ZWCC Technical Council
Zero Waste Campus Council
Mission Statement
The Zero Waste Campus Council (ZWCC), a technical council of the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), is dedicated to fostering and supporting academic, corporate and other multi-building campuses across the country that are moving toward Zero Waste. We manage zero waste programs inside and outside buildings, bringing stakeholders together to encourage sustainable behavior and provide the right tools to achieve Zero Waste goals and regulatory compliance. Our network of members is available to provide feedback on projects or ideas that reduce waste, promote circular economy and implement other Zero Waste practices in any campus environment.
The ZWCC was formed to support a broad network of campuses of all types who are on Zero Waste journeys. Unique from general sustainability and recycling networks, we work together to share challenges, solutions, insights and data specifically related to Zero Waste workspace initiatives. ZWCC seeks to connect organizations that have well-developed Zero Waste goals and plans, as well as those who may just be starting out. Cities, counties and other government agencies/organizations are also welcome to join.
Join us on our Meet Up, Waste Down on the last Tuesday of the month at 10 am PST/1 pm EST via Zoom!
Grab your lunch and meet people from academic, corporate and other multi-building campuses across the country to hear about and discuss projects, strategies and challenges for achieving Zero Waste. Meetings start with an initial welcome followed by a brief member spotlight/introduction or stakeholder presentation. Then, people can move to a breakout room to talk about various topics ranging from zero waste planning and implementation, construction and capital projects, waste infrastructure, outreach and education and everything in between. Topics will change from month to month based on polling and input received in prior meetings.
Register for this month’s conversation here…
Open to all, no cost.
If you have any questions or difficulties signing up, email us at
zerowastecampuscouncil@gmail.com
We're excited to announce the agenda and speaker lineup for the Zero Waste Campus Council: Meet Up, Waste Down Workshop, taking place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at UC San Diego's Climate Lab.
Join sustainability professionals, waste and recycling practitioners, facilities and operations staff, students, and industry partners for a full day of networking, collaboration, and practical learning focused on advancing zero waste and sustainability across higher education.
As organizations continue to navigate budget constraints while meeting state mandates and sustainability goals, this workshop offers valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, discover innovative solutions, and learn from leading experts who are shaping the future of resource management.
This Year's Program Features
This year's agenda includes presentations, discussions, and speakers such as:
SB 1383 Implementation at Colleges and Universities
Emily Schuetz, Senior Environmental Scientist, CalRecycle
Annie Liu, Environmental Scientist, CalRecycle
Circular Action Alliance on SB54 and Reusables
Christopher Slafter, Reuse & Refill Senior Manager, Circular Action Alliance
Beyond Diversion: How cross-team collaboration led to exceptional construction waste outcomes, and project cost savings, at the new UC Berkeley's Barbara and Gerson Building
Stephanie Barger, Director, Marketing, Transformation & Development, U.S. Green Building Council
Lin King, Zero Waste Manager, UC Berkeley Cal Zero Waste
Brett Stuckey, Regional Sustainability Manager, Turner Construction
Mike Teixeira, Co-owner, Ground Force Enterprises
SFO on Zero Waste Programs
Evelyn Ferreira, Zero Waste and Compliance Lead, San Francisco International Airport
Reuse First: Transforming Campus Surplus into Opportunity
Laura Gonzalez-Ospina, Waste & Sustainability Analyst, Sacramento State
Scarlett Zamora, Zero Waste Coordinator, CSU Dominguez Hills
UC San Diego Zero Waste & Dining
Elizabeth Lin, Waste Management, Recycling, & Sustainability Manager, UC San Diego
Industry partners including Bay Area Trash Compactor, ImperialBrady, and Max-R
The day concludes with an exclusive guided tour of UC San Diego's waste management, sustainability programs and operations, providing attendees with practical ideas they can bring back to their own campuses and organizations.
Why Attend?
• Learn directly from state agencies, higher education leaders, and industry experts
• Stay current on SB 1383, SB 54, reuse initiatives, and emerging waste reduction strategies
• Discover practical solutions that reduce costs while improving diversion and operational efficiency
• Exchange ideas and best practices with peers from across California
• Build valuable professional connections and partnerships
• Experience UC San Diego's recognized sustainability and zero waste programs through an exclusive campus tour
Workshop Details
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
(Check-in begins at 8:00 AM)
Location: UC San Diego Climate Lab
Extend Your Learning
The workshop is held in conjunction with the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) Annual Conference. Maximize your travel by attending both events and gain access to additional educational sessions, policy updates, industry insights, and networking opportunities with professionals from across the resource recovery and sustainability sectors.
Workshop Registration
https://crra.wildapricot.org/event-6719318
CRRA Conference Registration & Program
https://www.crra.com/conference
We look forward to welcoming you to San Diego for an engaging day of collaboration, learning, and innovation as we continue advancing zero waste.
Contact
Zero Waste Campus Council Executive Team Members 2024/2025
Laura Gonzalez: Waste & Sustainability Analyst at California State University, Sacramento
Nikhil Schneider: Assistant Director of Sustainability at Pomona College
Dailey Brannin: Recycling Services Supervisor at Harvard University
Ernesto Padilla: Zero Waste Data Analyst at University of Southern California
Joanie Burns: Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Manager at AMGEN
Julie Muir: Associate Director of Zero Waste Systems at Stanford University
Lin King: Zero Waste Manager at University of California