From Hip to Fly

Bill Wolpin

Remember junior high picture day when you donned your best butterfly collar and bell bottoms? Thirty years later, while cleaning out the closet, inevitably you come across the picture only to wonder why you thought you looked so groovy. Everyone has at least one or two unflattering childhood photographs that have survived the years. And although your style was not embarrassing at the time, there certainly was room for improvement.

During the past 30 years, Waste Age's look also has evolved. You'll notice the latest changes starting with this month's issue. Our mission has not changed — but our goal in redesigning the magazine is to provide you with a publication that's just as informative in a format that's more in tune with the 21st century.

Undoubtedly, the demands of your job have changed in today's economy. We understand that the competition for your attention is the greatest it has ever been. Therefore, we've packaged the magazine so that it's easier and faster to read.

Each issue now begins with a digest of industry news, aptly named “Tip Off.” This section also includes events (Mark It), references and resources to help you do your job (Guides), announcements of promotions and new hires (Roll Call), and several other “Updates” on acquisitions, awards and fiscal information.

Because news is only part of the story, our regular columnists Barry Shanoff and Chaz Miller will continue to expand on and analyze key industry issues in “Legal Lode” and “Circular File.”

Then, following news and analysis, “Trends” feature your colleagues' experiences, which have enriched our community through innovative ideas and programs.

As always, features cover a broad range of topics, providing tips on the nuts and bolts of your job. But in addition, at least one in-depth article per month will analyze a critical issue affecting the entire waste industry. For instance, along with this month's complete WasteExpo guide, is “D-Day” (beginning on page 72), which examines how New York's Sanitation Department employees handled the World Trade Center cleanup once they were called to action on Sept. 12.

Waste Age has always been a respected advisor to its readers and will continue to serve you with thoughtful analysis and insights.

So, while we may look a little more “fly” rather than “hip,” at the heart of Waste Age's new design lies that old familiar friend who's still “down” with the waste business.

The editorial director and his mom, circa 1978.