PODCAST · society
WastED - A Waste and Recycling Podcast by SWACO
by Hanna Greer-Brown
WasteED is a waste and recycling education podcast from SWACO. Hosted monthly by Joe Lombardi and Hanna Greer-Brown, our guests offer insights into regional efforts helping to push sustainability forward as well as sharing their perspective on the next big GREEN thing for central Ohio. Between a few laughs plus genuine and substantive conversation, each episode features takeaways about proper disposal that will have listeners recycling right in no time. Find us on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you listen!
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20
Earth Day Is Every Day. How SWACO and Columbus Partner For A Sustainable Tomorrow
Earth Day is a lot more than a feel-good day when you remember one uncomfortable fact: our trash moves. What starts as litter on a Columbus street or a bottle in a storm drain can end up far downstream, as in the Gulf of Mexico! That’s why the choices we make at home matter at a city scale. For Earth Month, we sit down with City of Columbus leaders Kelly Scocco and Tim Swauger to talk about what “Our Power, Our Planet” looks like when you’re responsible for real-world waste, recycling, and neighborhood cleanliness.Hanna and Joe dig into the practical side of waste reduction and why the best recycling program starts before you ever open the cart. You’ll hear how Columbus pushes reduce and reuse efforts first and how consistent rules across our region make participation easier. We also talk honestly about population growth, the pressure it puts on collection systems, and why protecting landfill capacity is a long-term sustainability issue, not just a budgeting problem.Then we get into the exciting news: SWACO and the city have partnered to open Franklin County’s only class two composting facility. This creates a local home for food waste drop-off and a tangible circular economy win as organics become usable compost in about a month.We also spotlight Keep Columbus Beautiful, the year-round initiative organizing cleanups, school outreach, and diversion efforts that help residents take action every day.Don't forget to subscribe and share this with a friend who wants to live more sustainably, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
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19
How Central Ohio Construction Is Cutting Waste For A More Sustainable Future
Central Ohio is packed with cranes right now, but what happens to all the materials when roads get milled and buildings get renovated? Joe and Hanna dig into the part of construction most people never see: the waste stream, the hidden costs of landfilling, and the practical steps that make recycling real on busy job sites.We’re also celebrating SWACO breaking ground on a new education center and administrative office building designed to be sustainability-forward, LEED-aligned, and net zero energy. From geothermal and solar to a mass timber structure and strong waste diversion goals, the project is built to “walk the walk” and to teach. The new space will welcome thousands of students and community members with interactive learning on composting, recycling, engineered landfills, the circular economy, and green jobs.Ryan Smith from RAP Management joins us to explain why recycled asphalt product (RAP) is both a huge opportunity and a huge challenge. Ryan shares how European technology, brought from Switzerland, can increase recycled content while delivering high-quality asphalt, plus some jaw-dropping scale of diversion numbers!Josh Lloyd from Turner Construction Company walks us through sustainable construction and demolition recycling in the real world: choosing haulers who recycle, keeping loads clean to avoid contamination, and using LEED as a common language for healthier materials and better procurement. He also shares an inspiring job-site food rescue effort that has already diverted over 13,000 pounds of food to families in need.If you care about sustainable construction, recycled asphalt, LEED certification, or reducing construction waste in Central Ohio, you’ll get clear examples you can point to and ideas worth pushing. Subscribe, share this with a builder or planner in your life, and leave us a review with your biggest question about cutting waste on job sites.
