EPISODE · Apr 8, 2026 · 40 MIN
The Public Works Podcast: Tom Koutroulis Episode
from Public Works Podcast · host Joseph Blackman
Episode Summary:Join host Shane Silsby on The Public Works Podcast for a special episode featuring Tom Koutroulis, Director of Orange County Waste & Recycling. Go behind the scenes at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill and discover how Tom and his team are leading the way in sustainability, education, compliance, and innovative waste management.In this episode, Tom shares his unique journey from private sector to public service, explains how Orange County is tackling California’s recycling and landfill regulations, and highlights the county’s efforts in composting, renewable energy, and community education. Learn about the challenges and successes of implementing circular economy practices, the importance of public participation, and the future of waste management technology. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview00:42 - Meet Tom Koutroulis, Director of OC Waste & Recycling01:16 - Tom’s Career Journey: Private to Public Sector03:53 - How Orange County’s Landfills Operate06:01 - Funding, Compliance, and Enterprise Fund Explained08:14 - Sustainability & Circular Economy in OC10:56 - Composting Initiatives & Free Compost for Residents13:47 - What is Diversion? Why It Matters15:53 - SB 1383: Organics Diversion & Compliance18:32 - Challenges: Permitting, Education, and Outreach21:23 - Recycling Myths & Market Realities23:11 - Community Participation & Container Sorting24:33 - Advice for Other Communities26:33 - Education & Outreach: Schools and Public28:55 - Partnerships: Haulers, Cities, and Community31:34 - Landfill Tours & Community Engagement32:31 - Innovations & Technology in Waste Management34:36 - The Future: Waste-to-Energy & Advanced Recycling37:15 - Setting the Standard: OC’s Leadership & Safety39:32 - Final Thoughts & How to Get Involved41:11 - Outro & Additional Landfill Tour VideosStick around for exclusive video snippets from our landfill tour and insights from the OC Waste & Recycling team.Whether you’re a public works professional, a sustainability advocate, or just curious about what happens to your trash, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to The Public Works Podcast; and visit oclandfills.com for more information!
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Episode Summary: Join host Shane Silsby on The Public Works Podcast for a special episode featuring Tom Koutroulis, Director of Orange County Waste & Recycling. Go behind the scenes at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill and discover how Tom and his team are leading the way in sustainability, education, compliance, and innovative waste management. In this episode, Tom shares his unique journey from private sector to public service, explains how Orange County is tackling California’s recycling and landfill regulations, and highlights the county’s efforts in composting, renewable energy, and community education. Learn about the challenges and successes of implementing circular economy practices, the importance of public participation, and the future of waste management technology. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview 00:42 - Meet Tom Koutroulis, Director of OC Waste & Recycling 01:16 - Tom’s Career Journey: Private to Public Sector 03:53 - How Orange County’s Landfills Operate 06:01 - Funding, Compliance, and Enterprise Fund Explained 08:14 - Sustainability & Circular Economy in OC 10:56 - Composting Initiatives & Free Compost for Residents 13:47 - What is Diversion? Why It Matters 15:53 - SB 1383: Organics Diversion & Compliance 18:32 - Challenges: Permitting, Education, and Outreach 21:23 - Recycling Myths & Market Realities 23:11 - Community Participation & Container Sorting 24:33 - Advice for Other Communities 26:33 - Education & Outreach: Schools and Public 28:55 - Partnerships: Haulers, Cities, and Community 31:34 - Landfill Tours & Community Engagement 32:31 - Innovations & Technology in Waste Management 34:36 - The Future: Waste-to-Energy & Advanced Recycling <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmb6x8bONTE&t=2235s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer...
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The Public Works Podcast: Tom Koutroulis Episode
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