Introducing the 2026 Nebraska Recycling Fall Conference Morning Speakers | |
Keynote
Amy Lestition Burke, FASAE, CAE
Amy Lestition Burke, FASAE, CAE, is the CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), representing professionals across the waste and resource management industry. She is an experienced association executive with a strong record of advancing member value, building strategic partnerships, and growing organizational impact and revenue. Amy is passionate about connecting people and organizations to drive meaningful progress in the industry.
| |
Senator Jana Hughes
District 24, Nebraska Legislature
| Senator Jana (Luebbe) Hughes grew up on a family farm near Goehner, Nebraska, where she learned the importance of hard work, community, and self-reliance. Senator Hughes began her public service career on the Seward School Board in 2018 and later became a certified substitute teacher for Seward Public Schools. Elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2022, she represents District 24 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee, as Vice Chair of the Education Committee, Chair of the Building and Maintenance Committee, and as a member of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact and Education Commission of the States. | |
Jeff Phillips
Senior Project Manager, SCS Engineers
| Jeff Phillips is a Senior Project Manager with SCS Engineers and has more than 24 years of experience overseeing solid waste management projects for municipalities, solid waste agencies, and both private and public entities. Jeff manages and performs project work primarily related to Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) such as programs, services, and facility assessments, community engagement and outreach, training, and strategic planning. Jeff has presented and led round table discussions at state and national conferences on safety and environmental topics. | | |
Why Attend?
-
Hear from national industry leadership: Amy Lestition Burke brings a national perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the waste and resource management industry, including innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and the future of resource recovery.
-
Connect policy and practice: Senator Jana Hughes provides insight into Nebraska’s legislative landscape, natural resources priorities, and the role communities and organizations play in advancing environmental solutions.
-
Gain actionable knowledge: Learn about emerging trends, policies, partnerships, and strategies that can help communities, businesses, and organizations improve recycling and resource recovery efforts.
-
Build valuable connections: Engage with professionals, policymakers, and industry partners working together to create a stronger, more sustainable future for Nebraska.
| | Introducing the 2026 Fall Conference Breakout Speakers | | |
Join us for an engaging breakout session exploring how composting, biochar, and regenerative agriculture are creating new opportunities across Nebraska. This year's presenters bring expertise from farming, research, compost production, carbon markets, and community recycling programs to share practical ideas and real-world success stories.
Chuck Hassebrook - Biochar Policy Director, National Center for Appropriate Technology
A longtime advocate for rural communities and sustainable agriculture, Chuck is helping advance biochar research and policy nationwide while working to expand renewable energy opportunities in Nebraska.
Treaven Scheideler - Founder, Sandhills Biochar
Treaven is transforming invasive eastern red cedar into biochar products that improve soil health, reduce wildfire risk, and create new markets for Nebraska landowners.
Armstrong Regenerative Ag, LLC
Representing Armstrong Regenerative Ag are Brian Armstrong, Allison Armstrong, and Ricky Barton, who are pioneering the use of pyrolysis technology to convert agricultural byproducts into biochar, renewable energy, and other value-added products that support regenerative agriculture.
Travis Hassebrook - Midwest Soilogix
Travis leads one of Nebraska's composting operations, producing high-quality compost that improves soil health while turning organic materials into valuable resources for agriculture and landscaping.
Melissa Littrell - Director of Organics and Sustainability, Uribe Refuse Services
Melissa oversees organics and sustainability initiatives that are expanding composting and recycling opportunities throughout Lincoln, helping businesses and residents divert more organic materials from the landfill.
What You Gain:
- Learn how biochar and compost can improve soil health and support regenerative agriculture.
- Hear how Nebraska businesses and farmers are creating value from organic materials.
- Discover practical strategies for expanding organics recycling in your community.
- Connect with leaders shaping the future of sustainable materials management in Nebraska.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Nebraska innovators who are demonstrating how organics can strengthen our economy, our soils, and our communities.
| | Recycling Equipment Grants in Action | | |
Over the past ten years, the Nebraska Recycling Council has administered Recycling Equipment Grants (REG) to schools, businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities, providing access to recycling equipment. While funding for REG has come to an end, the success of the project remains evident and continues to impact communities across Nebraska. This session will feature the people making a difference in recycling through REG and beyond.