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18
How the SWACO Scholarship Program Lowers College Costs And Builds Careers
College costs keep climbing, but the need for skilled environmental leaders has never been more urgent. Hanna and Joe welcomed Kaylee Oiler, the SWACO contract administrator who oversees our scholarship program, to unpack how we help launch real careers in sustainability, engineering, policy, and solid waste management. From the eligibility basics to the essay that seals the deal, we break down what matters most and why these awards are designed to drive impact you can see.We walk through the essentials: who can apply, accepted degree paths, and the timeline for the application window and scholarship announcements. Kaylee explains how our eight-person review committee evaluates passion, purpose, and a clear plan to serve communities—especially through projects that improve recycling, expand composting, or modernize landfill operations. Along the way, we talk about the bigger picture: how SWACO’s decades of student engagement—from classroom visits to landfill education—feed a growing pipeline of talent. Universities now offer far more options in environmental science, environmental engineering, public policy, and circular economy fields, creating paths for students who want to pair technical skills with community impact. When we invest in these learners, we invest in cleaner neighborhoods, smarter infrastructure, and a stronger local workforce.If you or someone you know is a graduating senior or GED student with a passion for sustainability, now’s the time. Apply at SWACO.org by March 31, share this episode with a friend who needs the nudge, and help us build the next generation of waste and recycling leaders!
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17
Two Local Partners Help Families and Our Landfill
The gift of giving doesn’t have to end when the holidays are over. What if your old sofa could be the reason a family sleeps better, studies at a real table, and finally feels at home? We sit down with Brody Olson of Two Men And A Junk Truck and Phil Washburn of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio to share how a simple reroute—from landfill to living room—creates outsized impact across Central Ohio, including helping you sustainably clean up from the holidays. Joe and Hanna walk us through the origin of their partnership, why speed matters, and how donations move from a pickup truck to a family’s home in a matter of days. Phil explains the referral network that identifies households leaving homelessness, domestic violence, or disaster, and why the most requested items are the most basic: sofas, beds, and dressers. Brody opens the hood on junk hauling, the kinds of usable items they see every day, and the moment he realized mattresses—when clean and safe—can be accepted and immediately put to use. How about this for a staggering number - nearly 3,000 tons of furniture going to families in need while keeping all those items out of the landfill!This great conversation also gets practical. If cardboard is piling up, try renting heavy-duty boxes, saving your best ones for the next move, or circulating them through neighborhood groups. Plus, we highlight community access points: affordable thrift stores, neighborhood food pantries and upcoming events that make responsible drop-offs easy. Mark your calendar for Furniture Bank Day on April 25, 2026, and keep an eye out for Earth Day and World Cleanup Day collection drives.If you want less waste and more impact, this is your playbook! Subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor who’s decluttering, and leave a review telling us one item you’ll pass on to a new home this month.
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16
WastEd Celebrates a Full Year of Podcasts and Waste Reduction Wins
The final show of the year brings the whole journey into focus: a million pounds of food headed to the landfill each day, plastics evolving from confusion to circular products, and a community that keeps asking sharper questions about what belongs in the bin. Joe and Hanna revisit our most-played episodes: food waste work with local partners, a behind-the-scenes tour at Columbus Zoo, and transforming plastics into new life as countertops and store-ready products. It all adds up to what those downloads reveal about what matters most to Central Ohio.Hanna and Joe also open the door to the real work of making a podcast: booking guests, aligning calendars, and choosing the right name were more than logistics, they were exercises in clarity. WastEd stuck because education is the thread: practical steps residents can take today, and system-level changes cities and businesses can implement too.Looking ahead, we outline 2026 Greenprint priorities: more support for schools and multi-unit housing, targeted help for businesses, new grants to lower the barrier for composting and reuse, and stronger ties with public services, construction and logistics teams. Expect deeper work on hard-to-recycle materials, cleaner curbside lists, and more on-the-road stories that show circularity in action. If you care about reducing waste, saving money, and building a healthier region, there’s a place for you in this effort. Subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor, and leave a review with one question you want answered next year. Happy holidays and keep listening in 2026!
