SWANA Land of Lincoln Newsletter - Summer 2026
President's Report
Summer months mean longer days, chances for time away to relax and recharge – and that 2026 is already nearing its halfway point(!). It also means the Chapter is fully immersed in planning great opportunities for our members to learn, connect, and strengthen our industry relationships.
Our Chapter prides itself on collaborating with partner organizations and bringing valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and continue advancing sustainable waste and resource management practices across Illinois and beyond. I am looking forward to our upcoming conferences with the Illinois Recycling Foundation (IRF) and the Illinois Counties Solid Waste Management Association (ILCSWMA) – get conference details below. We also are hosting the Manager of Landfill Operator (MOLO) training course again this year, providing members with specialized knowledge and practical skills that support operational excellence and that meets IEPA requirements for landfill operator license renewal. And on the national level, SWANA’s flagship event, RCon, promises to deliver exceptional educational content, networking opportunities, and industry insights that benefit professionals at every stage of their careers right in St. Louis.
Our active Young Professionals group continues to bring fresh energy to our Chapter, building connections among themselves and across the industry at-large. A special thank you goes to the team that planned the April 30 Vendor Showcase and Golf Outing, which provided valuable opportunities for learning and networking among members, industry partners, and vendors, along with a bit of cold, wet golf (for those who have been part of our golf outings in the past – rain is par for the course!). Their hard work behind the scenes is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to carrying into our conference programming!
I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and continuing to work together to advance sound waste management in Illinois and beyond!
Christina Seibert
SWANA Illinois (Land of Lincoln) Chapter President
Calendar of Events
MOLO Training - Aug. 4-6, Wilmington, IL
The Land of Lincoln Chapter is offering SWANA’s Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) course this year at the Prairie View Recycling & Disposal Facility in Will County. The in-person class fulfills the requirements for renewing a landfill operator certification. Earlybird pricing though July 1! More info and registration.
Illinois Circularity Conference - Aug. 19 & 20, Tinley Park, IL
This Conference, planned in partnership with the Illinois Recycling Foundation, will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The program features critical updates from state and federal leadership, the latest on diversion policy and programs in Illinois, and the return of the SWANA Young Professionals panel. Earlybird pricing though July 1, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available! More info and registration.
rCon - Sept. 29 - Oct. 2, St. Louis, MO
SWANA Land of Lincoln Chapter is a local co-host of this national SWANA Conference, alongside the Missouri Chapter. Designed to advance waste as a resource, RCon™ is where waste and resource management professionals come to think and collaborate on new ideas and solutions for the industry. SWANA is leading the direction around sustainable resource management for the industry’s next chapter. Registration and travel sponsorships available to IL Chapter members- see below! More info and registration.
ILCSWMA Conference - Oct. 29 & 30, Oglesby, IL
Our chapter is working with the IL Counties Solid Waste Management Association on their program for this event, to be held at the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available! More info and registration.
rCon
RCON 2026: Chapter Scholarships and More
The Land of Lincoln Chapter is excited to offer scholarships to its members for registration and travel to RCon in St. Louis (Sept. 29 - Oct. 2). We are offering up to five full conference registrations and up to $1,000 in travel/lodging expenses. Please see our scholarship page for more information and application information. Please direct any questions and completed applications to Eric Fasbender: [email protected]. Applications are due by July 8th.
Why attend RCon? RCon 2026 truly highlights A Midwest Moment for Our Industry! It provides a great opportunity to engage in national conversations about waste and resource management while highlighting the Midwest's leadership and innovation. RCon offers a strong mix of technical education, peer exchange, and professional development, all in one place. This year's program highlights timely topics like safety, PFAS, landfill gas, EPR, and evolving approaches to landfill and resource management, paired with hands-on learning and peer exchange.
Join colleagues from Illinois and across the country at SWANA's flagship event experience as an attendee, exhibitor, and/or sponsor. Note, the exhibit hall is almost full! Learn more and register at https://swana.org/events/rcon2026
Safety Moment
Strides towards safer battery disposal in IL
June of every year is Safety Month in the U.S., as established by the National Safety Council. "Safety First in the Solid Waste Industry" remains a key initiative of SWANA at the national level. Check out this post for key reminders about how to stay safe every day at work.
Safe and responsible lithium-ion battery disposal remains a key challenge to safety in our industry. Last week (June 4) it was reported that a collection vehicle fire in Bloomington, IL was caused by an electric lawn mower that someone managed to fit in their recycling cart, lithium-ion battery and all. While this incident was relatively minor thanks to quick action by the driver, that isn't always the case. A recent report on fires at waste facilities in the U.S. and Canada estimates total damage of $2.5 billion from 448 publicly recorded fires in 2025. While batteries are not the only cause of facility fires, loose batteries and battery containing devices are a significant contributor.
At the end of May, partners and champions of Illinois' new Battery Stewardship Act Program met in Springfield to acknowledge the steps being taken in Illinois to properly collect and recycle all portable and medium format batteries, from high-powered lithium-ion batteries used in electric mowers, to single-use alkaline batteries used in remote controls. This inclusion of all battery chemistries in the manufacturer-funded program makes Illinois' stewardship program the largest battery recovery program in the U.S. at the time of writing. Battery collection is being done by a network of private and public drop-off locations coordinated through The Battery Network, the program Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). The Battery Network is seeking additional collection partners in Illinois and is working with local governments on outreach and education to ensure that in the future, residents like the one in Bloomington know that there's somewhere to take that electric lawn mower battery for free so that it can be recycled safely. To learn more or become involved, call 678-325-5729.
Chapter News
Thank you to our Spring Showcase vendors and attendees
Thank you to our membership for showing up for our Vendor Event! Over 40 attendees had the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of vendors, including Rego’s AI-powered waste auditing, Qnergy’s decentralized methane abatement systems, bioprocessH2O’s insights on navigating onsite leachate treatment from ammonia to PFAS, and CurbWaste’s approach to modernizing hauling operations through technology.
We had a lively taco lunch followed by a golf lesson with the local pro at Village Links in Glen Ellyn. Afternoon golf was full of clutch shots, spirited networking, and a dash of rain to finish of the day. Prizes were awarded for the lowest score (and highest score!), closest to the pin, and longest drive. The post-golf social brough together a fun group connecting over the future of our industry.
We look forward to another wonderful golf social in 2027!
YP Group MRF Tour & Next Meeting
Our lively Young Professionals group toured a local material recovery facility this spring. The next meeting of the YP Group will be virtual, on Wednesday, June 24 at 1:30pm. If you'd like to join or learn more, please contact Spencer ([email protected]) or Max ([email protected])
Get Social
The SWANA Land of Lincoln Chapter has a new LinkedIn page! Please follow us here. We are happy to cross-post any open positions in materials management and closely related fields.
