Tell us how we did at the LRC Inaugural Symposium

In Partnership with the Department of Environmental Quality

LRC partnered with DEQ to host an inaugural Symposium on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 9:30 am- 4 pm at the Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville, LA.

The Symposium was an opportunity to learn about LRC, statewide initiatives, recycling opportunities, networking with colleagues and exhibitor tables. Panels discussed recycling challenges and opportunities.

Speaker Bios and Presentation Links

Agenda (9:30 am- 4 pm)

9:30-10:00 am Check in and Fuel up with the Exhibitors

10:00-10:15 am Welcome- Overview of LRC and how you can get involved (linked presentation)

10:15-11:00 am Session 1: Recycling Successes and Challenges

Discover the diverse landscape of recycling programs across the region as we look at several successes and challenges of recycling initiatives spanning the state.

Moderated by Fran Trautmann- Glass Half Full, LRC Board

Greg Guidroz- Lafayette Consolidated Government

Michael Rachal, Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council

Caroline Vanchiere, Grounds Krewe

11:00-11:45 am Session 2: Enhancing Community Recycling: Boosting Participation, Capture, and Quality

Learn about innovative programs, technologies, and communication strategies that are driving measurable improvements in recycling participation, material capture, and quality across communities.

Moderated by Don Bates- Osprey Initiative, LRC Advisory Committee

Thomassina Joseph - Clean Green Neighborhood Alliance

Alita Kane- The Recycling Partnership

Carrie Grace Blanchard- Iberville Parish Government

12:00-12:45 pm Lunch

12:45- 1:15 pm Exhibitor Time and networking

1:15- 1:45 pm DEQ Update

The state will provide an overview of initiatives that they are working on with support from the SWIFR grants that the US EPA provided.

Daniel Cheatham, LDEQ

1:45- 2:30 pm Session 3: Funding Recycling from the Ground Up

Discussion will focus on what resources are available and what steps could help grow the area's recycling systems.

Moderated by Ivy Mathieu- LRC Board

Brendan Keefe, Closed Loop Partners
Jan Windhorst, Keep America Beautiful
Alita Kane, The Recycling Partnership

2:30- 3:15 pm Exhibitor Time and break

3:15 -4:00 pm Town Hall

This moderated forum will seek input from attendees about the direction of recycling opportunities for the state. Bring your ideas, recycling project examples that you've seen working, and plan to engage with the state DEQ to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for recycling's future.

4:00 pm Adjourn