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15
Columbus Seeks To Be A National Leader On Waste Reform
A national spotlight landed in Columbus, and we were ready for it. Hosting a major recycling and waste management conference downtown gave us the perfect backdrop to show how practical changes—like weekly curbside recycling, free convenience centers, and expanded food scrap drop-offs—are helping residents waste less while strengthening our local economy. Hanna and Joe sit down with Mayor Andrew Ginther to dig into the city’s climate action targets, the momentum behind youth education, and why most recyclables collected here stay in Ohio.We talk through the results of moving to weekly recycling, including a double-digit participation boost, more than 34,000 tons collected, and a reduction in trash headed to the landfill. From there, we tackle food waste. Central Ohio discards over a million pounds of food scraps each day, so the city’s drop-off sites and event rescues at festivals like Jazz and Rib Fest are turning surplus into meals and scraps into compost. That cuts methane and supports our neighbors. You’ll also hear how convenience centers accept styrofoam, furniture, clothing, and electronics at no cost, thanks to partnerships with us at SWACO, Goodwill, the Furniture Bank, and local refurbishers that keep materials moving in a circular loop.Myth busting gets its due too in this episde. Yes, empty pizza boxes with a little grease are recyclable. We connect the dots between accessible services, clear education, and a thriving circular economy that creates thousands of jobs while protecting limited landfill space. If you care about real results, local impact, and practical steps you can use during the holidays and beyond, this conversation will give you the playbook.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s skeptical about recycling, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find WastED!
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14
How A City Built Momentum For Recycling, Composting, And Reuse
What if a city made recycling the easiest option everywhere you go—at school, at the park, at festivals, and even at your desk? We sat down with Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny to trace a practical roadmap to less waste and more reuse, powered by clear rules, smart SWACO grants, and community pride. The story begins in classrooms, where the Slate Ridge Elementary green team turned sorting into second nature. It continues at public events, where portable recycling stations draw crowds who want the right bin within reach.We dig into how 30 park containers cut litter and protected waterways, and how City Hall flipped behavior by pairing big blue recycling bins with tiny waste baskets. Six years after rolling out 65‑gallon curbside recycling carts, many homes now set out fuller recycling bins than trash bins —proof that simple, consistent guidance works. Beyond the basics, Reynoldsburg keeps adding convenient ways to divert materials. Year‑round e‑waste collection takes the guesswork out of disposing of TVs, computers, and phones. A standout program transforms single‑use plastic film—grocery bags and shrink wrap—into sturdy park benches! Seasonal efforts include leaf pickup which begins in October, a pumpkin drop after Halloween, a creative costume swap, and holiday string lights recycling to handle those strands that never seem to survive another season.Public safety and stewardship meet at the prescription drug take‑back, coordinated with the Reynoldsburg Police Department near Earth Day, alongside paper shredding, bike donations, and respectful flag retirement. We wrap it all up with the mayor’s historian lens (he's a former teacher) on World War II and the sweeping changes of the 1960s, reminding us that culture shifts fast when people pull in the same direction. If you care about building a cleaner, smarter city with tools that actually get used, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a review with the one idea you want your city or town to try next.
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13
Growing Better, Not Just Bigger with MORPC
What happens when a rapidly growing region adds 700,000 new residents in just 25 years? That's the question at the heart of this fascinating conversation with the leadership of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), the organization helping Central Ohio prepare for this growth through 2050. Here at SWACO, we're planning for it too!Executive Director William Murdock shares MORPC's guiding philosophy that Central Ohio must "grow better as it grows bigger," explaining how strategic investments in sustainability, transportation, and conservation are essential to maintaining quality of life. Director of Sustainability Brandi Whetstone reveals how MORPC's innovative programs—from neighborhood-level air quality sensors to regional water planning—are creating a roadmap for sustainable growth.The discussion delves into how MORPC has successfully engaged 39 communities in a friendly competition to achieve higher sustainability ratings, driving real progress through collaboration rather than mandate. You'll learn about cutting-edge initiatives addressing looming energy challenges and water resource management. Plus, William and Brandi talk about another topic that we at SWACO absolutely love to promote and discuss — the principles of the circular economy. Perhaps most compelling is the practical advice both leaders offer: start with one attainable sustainability goal. As Brandi notes, "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." Curious about how Central Ohio is preparing for the future? Don't miss this insightful conversation about the collaborative approach making the region a model for sustainable growth. Visit MORPC's website or attend their upcoming Summit on Sustainability on September 30th to learn more and get involved in shaping Central Ohio's future.
