H-GAC's solid waste workshops focus on in-depth studies of different topics each quarter.
Upcoming Workshop
Check back for our next workshop.
H-GAC's solid waste workshops focus on in-depth studies of different topics each quarter.
Check back for our next workshop.
These quarterly workshops provide attendees with in-depth information on the selected topic.
During this webinar participants heard about opportunities and challenges associated with running a successful recycling drop-off program. Speakers include Selina Valdez from the East Aldine Neighborhood Depository and Recycling Center and George Scullane from Keep Kingwood Green.
H-GAC hosted an Environmental and Historic Preservation Considerations in Debris Operations webinar on July 20, 2023. Subject-matter experts led the discussion on the role of regulatory agencies in debris operations, an overview of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), understanding environmental justice concerns, conducting disposal options, protection of wetlands, regulations on outdoor burning, disposal of deceased animals, handling and disposing of household hazardous materials, and historical considerations.
During this workshop, subject-matter experts led the discussion on disaster debris preparadness, debris management site selection and preparation, public information, and finances.
During this webinar participants heard from experts who have examined equity in solid waste services in Texas and other parts of the country. Participants also learned about H-GAC’s Regional Equity Tool and how you can use it in their communities. Speakers included Gena McKinley - City of Austin, Austin Resource Recovery; Andrew Linebarger - The Recycling Partnership; and Sayena Marandi - Houston-Galveston Area Council.
Participants at the workshop heard from Tetra Tech team about disaster debris related funding opportunities available to local jurisdictions.
Participants at this workshop heard from Brandon Karr, Chief Pilot and UAS Program Coordinator, with the Pearland Police Department, the rules surrounding drone use and how they are used in environmental enforcement.
Participants heard from those working in household hazardous waste and recycling about finding new solutions and strategies during challenging times. Speakers included Cheryl Burton- Fentress with the Harris County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, and Adrian Hernandez abd Christina Greenamyre with Keep Pearland Beautiful which operates the Stella Roberts Recycling Center
Participants had a conversation on the Texas Recycling Market Development Plan, released by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in August 2021. Presenters were Brittany Rosenberg with State of Texas Alliance for Recycling, and Scott Pasternak with Burns & McDonnell.
Participants in this workshop heard from experts across the region and state as they discussed strategies, resources, and innovative ideas to empower people to help reduce litter in their communities.
Participants at this workshop learned emerging trends in disaster recovery, technology in disaster recovery, public information strategies following a disaster, and best practices in preparedness initiative.
Participants at this workshop learned ways to manage the difficult aspects of their recycling program.
Participants at this half-day workshop learned about running a one-day collection event, HHW-specific outreach and education, operating a permanent facility, the impacts of COVID-19, and going beyond basic HHW collection.
Participants at this half-day workshop learned about activities that can assist jurisdictions in being prepared to respond to and recover from a disaster debris generating incident.
As landfill space and raw materials become scarcer, recycling of used materials becomes a more cost effective and sensible option. Periodically H-GAC hosts workshops to bring new ideas and knowledge to local governments on a wide range of recycling-related topics.
H-GAC hosts quarterly Regional Recycling Roundtables to promote recycling and waste reduction and provide a forum for discussion about recycling issues within the H-GAC region. Some presentations from past roundtables are below.
H-GAC hosts quarterly Organics Recovery Roundtables to promote the recovery of food waste and other organic materials and provide a forum for discussion of challenges, possible solutions, successes, and new ideas within the H-GAC region. Some presentations from past roundtables are below.
Solid waste and recycling contracts are one of the largest value contracts for a local government. In addition, it is a long term partnership that is essential to achieving a community's solid waste management and recycling goals. Key topics of the workshop included the procurement process and contract provisions.
Food waste is one of the largest components of the waste stream in the United States. It is estimated that less than five percent of all food waste that can be diverted from landfills is actually being diverted. For this reason, H-GAC funded a study to see how commercial food waste diversion could be increased using a collaborative approach with the private sector.
This workshop provided participants with information on locating and developing partnership opportunities, best practices for contracts, and real world examples of how partnerships have been implemented in order to maximize budgets and benefits for all parties.
H-GAC, with the help of a consultant, conducted a study to estimate the current and potential economic contribution of the recycling industry in the region. This analysis was conducted with the following goals in mind:
H-GAC hosted a workshop and invited Texas Department of Transportation and local governments to talk about incorporating recycled materials (concrete, asphalt shingles, compost, tires, and electronics) in future roadway projects while maintaining a quality product and strong budget.
Large venues and events generate a large amount of waste in a short period of time. These events are perfectly suited to promote recycling and provide an excellent forum to motivate event attendees, staff, and volunteers to lead as environmental stewards in a public setting. Fortunately, there are many ways for event organizers to dramatically reduce the amount of waste and make sure proper recycling measures are being applied.
H-GAC hosts periodic workshops to provide a forum for learning about and discussing illegal dumping and related issues within the H-GAC region. The group includes peace officers, county prosecutors, city officials, and personnel from TCEQ's Region 12 office. If you want to be included in our invitation list for these events please contact Erin Livingston at [email protected].
Environmental Enforcement and Small Business Assistance
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Local Government and State Enforcement Coordination
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Illicit Discharges & Honey Trucks
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Building a Good Case
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Junked Vehicles, Vehicle Storage Facilities, & Auto Parts Recyclers
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Staying Safe when You Encounter Hazardous Materials
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Enforcement Challenges and Strategies in both Rural and Urban Communities
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Illegal Dumping In and Along Waterways
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Cool Tools - Cameras and GIS
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Civil Prosecution of Environmental Violations
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Criminal Prosecution
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Environmental Enforcement after a Natural Disaster
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tires - Generation, Storage and Transport
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Outdoor Burning
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Junk Vehicles
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Air Quality Issues
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Setting up Illegal Dumping Stings
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Automotive Wrecking and Salvage Yards Enforcement and Licensing
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Illegally Dumped Medical Waste
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Interviewing Techniques for Environmental Crimes
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Do's and Don'ts for Environmental Investigators
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Industrial Stormwater
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Auto Salvage Yards
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Pipe Salvage Yards
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Concrete Related Activities
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
On October 27, 2009, the Houston-Galveston Area Council hosted a workshop "Pharmaceuticals Management for Local Governments", sponsored by Pharmecology and Waste Management. The event featured presentations by prominent local and statewide experts on promoting and facilitating the collection of pharmaceutical waste.
Participants heard regional success stories, learned about current regulations, and discussed strategies for improving collection in the Houston Galveston Area and around the State.
Dr. Matthew Mireles, M.P.H., Community Medical Foundation for Patient Safety
Jessica Huybregts, TCEQ, Water Supply Division, Public Drinking Water Section
Kati Stoddard, MS, University of North Texas, Institute of Applied Science Victoria Hodge, MS, City of Denton, Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator
Charlotte Smith, Director PharmEcology Services Waste Management Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
Dr. Jeanie Jaramillo, PharmD Managing Director; Texas Panhandle Poison Center Assistant Professor; Pharmacy Practice Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy