over a decade of experience in economic development, supporting organizational and business transformations for sustainability. As Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Canada Plastics Pact, Meg works directly with industry, government, and other actors to tackle the plastics problem facing society today by creating a circular economy of plastics. She is skilled in bringing together disparate fields, objectives, and organizations to collaboratively tackle big gritty challenges such as sustainability and justice.

Brooke Atkinson, Metro Vancouver

Brooke Atkinson has been working with Metro Vancouver to engage residents of the region on projects for seven years including air quality awareness programs, water infrastructure projects, and most recently the solid waste management plan update. Brooke’s work involves engaging with a range of diverse audiences and tailoring communication strategies to connect with these audiences. She is particularly passionate about reaching individuals who might not typically participate in regional issues, including First Nations and underrepresented or equity-denied groups. In her spare time, Brooke enjoys running and exploring the trails in British Columbia.

Erick Serpas Ventura, VEMA Deconstruction

Erick Serpas Ventura, the CEO of VEMA Deconstruction, is a leader passionate about promoting sustainability. VEMA Deconstruction is committed to deconstructing single-family homes and extracting valuable materials from them, primarily emphasizing lumber. The reclaimed material is upcycled and brought back into the economy to add value and extend life. Erick’s leadership and dedication to environmental responsibility have helped position VEMA Deconstruction as a leading player in the deconstruction industry.

Erick is an enthusiastic participant in the world of deconstruction. Collaborating with municipal governments, consultants, universities, and American industry leaders in deconstruction, Heritage Home organizations, Zero Waste Canada, non-profit organizations, Homebuilders Association Vancouver, and Technical Schools. At BCIT, he educates the industry by sharing his knowledge of Deconstruction as part of the Applied Circular Economy: Zero Waste Buildings, Microcredential.

Erick’s ten years of military service in the Royal Canadian Air Force have instilled in him the values of loyalty, inclusion, courage, integrity, excellence, and accountability. He brings these values to the Deconstruction industry and is committed to driving growth and collaboration to improve the quality of the community he serves.

Session 6B – Increasing Safety Performance – Everyone Going Home Safe

Catherine Hunchak, WorkSafeBC

Catherine Hunchak is an Industry and Program Specialist within WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Services. Through collaboration, consultation, and education she supports industry associations, health & safety associations, and external stakeholders in reducing workplace risk and building healthier and safe workplaces.

Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Hygiene and a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Her background has led to a successful career in municipal government, regulatory enforcement, analyzing industry risks, and engaging with industry and workers.

In her spare time Catherine enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and their dog.

Kevin Swinden, Global Hazmat

Kevin Swinden is the President of Global Hazmat, Inc. with over 28 years of industry experience in the hazardous materials, dangerous goods and safety fields.

Kevin is a subject matter expert on the regulatory requirements of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations in Canada as well as the United States 49CFR Hazmat Regulations, The ICAO and IATA International Air Regulations, the IMDG International Marine Regulations and the United Nations Model Regulations. Kevin holds a CDGP (Certified Dangerous Goods Professional) designation issued by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management from the U.S.

He owned and managed a hazardous waste company for 25 years and still assists clients with understanding the various regulations that apply to hazardous waste and environmental issues.

Kevin oversees environmental and compliance projects globally for clients. From major remediation projects to repackaging of discarded, abandoned, or government detained chemical hazards.

Global Hazmat through Kevin and his team of consultants focus on all hazardous materials related topic from dangerous goods, hazardous substances, spill management, hazardous waste, and total compliance for our clients.

Kevins education is a blend of schooling in Environmental Sciences from Elgin College in Illinois, to certifications and designations related to industry, but mostly years of experience learning from others and building a system that has worked.

In addition, Kevin also holds designations as an ISO auditor in ISO14001, ISO19011, ISO45001.

Kevin Cheong, MKC Engineering

Kevin Cheong is a local electrical engineer that has worked on some of the largest projects locally such as the Transmountain Pipeline Burnaby Mountain Terminal, and Westridge Marine Port Terminals, three of the largest local hospital redevelopment projects, Bermuda Hospital Redevelopment, Nassau, Bahamas Airport, and Chicago Midway Airport Privatization Pursuit.  Kevin is a committee member on the Electrical Code, several Electrical Equipment and Engineering standards, the Elevator Code, The Building Code, and the Fire Code, at the local, Canadian, American, or international level.  Kevin also does legal or insurance engineering expert witness work.  Kevin presented at the National Fire Protection Association annual conference in 2023 on EV Li-Ion Battery and Charging fires, and has since presented variants to the consulting, fleet operator, or firefighting/prevention community as a volunteer.  A colleague described his hobby as working, but for free.

He has also worked at the Vancouver Landfill investigating a bird-strike on the high voltage overhead distribution lines, on various sawmill or pulp and paper facilities recycling or solid waste treatment facilities, at Boeing on the garbage incinerator, and toured the Reworld (prev Covanta) Waste to Energy Facility for work.

Kevin’s presentation will cover the Lithium Battery & Charger fire risks and hazards related to zero emissions garbage trucks, e-waste collection, storage, transportation, and recycling, along with some planning, mitigation, or other considerations.

Session 7 – Innovative Waste Management Solutions (Wood, Batteries & Clothing Waste)

Chris Wai, SixOne

Chris Wai is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sixone. Sixone is mapping the world’s plastics waste data to unlock efficient recycling, starting with post-consumer textiles.

Prior to founding Sixone, Chris was an Executive Director at Texhong Textile Group and identified the chemical challenge with recycling the polyester in clothing. Prior to that, Chris held leadership roles at technology startups and was a venture investor in Silicon Valley.

Chris has a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.

Tony Cheng, Polytide

Mr. Tony Cheng, is a seasoned executive with over three decades of leadership experience across diverse sectors, including technology, aviation, logistics, real estate, education, and biotechnology. Mr. Cheng joined Polytide in 2022, where he now leads Business Development and Bioinformatics. In this presentation, he will underscore the grave impact of waste plastic on human health and the environment by facts and figures, while offering a compelling solution to this pressing challenge

Michelle Mazzotta, Kiwi Innovations

TBA