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12
Ring the School Bell! Rethinking School & Classroom Sustainability
Sustainability in the classroom isn't just about recycling bins—it's about shaping the environmental leaders of tomorrow. As students and educators head back to school this August, we're diving into powerful ways schools can reduce waste while teaching lifelong environmental stewardship.Our special guest Danna Lotz, SWACO's School Programs Administrator and former classroom teacher of nearly 20 years, shares with Hanna and Joe her passion and expertise for making sustainability accessible in educational settings. From practical tips for teachers (repurpose those half-used notebooks instead of sending them home!) to school-wide initiatives like food waste composting and e-waste recycling, Danna reveals how environmental responsibility can be woven into school culture.Discover SWACO's impressive array of free resources for Franklin County schools: landfill tours with bus reimbursement, classroom recycling containers through the School Recycling Champions Program, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, and technical support for more complex waste diversion projects. The newly launched SWACO Schools Green Team creates a collaborative network where educators can exchange ideas and find moral support for their sustainability efforts.Parents and caregivers aren't left out either! Learn practical strategies for greener lunches, supply shopping, and clothing choices that reduce waste while teaching children valuable lessons about resource conservation. As Danna reminds us, when we instill these habits early, young people don't just recycle because they're told to—they understand why it matters. Visit SWACO.org to explore our school programs and start your sustainability journey today!
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11
Recycling Revolution: How Plastic Waste Becomes Stunning Countertops
Meet Joseph Klatt, the innovative founder of Marble Plastics who's turning trash into treasure right here in Central Ohio. As we mark Plastic Free July, this eye-opening conversation reveals how discarded plastics can be transformed into stunning countertops, furniture, and building materials that rival traditional options like Corian or natural marble.What sets Marble Plastics apart is their commitment to showcasing recycling's potential through products that are both beautiful and educational. Unlike typical solid surface materials that hide their composition, Klatt's creations proudly display colorful flecks from various plastic waste streams – from electronic waste providing the black base colors to bread tags creating distinctive specks. These visual elements serve as conversation starters about recycling's true impact, helping consumers understand that their recycling efforts genuinely matter.The sourcing stories behind each component are fascinating: refrigerator parts become the white base material, while bread tags collected by an Indianapolis nonprofit (which uses proceeds to fund wheelchairs for those in need) create colorful accents. Klatt's vision extends to "decentralized manufacturing" – creating regional hubs where communities can see their waste transformed into valuable products locally, similar to how the organic farm movement reconnected people with their food.Joseph brings rich experience to this mission, having worked with Ohio EPA before joining a firm in the Netherlands, where he designed recycling machines for communities worldwide. His goal now? Making recycled plastic building materials commonplace in the architectural and design industry within five years, while changing perceptions about plastic waste. As he pointedly reminds listeners: your recycled plastics really do get transformed into useful, beautiful products. Ready to reduce plastic waste? Start by swapping disposable items for reusables and remember that in Central Ohio, plastic bottles, tubs, jugs and cups can all be recycled curbside. Follow Marble Plastics on Instagram or visit marbleplastics.com to learn more about this recycling revolution.
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10
The Wild Side of Sustainability: Inside Columbus Zoo's Green Initiatives
Stepping behind the scenes at the world-famous Columbus Zoo and Aquarium reveals an extraordinary commitment to sustainability that extends far beyond animal care. In this enlightening conversation with Tom Schmid, President and CEO, and Kristeena Blaser, Director of Sustainability, we discover how this beloved institution manages its massive ecological footprint while working to save wildlife across the globe.The scale of operations at the Columbus Zoo is staggering - processing 1.6 million pounds of animal food annually while maintaining an impressive 80% waste diversion rate. From transforming animal waste into coveted "Zoo Brew" fertilizer to recycling everything from electronics to Halloween candy wrappers, the zoo demonstrates that conservation begins with daily choices. Their innovative partnerships with local organizations like Price Farms Organics and SWACO showcase how collaborative efforts amplify environmental impact.We explore the zoo's ambitious sustainability targets, including their goal to achieve zero waste certification by 2040, and learn about their newly rebranded WILD Zero Waste Challenge launching July 1st. This mobile app-based initiative has already engaged 48,000 participants, preventing 1.6 million single-use plastic items from reaching landfills.The conversation expands to showcase recent developments across their five entities - including the $35 million North America Trek featuring enhanced habitats for bears, river otters, and Mexican wolves and groundbreaking global conservation initiatives. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, sustainability advocate, or simply curious about how all the animals are taken care of, this episode offers fascinating insights into how one of the world's premier zoos is creating a model for conservation. Discover how you can participate through visiting, volunteering, or joining to make your own environmental impact measurable and meaningful.
