October 31, 2005

Solid Waste Directors, Environmental Commissioners, Public Works Directors and Recycling Managers came from across the United States, and as far away as South Africa, to learn with and from each other, industry experts and private sector partners, as Portland (OR) hosted the Fall Summit. After a tour of Portland’s innovative Food Waste Composting Program, attendees explored the issues and challenges of debris management, post hurricanes, identified trends in the paper, aluminum and waste to energy markets, created internal and external benchmarking standards and discussed the role of local governments as conduits to improving the environment.

“The MWMA Fall Summit is the premier learning and networking event for urban environmental professionals and our private sector partners,” said Susan Keil, Portland Director of Transportation and MWMA 2005 President. “Portland was happy to showcase our initiatives in food waste composting and sustainability and share our city with our friends and colleagues.”

For more information about the Fall Summit and The Municipal Waste Management Association, log onto www.usmayors.org/mwma or contact Susan Jarvis at 202-861-6760, or send e-mail to sjarvis@usmayors.org.