Americans have among the highest per-capita rates of waste generation in the world. Figures are even worse for Cook County, where landfills are filling fast. The waste stream – glass, metal, paper, plastic, lumber and building materials – has value. The employment potential through recycling and alternative recovery methods is significant, with not only the more standard recyclables, but also in composting and sustainable building deconstruction, an alternative to demolition. One example, Chicago’s Rebuilding Exchange, is creating a market for the growth of deconstruction and building materials reuse and providing job opportunities for people with barriers to employment.  In addition to materials reuse, Chicago is also establishing itself as a leader in another waste diversion opportunity - composting, with the world’s largest commercial building, the Merchandise Mart, implementing an unparalleled composting program. This panel will shine the spotlight on what happens to our waste, identify ways to realize value from materials we send to landfill, and discuss whether the ultimate goal – zero waste – can be a reality. 

 

Join our panel of exceptional leaders for an interactive discussion on opportunities in the waste stream, from building markets for reclaimed wood to setting up a commercial composting program.