May 2014: Optimizing Organics Management – Focus on Food Waste
Welcome
Dear Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) Workshop Attendee: We are pleased to invite you to CalRecycle's "Zone Works" Training Workshop on May 7-8, 2014 at the Capitol Plaza Holiday Inn, in Sacramento. Zone Works offers the unique opportunity for Zone Administrators (ZAs), CalRecycle Zone Liaisons and Loan staff, and valued program partners to regularly convene and discuss current issues and to coordinate business assistance activities.
Compostable materials make up well over one-third of most jurisdictions' waste streams. Further, Californians throw away nearly 6 million tons of food scraps each year. In support of California’s ambitious goal of 75 percent recycling, composting or source reduction of solid waste by 2020, and the related focus to move organics from landfills, build the state’s recycling and manufacturing infrastructure and create jobs, this Zone Works agenda concentrates on organics materials management, with emphasis on food waste. The workshop agenda features an overview of programs and technologies to divert food waste. We will also have a session dedicated to permitting assistance programs and tools, as well as another highlighting related financing resources. As always, you can look forward to the ever-popular and interactive Peer/Zone Share session during which current RMDZ issues and topics are discussed as a team. Attendees will also have the benefit of an update on Zone Information Reporting System (ZIRS) enhancements and the upgraded Recycle Store marketing tool with a short working session. Additionally, this Zone Works offers an introduction to CalRecycle’s Facility Information Toolbox (FacIT), which is another tool to assist with local and regional planning and to facilitate the development regional recycling markets and manufacturing businesses. Through the workshop sessions, we will continue to highlight existing and explore new program ideas and partners through which we can leverage local, state and federal resources to recruit and retain business in California, specifically recycling manufacturers. As we develop the final agenda, the accompanying draft offers a snapshot of what we are planning.
Arrangements for registration, travel, and one night’s hotel can be made by CSUS using the online registration process, by phone, or by mail. The cost for each of these will be automatically paid via each ZA’s CalRecycle Zone Incentive Funds (ZIF). You will not have to get pre-approval or submit a reimbursement for airfare, lodging, or registration. However, other expenses like mileage or airport parking will require submitting a reimbursement form, which will be provided in follow-up to the workshop. Please also be aware, if more than one night’s lodging is required, you will need pre-approval from Marshalle Graham prior to registering. Also, if you are a ZA and would like to use your ZIF monies to pay for a guest from your Zone to attend the workshop, prior approval must be obtained from Marshalle Graham. More instructions are forthcoming.
We are excited about the diverse array of excellent speakers, and hope you will join us in Sacramento on May 7-8, 2014. If you have any questions about Zone Works, please contact Marshalle Graham at marshalle.graham@calrecycle.ca.gov or 916-341-6270.
Sincerely,
Marshalle Graham, Zone Works Cordinator
Local Assistance and Market Development