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9
Turning Food Waste into Opportunities for Central Ohio Restaurants
A million pounds of food waste enters Central Ohio's landfill every single day. Let that sink in. Beyond the environmental impact, this waste represents a staggering economic drain - the average family of four tosses away $2,000 worth of uneaten food annually.When Joe and Hanna sat down with Sara Gallaugher, SWACO's Food Waste Program Administrator, we knew we needed to address the hidden crisis of wasted food but what you'll find in this conversation is a remarkable opportunity, too. Local restaurants like Bud Dairy Food Hall, Kittie's Cakes, and Joya's have joined our Food Waste Champion program with stunning results - diverting 20,000 pounds of food waste from landfills in just six months through simple but effective composting practices.The beauty of this initiative lies in its accessibility. SWACO provides comprehensive support including free containers, signage, education, and covers six months of hauling costs for businesses ready to take the leap. Sara emphasizes that solutions aren't one-size-fits-all - whether it's a food hall managing ten chef partners or a neighborhood bakery - successful food waste diversion can be customized to fit any operation.This episode doesn't stop at restaurants though. We explore practical strategies for homes (shop your fridge first!), schools (set up smart cafeteria systems), and businesses (host zero-waste events). The goal isn't perfection, as progress can start small: with simple changes like properly dating leftovers and freezing foods before they spoil. Ready to join the movement? Visit SaveMoreThanFood.org for resources and connect with SWACO to learn how you can turn your food waste into opportunity.
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Choose to Reuse: Reduce Your Environmental Impact One Small Decision at a Time
Sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it's good for our economy too. Step into the world of Central Ohio's circular economy champions who prove that small changes create meaningful impact for both our environment and community.Meet Sam White, founder of Rewash Refillery, whose pandemic pivot transformed an LA-inspired mobile refill concept into a thriving brick-and-mortar business in Clintonville. Sam shares how customers bring their own containers to refill with concentrates like shampoo, conditioner, and cleaning products—dramatically reducing single-use plastic while supporting local sustainable brands. Her arts and crafts swap event exemplifies the joy of reuse, where treasure-hunters excitedly found the perfect blue buttons or yarn they needed without buying new.Then discover Goodwill Columbus beyond the thrift store with Marketing Director Simone Attles. This 85-year community institution employs 1,200 people across thrift operations, business services, and programs supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Follow the fascinating journey of donated items—from color-coded tagging through five weeks on the sales floor to their Second Chance Outlet where artists and designers buy by the pound.The economic impact of sustainability is staggering: Central Ohio's recycling and reuse industries employ thousands across nearly 400 businesses, generating a billion dollars in regional revenue. SWACO's new 'Choose to Reuse' initiative highlights this powerful connection between environmental and economic sustainability.Hanna, Joe and both of our guests emphasize starting small with sustainability efforts. As Sam notes, "One change is one change and that's tangible." Use what you have, make gradual shifts, and remember sustainability isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Visit SWACO.org to learn more about Choose to Reuse and connect with us on social media to suggest future podcast topics.
