Commingled Conversation: Chaz Miller

It can be easy to overlook Chaz Miller, a fixture at the National Solid Wastes Management Association where he serves as state programs director. A friendly face at seemingly every industry event, Miller has his finger on the pulse of the waste and recycling business. Always eager to exercise his quick wit and sharp intellect, he also is a regular and welcome contributor to Waste Age, which is how we can assure you that he will never, ever be granted his desired superpower.

Waste Age: What is your pet peeve?

Miller: People who drive and talk on a cell phone.

Waste Age: What is your idea of the perfect day?

Miller: Relaxing in my sky chair with a cool beer after a good day of hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Waste Age: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Miller: “No one bats one thousand. Learn from your mistakes and move on.”

Waste Age: What was the last book you read?

Miller: “Conjugations of the Verb To Be,” by Glen Chamberlain, a collection of short stories about a small town in Montana.

Waste Age: What is your favorite movie?

Miller: “Old School” and “The Lives of Others.”

Waste Age: What is your favorite TV show?

Miller: “The Big Bang Theory.”

Waste Age: Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Miller: John Coltrane.

Waste Age: What is the strangest piece of trash you’ve ever come across?

Miller: A urinal deodorant bar. It was made of recycled plastic and was a giveaway at an early National Recycling Congress. It had a sickly sweet smell and I think most of us quickly threw it away.

Waste Age: Do you prefer the beach or mountains?

Miller: Mountains – both my parents are Colorado natives and I love the view from summits.

Waste Age: Besides your family, what is the one thing you couldn’t live without?

Miller: My dog Ginger, who loves me unconditionally.

Waste Age: If you could invite three people — living or dead — to a dinner party, who would they be?

Miller: Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain and Will Rogers. They are storytellers with a great sense of humor and insight.

Waste Age: If you weren’t serving in your current role, what would you like to be?

Miller: Through-hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Waste Age: What is your favorite sports team?

Miller: The University of Maryland lacrosse team and the Baltimore Orioles.

Waste Age: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Miller: Write a column without any editorial changes.

Waste Age: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

Miller: Talked a man from jumping off a bridge over an interstate.

Waste Age: What’s the one talent you have that not many people know about?

Miller: I love to sing and sometimes I am on key!