Join SCS Engineers February 2–4 for the SWANA Florida Winter Conference and Hinkley Center Research Forum, hosted at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort in Fort Myers, FL. This annual event brings together solid waste professionals from across Florida to exchange ideas, earn continuing education credits, and explore industry trends.
This year’s theme “Harboring Innovation: Exploring What’s Next in the Solid Waste Industry” sets the stage for forward-thinking discussions and meaningful connections.
SCS Engineers team members will be actively participating in the SWANA Florida Winter Conference, contributing leadership insights and engaging discussions.
Jason Timmons Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Welcome & SWANA Florida Chapter Updates An overview of chapter initiatives, priorities, and what’s ahead for the SWANA Florida community.
Laila Al-Khalaf & Kelly Milbrandt Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. YPs: Engage, Recruit, and Retain A focused session on strategies to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of solid waste professionals.
We’re proud to support knowledge-sharing, leadership development, and the future of the solid waste industry through active participation in this year’s conference. Register now!
On Thursday, September 25, at the Southern California SWANA Annual Meeting and Workshop, Michelle Leonard completed her 18-year tenure as a member of the Southern California Founding Chapter Board of Directors, and most recently as Chapter President. Her departure marks the end of an era defined by visionary leadership, advocacy, and transformative impact in the solid waste management industry.
Michelle’s journey with SWANA began in the early 1990s, when she joined SCS Engineers and quickly became a trailblazer in a field where women were few and far between. Over the years, she rose through the ranks of SWANA’s Executive Board, serving as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and ultimately President in 2015. Her commitment to education, mentorship, and innovation has left an indelible mark on the organization and the broader environmental community.
At the September 25 workshop held at The Reef in Long Beach, Michelle opened the day with a warm welcome and presided over the annual business meeting, which included board slate approvals and by-law updates. Later in the day, she delivered a deeply personal and inspiring keynote titled “If I Knew Then What I Know Now: My Journey in SWANA and the World of Waste”—a reflection on her career, the evolution of the industry, and the lessons learned along the way.
As Senior Vice President at SCS Engineers, she has led dozens of high-impact projects across California and beyond. Her expertise spans solid waste management planning, recycling program design, regulatory compliance, and sustainable materials management. She has worked with municipalities, tribal governments, and regional authorities to develop innovative solutions that reduce, reuse, and recycle waste while improving operational efficiency.
Her leadership has also extended to national platforms. Michelle is a past recipient of SWANA’s Sustainable Materials Management Technical Division Distinguished Achievement Award and Waste 360’s inaugural Women Who Inspire Award. She is known for her ability to moderate panels, present at conferences, and mentor the next generation of environmental professionals.
As Michelle steps down from her role on the SWANA SoCal Board, her legacy continues through the programs she helped build, the people she inspired, and the standards she set. Her swan song may mark the end of her board position, but it is far from the end of her influence as she continues supporting SCS Engineers clients.
SCS Engineers is proud to support the 25th Annual Joint Fall Conference, hosted by the Keystone Chapter of SWANA and the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association (PWIA).
This event brings together the top professionals in Pennsylvania’s solid waste industry, offering valuable insights on evolving regulations, technologies, and best practices at the national, state, and regional levels.
This year’s conference promises three days of:
Expert-led sessions and technical education
Expanded exhibit space showcasing innovative solutions
Exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities that sell out quickly
Featured Speakers
Justin Stevenson: Hydrogen Sulfide Treatment Systems for Landfill Gas
Dave Hostetter & Micah Sneller: Disc Golf Course at Lanchester
Stacey Demers & Quinn Bernier
Be sure to visit SCS Engineers at Booth #12 to connect with our team and learn more about the innovative solutions we’re delivering across Pennsylvania and beyond.
SCS Engineers is looking forward to connecting with peers, clients, and colleagues at Pennsylvania’s solid waste management event.
Join SCS Engineers September 15-17, 2025 in Fort Collins for the Colorado SWANA Fall Conference, the region’s solid waste industry event. This annual gathering brings together professionals, innovators, and thought leaders to share insights, explore solutions, and connect on the future of solid waste management.
This year, we’re excited to announce:
Featured Presentation: Melissa Russo Session:Advancing Drone Technologies for the Solid Waste Industry: Safer, Smarter, and More Efficient Data Collection
Melissa will highlight how SCS’s Remote Monitoring and Control (RMC) team is transforming landfill operations through advanced drone technologies. With a nationwide fleet of FAA-licensed drone pilots and GIS-based data tools, SCS is delivering safer, more efficient, and smarter ways to collect and assess critical site data.