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7
Clean Sweep: Your ultimate guide to spring cleaning the right way
Tackling that overflowing garage or cluttered attic this season? Before you start filling trash bags, SWACO's latest podcast episode delivers an eye-opening guide to spring cleaning the right way. Executive Director Joe Lombardi and Communications Director Hanna Greer-Brown welcome Education Specialist Kim Chapman and Outreach Administrator Amy Densborn to share lesser-known disposal options that keep valuable materials out of our landfill.What's truly astonishing? Our research reveals that 76% of materials arriving at the landfill could have been recycled, reused, or composted. This podcast dives deep into solutions that make proper disposal convenient while supporting environmental sustainability. Learn about SWACO's two specialized facilities: the Household Hazardous Waste site near the fairgrounds and the newer Recycling Convenience Center that accepts hard-to-recycle items like electronics, appliances, and even food waste.The conversation covers practical advice on safely disposing of batteries, motor oil, and grass clippings, along with creative disposal solutions you might never have considered. Did you know your donated latex paint helps rebuild communities after natural disasters? Or that shredded paper makes excellent compost material? From separating lithium-ion batteries to finding new homes for gently used textiles, these small actions make an enormous impact.Beyond disposal tips, discover SWACO's educational opportunities including public landfill tours (next one May 31st) and upcoming community events throughout spring. Our experts emphasize looking beyond kitchen recycling to capture items from every room in your home. Ready to transform your spring cleaning from wasteful to wonderful? Visit RecycleRight.org for location-specific guidance on where to take those tricky materials, or attend one of SWACO's many spring events to learn more in person.
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Our hometown legend White Castle makes sustainability a 'craveable' part of its mission
Many firsts are credited to White Castle: the first fast food hamburger chain in the world (1921), the first to introduce carry-out (1920's) and the first to advertise in the newspaper offering coupons for $.10 sliders back in the 1930's. Along the way, White Castle has been part of momentous mentions in music by bands like the Beastie Boys and found even more dedicated fans from the cult classic, Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle. The company is still family owned, which is a feat in and of itself in this day and time, so Hanna and Joe are honored to welcome fourth generation family executive, Shannon Tolliver, to this episode. She's their Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainable Manager. Shannon actually provided a first for us at SWACO too. This is the first time we've taken WastEd on the road as we set up our mobile podcast studio at White Castle headquarters in downtown Columbus. Shannon told us all about sustainability efforts that went into their gorgeous building plus daily efforts made at every restaurant to reduce food waste and send less and less to area landfills. Also, stick around for Joe's personal story about the cool White Castle hat he rocked during the recording. (Hint: it nearly got him in trouble at home!)
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How SWACO and Ohio EPA help organizations recycle, reuse and generate new revenue streams
Fashion designers and textile manufacturers are choosing Columbus and central Ohio as home. In fact, more designers live in Columbus than virtually any other city in the U.S. Only New York and L.A. have more! Brands like IKEA rely on central Ohioans at Fluvitex to make every synthetic fiber pillow and comforter sold in every store in America! It’s common for production processes to generate some waste and in particular textile waste is an emerging waste stream. In episode 5, SWACO welcomes the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Fluvitex to discuss the synergies between big brands, product manufacturers and the public sector agencies behind the Ohio Materials Marketplace. The Ohio Materials Marketplace (OMM) is a free online platform that allows Ohio businesses, manufacturers, non-profits, and other organizations to find reuse and recycling solutions for decommissioned, waste, byproduct, and surplus materials. (Check out more on the Ohio Materials Marketplace on Ohio EPA's website and stay up to date by following @OhioEPA for #MarketplaceMonday weekly features.) So for manufacturers like Fluvitex, the Markeplace allows them to sell unused inventory or other products, that could otherwise head to the landfill, be re-purposed into useful products! This reduces textile waste, saves precious resources and creates new revenue streams for businesses too. Plus, Fluvitex has built relationships with local non-profits so mis-marked or irregular pillows and comforters that can't go to IKEA can go to places like the Ronald McDonald House and YMCA locations. As you're about to hear, they're looking for more non-profit partners too!
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SWACO's Green Holiday Guide, the toy industry goes green plus a preview of the 2025 North American International Toy Fair!