Jeff Selden - General Manager, Loup Central Landfill
Jeff started working in the landfill industry in the spring of 2015. Loup Central Landfill has an MSW site, a C&D site, and a small transfer station for public use. They focus on removing all metals from the various incoming waste streams.
Jennifer Burnside - Public Education Director, Western Resources Group
Jennifer Burnside is the Public Education Director at Western Resources Group in Ogallala, Nebraska, where she leads community outreach and education efforts focused on recycling and responsible waste management.
Alex Tunnison - Assistant Sustainability Coordinator, Lincoln Public Schools
Alex Tunnison has served as the Assistant Sustainability Coordinator for Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Nebraska since 2025. She is a TRUE Advisor who leverages both her formal education and previous career in marketing to cultivate clarity around the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of district waste initiatives, engaging stakeholders ranging from kindergartners to custodians.
Shari Shanks - Executive Director, Lincoln Bike Kitchen
Shari Shanks is the Executive Director of the Lincoln Bike Kitchen, where she leads the organization’s sustainability‑focused mission to keep bicycles in motion and out of the waste stream. By refurbishing donated bikes and parts, LBK extends the life of valuable materials while expanding access to affordable, eco‑friendly transportation throughout the community.
What You Gain:
- See the lasting impact of Recycling Equipment Grants
- Discover practical recycling solutions that work in Nebraska
- Connect with leaders driving recycling innovation
- Learn what's next for recycling in Nebraska
| | Safe Systems for Hazardous Materials | | |
Recycling goes beyond traditional materials—properly managing potentially dangerous materials is essential to protecting communities, workers, and the environment. This session will explore best practices for safely collecting, handling, storing, and diverting these materials from the waste stream. Attendees will learn about innovative programs, regulatory considerations, and practical strategies for developing effective materials management systems. Join industry experts and community leaders as they share lessons learned and solutions for creating safer, more sustainable approaches to materials recovery.
Kent Holm - Director of Environmental Services, Douglas County Environmental Services
As Director of Environmental Services for Douglas County, Nebraska, Kent administers the County’s solid waste management and environmental compliance. He chairs the Heartland 2050 Regional Planning Initiative’s Natural Resources Committee and the Committee’s Solid Waste Working Group and is a member of the Omaha Climate Action Planning Team. He is a newly elected Board Member of the Nebraska Chapter of SWANA, also serving as Legislative Advocate. He also participates in the SWANA Core Advocacy Group and Lithium Ion Battery Work Group, and is a member of the Nebraska Recycling Council’s Advisory Council.
Spud Rowley - Executive Director, Keep Kimball Beautiful and the Kimball Recycle Center
Spud Rowley serves as the Executive Director of Keep Kimball Beautiful and the Kimball Recycle Center. A longtime Kimball resident, Spud worked for the City for 15 years, involved with streets, water, landfill, and sanitation operations. He assumed management of the Kimball Recycling Center in 2011 before stepping into his role as Executive Director in 2017. Throughout his leadership, Spud has been instrumental in building local programs that boost recycling and reduce waste.
Reuel Anderson - Division Administrator of Permitting and Engineering, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment
Reuel Anderson has built a diverse career spanning groundwater remediation, environmental sampling, wetland delineation and mitigation, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, and Clean Water Act NPDES permitting and compliance.
Reuel leads a team responsible for permit development, environmental inspections, and enforcement of NPDES regulations. Reuel holds numerous professional certifications and credentials, including OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER, ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Certification, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-approved Wetland Delineation Training, Nebraska Level III Wastewater Operator License, Lean Six Sigma Executive Green Belt, Certified Inspector of Construction Stormwater and SWPPP Preparation, and EPA Permit Writer Training.
Carin Stuart - Senior Director, Stewardship Services, The Battery Network
Carin Stuart has spent 25 years working in government affairs and compliance within the electronics and battery industry. She worked for Energizer Holdings for 11 years, overseeing their compliance and safety programs for batteries and electronic devices. In early 2022, she joined Call2Recycle, overseeing the steward program as well as government relations. She has an undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University.
What You Gain:
- Understand emerging challenges, including lithium-ion battery risks and evolving materials management needs.
- Gain practical strategies for reducing safety risks at collection sites, facilities, and within communities.
- Explore successful programs and partnerships that support responsible materials recovery.
- Hear from industry experts about regulatory considerations and future trends impacting recycling systems.
- Connect with professionals working to create safer, more resilient, and sustainable recycling systems.
| | | | |
