Lynn Schenkman

Nearly 4,000 waste industry professionals flocked to the Long Beach, Calif., Convention Center in October to learn firsthand the latest in solid waste handling news and trends.

WASTECON the annual conference and trade show of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Md., drew friends and colleagues together to tweak their knowledge, professional performance and rolodexes.

This year, 218 exhibitors, displayed the latest products and technology for every waste management sector. Even the Department of Defense was in attendance, marking the second year representatives from every branch of the armed services highlighted their solid waste and recycling workshops.

SWANA presented communities awards for outstanding achievement in several fields. One of the association's gold Excellence Awards was given to Metro Park East Landfill/Metro Waste Authority, Des Moines, Iowa.

Ron Driedger and Stephen Lippy were Professional Achievement Award recipients. Life Membership Awards were presented to Roy Barbatti and Murray Ashton.