Severe storms—whether hurricanes, tornados, flooding, or winter weather—can leave widespread destruction across entire regions, disrupting communities, damaging infrastructure, and straining essential services. In this session, NWRA members will share real-world experiences from recent storm responses, outlining the operational challenges faced in the immediate aftermath and the long-term recovery work that followed. This interactive panel will examine the waste and recycling industry’s vital role in emergency response, debris management, workforce support, and building resilient communities.

Speakers: 
Chad Abell, Coastal Waste & Recycling
Molly McWilliams, Republic Services, Inc.

Local policies and proposals can dramatically reshape the waste and recycling industry—but they can also be the most difficult to track and influence. In this dynamic session, we’ll explore two real-world grassroots campaigns where NWRA members and allies have stepped up to protect their interests and shape better policy outcomes.

First, we’ll dive into South Carolina’s HB4003, a bill that redefined service boundaries and oversight for Greater Greenville Sanitation. Learn how NWRA’s Carolinas Chapter and local members mobilized against tough odds to engage legislators, educate the public, and ultimately influence the bill’s passage—warts and all. We'll discuss the wins, the compromises, and what could be done better in future local legislative battles.

Next, we’ll turn north to Fairfax County, Virginia, where an ongoing fight is underway against a local franchising proposal that would drastically reduce service options and limit market competition. Hear directly from VWIA members and coalition leaders about how they’ve organized outreach efforts, built unexpected alliances, and worked to reframe the debate in one of the state’s most influential counties.

Speakers: 
Dan Ciesla, Republic Services
Jeff Edwards, Evergreen Disposal
Chad Painter, Kirby Sanitation
Genevieve O'Sullivan, National Waste & Recycling Association

Lithium-ion batteries are powering our devices—and igniting major challenges in waste and recycling operations. Fires caused by improperly disposed batteries continue to rise, putting workers at risk, damaging expensive equipment, and costing the industry millions. This session will unpack the ongoing challenges posed by Li+ batteries and explore how NWRA and its members are working to solve them at every level—from curbside education to Capitol Hill advocacy.

Attendees will hear how NWRA is leveraging a national partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to relaunch the beloved Woodsy Owl campaign with a new modern message.

We’ll also take a deep dive into the efforts of NWRA state chapters across the country. From supporting battery stewardship legislation, to hosting workshops and facility tours for lawmakers, NWRA chapters are leading the charge in prevention and policy. Hear real-world examples from members who have developed innovative collection programs, built public-private partnerships, and created model legislation.

Speakers:
Rachel Kirkman, GFL Environmental
Chris Pilzer, WM
Genevieve O'Sullivan, National Waste & Recycling Association