Biography

Erin Oulton is a consultant at RRS. She utilizes 8 years of experience in solid waste, recycling materials management, and sustainability. Prior to RRS, Erin was a project manager for GT Environmental. Where she focused on solid waste planning in Ohio, surveying, data analysis, research, and stakeholder facilitation. She has knowledge of residential waste/recycling collection program redesign and waste characterization studies. Erin currently serves as the assistant treasurer for the Association of Ohio Recyclers and the chairman of the Solid Waste Association of North America Region 9 Young Professional Representative.

Recent Team Projects

• City of Cleveland
  Assessment and Redesign of Residential Solid Waste and Recycling System Study; Work conducted while employed with GT Environmental
  Evaluated the solid waste and recyclables collection program operated by the Waste Collection Department of the City. The core focus of the Study was to fully understand how the City currently operates the program and then develop specific recommendations to improve the program. Following the Study, an Implementation Plan Development with Schedule was created for the City to follow a timeline. Recommendations included the hiring of a Recycling Coordinator, a subscription curbside program, and staffed supercenters for residents to drop off recyclables and other hard to recycle materials.
• Indiana Department of Environmental Management
  Recycling Infrastructure and Economic Impact Study; Work conducted while employed with GT Environmental
  Completed a comprehensive review and analysis of Indiana’s recycling infrastructure and its economic impact. The study assessed the direct, indirect, and induced economic contributions of the recycling industry and manufacturers. In addition, the report includes specific recommendations to improve statewide recycling to maximize its impact on the circular economy.
• The Ohio state university
  Waste Characterization Study; Work conducted while employed with GT Environmental
  A baseline waste characterization study was performed for the trash and recycling streams in 13 buildings. The audit covered 5 days and involved sorting assistance with OSU students. This baseline data allowed OSU to focus on education and outreach based on location and contamination level to promote #5 plastics recyclables, a new addition to the recycling stream.
• Organization of Solid Waste Districts of Ohio (OSWDO)
  Salary Surveying Analysis; Work conducted while employed with GT Environmental
  Conducted a survey of all solid waste districts and authorities in Ohio regarding their employee wages, salaries, and other employee information. OSWDO’s purpose for the evaluation was to be able to provide normalized detailed information and data by demographics and district budget factors.

Affiliations/Memberships

• Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
  2017 – 2022: Member of the Ohio Buckeye Chapter
  2021 – 2022: SWANA Region 9 Young Professional Representative
  SWANA is an organization committed to advancing from solid waste management to resource management through its shared emphasis on education, advocacy, and research.
• Association of Ohio Recyclers (AOR)
  2020 – 2022: Board Member
  2021 – 2022: Assistant Secretary
  AOR is a nonprofit association promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.