Illegal Dumping Prevention and Management Workshops

The Recycling Council of Alberta, in partnership with SWANA Northern Lights Chapter, hosted two workshops on a common issue faced by all municipalities: illegal dumping.

Workshops featured a presentation from “Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful”, a not-for-profit state-wide organization that has worked with all 67 Counties in Pennsylvania to develop programs for future prevention of illegal dumping and enforcement. Heidi Pedicone’s presentation featured:

  • successful program examples at reducing illegal dumping,
    • surveillance camera loan program
  • previous illegal dumping research and related costs,
  • education strategies

This workshop was held:

  • in Cochrane on Monday, June 10, 2019 – 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
    at the Cochrane Ranchehouse, Hall of Vision
  • in Edmonton on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 – 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
    at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre Administration Building

Presentations:

Professional Development / Continuing Education Units

This workshop has been added to Alberta Environment and Parks’ list of approved courses for continuing education for the Alberta Landfill Operator Certification Program. View the CEU policy document on the AEP certification website. Participants can claim 0.35 CEUs for their attendance.

Speaker Bios

Harvinder Aujala, Recycling Council of BC

Harvinder Aujala is the Director of Policy & Communications with the Recycling Council of BC (RCBC), and has been focussing on waste reduction for over 15 years. Harvinder is responsible for the management and delivery of RCBC’s programs and services, including the province-wide BC Recycling Hotline. Harvinder brings to RCBC a thorough knowledge of provincial EPR programs, awareness of provincial regulations, and environmental policies. Harvinder routinely shares her knowledge with various stakeholders and community members, and is a frequent speaker at events, and with the media, on Zero Waste issues.

Allen Jensen, Metro Vancouver

Allen Jensen is a Project Engineer for Metro Vancouver in the Solid Waste Services Department. In one of his roles, Allen is the lead for the Litter, Abandoned Waste and Escaped Waste Strategy for the Metro Vancouver region. Allen has a background in civil & environmental engineering and energy management with over 25 years of experience in local and regional governments. In his spare time, Allen moonlights as a Chauffeur, Counsellor, Banker, Cook, Coach, Tutor and Mentor for his two young athletic boys, who keep him on his toes.

Heidi Pedicone, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Heidi Pedicone serves as the director of programs at Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Heidi has been with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for more than 18 years and is responsible for the administration and management of multiple environmental grants and community improvement programs. Heidi is a graduate of Duquesne University with a Masters of Environmental Management degree as well as a B.Sc degree in Environmental Studies and Marine Science as a dual major from East Stroudsburg University. Heidi has a combined 23 years experience in environmental consulting, marine science education, and nonprofit management.

Sheri Praski, SWANA Northern Lights Chapter

Sheri Praski works as an environmental engineer in the waste management and environmental sector. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and worked with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure for seven years, managed the environmental branch of the City of Saskatoon for five years and has more than 10 years in environmental consulting. Sheri currently works as an independent environmental consultant on projects with municipalities on waste and recycling, with industry on diversion of construction and demolition materials and on environment, energy and stewardship programs. As Executive Director of the Solid Waste Association of North America Northern Lights Chapter (SWANA), Ms. Praski oversees education delivery and program creation for the waste and recycling industry and manages the Landfill Operator Certification program for the Alberta and Manitoba governments.

Sheri currently serves on the International Board of the Solid Waste Association of North America, is a board liaison with the Recycling Council of Alberta, and is on the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.

Kirk Symonds, Waste Resource Association of Nova Scotia

Kirk Symonds has been talking trash for 15 years as the Regional Educator for Region 6 Solid Waste Management. He is also the Vice President of the Waste Resource Association of Nova Scotia. He holds an Honours Degree in Journalism from the University of King’s College in Halifax. Prior to plunging head-first into the wonderful world of garbage, he worked as a journalist for CBC Halifax and was a Faculty Member at the Nova Scotia Community College. He now spends his time convincing people to recycle in the 13 municipalities he serves along the South Shore and Valley of Nova Scotia.