Initially born in the 1960s and 1970s, the modern solid waste industry focused on using regulatory tools to protect public health and create a healthier environment. Regulations evolved over time, with significant updates in the 1980s and 1990s to create the robust framework that exists today. Meeting those regulatory goals, and the technical challenges they created, created a large industry which thrives today.
Today, industry is adapting to meet consumer demands for sustainability, with goals around recycling and reuse, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These goals extend beyond the regulatory requirements and seek to meet sustainability expectations – both environmentally and economically.
Our speakers will provide an overview of this evolution, including how the many technical challenges are managed, and a snapshot into current issues driving a large environmental services corporation today.
Joe Benco: Director, Engineering at Republic Services Inc.
- BSCE @ Notre Dame – CEEES (1993)
- PE: Multiple states
- Covers all technical challenges regarding landfill construction, environmental remediation, compliance resolution, and regulatory strategies
- Active leader within the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF; a not-for-profit devoted to funding graduate academic scholarships and peer-reviewed environmental research)
- Member of the Notre Dame Environmental Engineering Advisory Group
Jim Walsh: Past President and now Executive Chairman of SCS Engineers
- BSCE @ Notre Dame – CEEES (1970’s)
- PE: Many states & Board-Certified with AAEES
- President/CEO of SCS for 22 years
- 50-year career w/ solid waste management (all w/ SCS)
- Multiple leadership positions in various professional environmental associations (EREF, SWANA, NWRA, and ASCE)
- Extensive expert witness experience w/ environmental litigation
- Chair of the Notre Dame Environmental Engineering Advisory Group
- Proud father of 4, including 2 graduates of ND CEEES