Recycling goes beyond traditional materials—properly managing potentially dangerous materials is essential to protecting communities, workers, and the environment. This session will explore best practices for safely collecting, handling, storing, and diverting these materials from the waste stream. Attendees will learn about innovative programs, regulatory considerations, and practical strategies for developing effective materials management systems. Join industry experts and community leaders as they share lessons learned and solutions for creating safer, more sustainable approaches to materials recovery. 

As Director of Environmental Services for Douglas County, Nebraska, Kent administers the County’s solid waste management and environmental compliance, planning and zoning, building permits/inspections, weed control, stormwater permit compliance, and landscape management for county properties. He chairs the Heartland 2050 Regional Planning Initiative’s Solid Waste Working Group and is a member of the Omaha Climate Action Risk & Resiliency Task Force. He is Vice President of the Nebraska Cornhusker Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), also serving as Legislative Advocate. He is an advisor to the National Stewardship Action Council; participates in the SWANA Core Advocacy Group and Lithium Ion Battery Work Group and is a member of the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Advisory Council, the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA), National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC), and Product Stewardship Institute (PSI). 

Spud Rowley serves as the Executive Director of Keep Kimball Beautiful and the Kimball Recycle Center. A longtime Kimball resident, Spud worked for the City for 15 years involved with streets, water, landfill, and sanitation operations. He assumed management of the Kimball Recycling Center in 2011 before stepping into his role as Executive Director in 2017.

Throughout his leadership, Spud has been instrumental in building local programs that boost recycling and reduce waste. He actively advocates for environmental stewardship, expanding educational outreach and recycling to neighboring rural communities. Today, Spud is frequently sought after as a subject matter expert on rural recycling systems.

Deeply rooted in his community, Spud spent years volunteering for the ambulance service and currently supports youth sports. Outside of work, he sponsors co-ed softball, takes awesome photos, travels, and enjoys connecting with people.

With more than 20 years of experience in the environmental field, Reuel Anderson has built a diverse career spanning groundwater remediation, environmental sampling, wetland delineation and mitigation, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, and Clean Water Act NPDES permitting and compliance.

Currently serving as the Division Administrator of Permitting and Engineering at the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (NWDEE), Reuel leads a team responsible for permit development, environmental inspections, and enforcement of NPDES regulations. With more than 12 years of supervisory experience, he has successfully managed teams of 10–14 environmental professionals while advancing regulatory compliance and environmental protection across Nebraska.

A dedicated environmental leader, Reuel holds numerous professional certifications and credentials, including OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER, ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Certification, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-approved Wetland Delineation Training, Nebraska Level III Wastewater Operator License, Lean Six Sigma Executive Green Belt, Certified Inspector of Construction Stormwater and SWPPP Preparation, and EPA Permit Writer Training. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, Reuel was honored as Supervisor of the Year in 2016.

Carin Stuart has spent 25 years working in government affairs and compliance within the electronics and battery industry. She worked for Energizer Holdings for 11 years, overseeing their compliance and safety programs for batteries and electronic devices. In early 2022, she joined The Battery Network, overseeing the steward program as well as government relations. She has an undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University.   

Why Attend this Session?

• Understand emerging challenges, including lithium-ion battery risks and evolving materials management needs.
• Gain practical strategies for reducing safety risks at collection sites, facilities, and within communities.
• Explore successful programs and partnerships that support responsible materials recovery.
• Hear from industry experts about regulatory considerations and future trends impacting recycling systems.

Connect with professionals working to create safer, more resilient, and sustainable recycling systems.