William Haley
Session: LF Construction for Integrated Gas Systems
This presentation explores how increasing methane regulations are shaping landfill design and construction. William will discuss strategies for integrating gas collection systems into landfill cells during their development, ensuring gas capture begins as early as filling stages. The session will cover regulatory requirements, design considerations for aligning gas and leachate collection systems, and showcase real-world examples of integrated landfill/gas collection systems with demonstrated performance results.
Register now! We look forward to seeing you in Fort Collins!
SCSer J Morgan is heading to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the SWANA SC Palmetto Chapter 2025 Spring Conference on May 14-16. Join him for this multiple-day event to discuss the latest developments in the South Carolina solid waste industry. Topic discussions cover debris management, recycling and solid waste management, air space, PFAS, and more. Take part in the many networking opportunities, including a golf outing.
Secure your spot at this beach side event and register today!
Join SCS Engineers at the SWANA Regional Conference taking place April 29 – May 1, 2025, at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Mississippi “Magnolia” Chapter, partnering with the Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia Chapters, is bringing back the first regional SWANA conference since 2013—and they’re planning to make it the biggest and best yet.
Set along the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, the conference will bring together solid waste professionals from across the region for three days of valuable networking, learning, and collaboration. Attendees can expect engaging sessions focused on the latest industry trends, regulatory updates, and practical solutions for today’s environmental challenges.
Register and connect with SCS Engineers in Biloxi for this exciting regional event.
The SWANA Sierra Chapter collaborates to address California’s unique and challenging regulatory and environmental issues. The Annual Western Regional Symposium provides private and public members opportunities to form effective partnerships, resulting in creative solutions. Members gain access to education, training, specialized certifications in solid waste, and scholarships for future industry leaders.
The 54th Annual Western Regional Symposium is at the Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite. The event is open to all individuals interested in learning about the latest waste industry trends and how legislation impacts how we manage our resources. Participants will be able to explore and discuss the latest trends and technologies related to recycling, reuse, and waste management. Please stay connected with the agenda, announcements, and networking opportunities through the Whova app, making it easy for attendees to stay connected and engaged throughout the symposium.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts and fellow enthusiasts in a collaborative and inspiring environment. Register today!
Explore the full list of sessions from SCSer’s below and don’t miss the opportunity to learn from our leading professionals in the field.
Erik Martig and Victoria Evans – “Can I Get Credit For That?”
Evan Guignon – “How Impermeable are our Cells and Ponds Really?” A look into Geosynthetic Liner Damage and Repairs”
Bill Haley – “Landfill Construction for integrated Gas Systems”
Michelle Leonard – “Regional Food Recovery Hubs”
Lauren Beauban – “Are You Going to Eat That? A Crash Course in Kitchen Conservation”
Melissa St. John – “Is Your Landfill GCCS Ready for Retirement?”
Erik Martig – “Thinking About Launching a Community Scale Compost Site? What to Consider”
Vidhya Viswanathan and Ray Huff – “‘L’ is for Landfill Redevelopment – From Golf Courses to Graveyards, Adventures in Landfill Redevelopment”
Patrick Sullivan – “Current State of the Regulation of Composting Facilities under Air Quality Programs”
Laura Johnson – “Waste Diversion: How to Measure Success Through Route Reviews and Waste Characterizations”
Melissa Russo – “Advancing Drone Technologies for the Solid Waste Industry: Safer, Smarter, and More Efficient Data Collection”
Join SCSers Eric Peterson, PE, Julie Bethke, David Hostetter, PE, LEED AP, Scott Schoffner, and Dan Faby at the SWANA New Jersey Spring Conference on April 3-4 in Atlantic City. Bringing together solid waste leaders and organizations, this event will discuss the current industry challenges and solutions for the future. With plenty of networking opportunities, this event is a chance to mingle with solid waste colleagues while learning more about the issues affecting the industry.
Join us April 30 – May 1, 2025, at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, MN, for the premier Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) and the Solid Waste Association of North America Land of Lakes Chapter annual Conference & Show in the Upper Midwest.
As a Gold Sponsor, SCS Engineers is proud to support discussions on hazardous waste, recycling, solid waste, food waste diversion, and sustainability. Attendees can earn Continuing Education Credits and take advantage of valuable networking opportunities.
Several SCS Engineers professionals will be attending—connect with us and be part of the conversation on advancing waste management and recycling solutions. We hope to see you there!
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Melissa Russo
William Haley