‘Tis the season to be merry and green! During our episode 4 conversation, an expert from the Toy Association shares how nearly half of parents shopping for gifts this holiday season are interested in purchasing more sustainable toys and SWACO explores the lengths toy manufacturers like Mattel, Lego and Fisher-Price are going to – even trying out cocoa beans -- to create the products consumers want. And it turns out, the Toy Association's Charlotte Hickcox is an Ohio Wesleyan graduate and used to work at the Ohio EPA with our other guest, Andrew Booker, SWACO's Programs Manager. So, we love this career reunion of sorts as Charlotte and Andrew bring a wealth of knowledge to the changing landscape of all things recyclable and reusable from toy manufacturing to Amazon packaging. Plus, Hanna and Joe also talk about the basics like what can and can't go in your trash and recycle bins given a lot of kids are getting battery powered toys this Christmas. So, from all of us at SWACO, have a healthy and safe holiday season and enjoy our last episode of 2024. But don't worry, we're already planning more great episodes for 2025!
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From your curb to store shelves, recycling plastics in Ohio works!
It's a term you'll hear more about especially from those of us in recycle and reuse communities -- the circular economy. Love that crisp refreshing Coca-Cola or Diet Coke but still wonder where that recycled plastic bottle or aluminum can ends up? To put it simply, it ends up back on your store shelf and in some cases, in just a matter of weeks. November is National Recycling Month and recycling is growing in Central Ohio thanks to recent announcements by SWACO and Rumpke Waste & Recycling making it possible for residents to recycle even more plastic material. When families and residents choose to recycle plastics from their homes, they contribute to a cleaner, greener community and help to support businesses that rely on those recyclables to manufacture their goods and products. Joining Hanna and Joe for this month's episode are Amanda Pratt from RUMPKE and Todd Marty from Coca-Cola Consolidated. Both are leading the way and pushing Ohio to the forefront of the circular economy and at the same time, saving precious natural resources, diverting materials from landfills and creating jobs!
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Bring your leftover Halloween candy to the Ronald McDonald House and see recycle and reuse in action!
Here at SWACO, we're all about partnerships and learning from our neighbors new ways to recycle and reuse. So, this month is the perfect time to meet our friends at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Did you know we're home to THE largest Ronald McDonald house in the world? In fact, our local house just completed a big renovation which cements their worldwide status. Joining Hanna and Joe is Ronald McDonald House Charities Communications Director, Maddie Knostman. She highlights several big initiatives like their 'Pop Tab Challenge', chef's garden, and various ways you can volunteer. But for this episode, we start the conversation with Maddie on how easy it is to drop off your leftover Halloween candy. It's a great way to avoid food waste at home plus you're providing sweet treats to families and kids who likely could use a pick-me-up. Plus, if you're wondering where to take your pumpkins after Halloween, Joe and Hanna have the complete list of cities and towns in Central Ohio that'll compost them for you.
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Going for Gold, err, Green at Ohio State football games and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission
Did you know the vast, vast majority of cans and bottles discarded at an Ohio State Buckeyes home football game never end up in landfill? And that's a great thing! Ohio Stadium is doing many dynamic things on game day that keep fans dialed into the X's and O's while keeping their composting and recycling efforts scoring big too! But it's not just football season. The Greater Columbus Sports Commission brings all kinds of events to our city week-in, week-out and it's constantly managing recycling, reusing and upcycling signage, bottles, cans and even t-shirts. Two leading executives join SWACO's Joe Lombardi and Hanna Greer-Brown to make history on this *Episode 1* of WasteED.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
WasteED is a waste and recycling education podcast from SWACO. Hosted monthly by Joe Lombardi and Hanna Greer-Brown, our guests offer insights into regional efforts helping to push sustainability forward as well as sharing their perspective on the next big GREEN thing for central Ohio. Between a few laughs plus genuine and substantive conversation, each episode features takeaways about proper disposal that will have listeners recycling right in no time. Find us on Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you listen!
HOSTED BY
Hanna Greer-Brown
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