World-renowned garbologist, William Rathje´ will give the keynote speech at the annual meeting and awards luncheon for the Greater Philadelphia Commercial Recycling Council March 9 at Temple University.

Rathje´, a professor of anthropology at the University of Arizona, is founder of "The Garbage Project" which studies the secret life of landfills. He is also co-author of "Rubbish!: The Archaeology of Garbage."

A featured workshop during the day will examine incentive-based recycling for offices and workplaces. GPCRC has been working with the support of Philadelphia-based RecycleBank to create a recycling credit program for businesses and institutions.

“As always, we’re offering innovative ideas and new thinking about recycling and trash to professionals in the region,” said Ed Barr, president of GPCRC. “Recycling is going to be a major component of 21st century cities. It addresses economic development issues, energy independence, climate change, and landfill shortages. Plus, smart recycling programs reduce operating costs.”

Barr manages Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s nationally recognized recycling and waste reduction program that saves the healthcare institution more than $100,000 annually.

U.S. EPA Region III administrator Don Welsh is scheduled to open the day’s events with comments on his agency’s Resource Conservation Challenge.

Area businesses and institutions will receive recognition in a number of categories for their recycling efforts. GPCRC has commissioned members of the Philadelphia Dumpster Divers artist group to create unique awards.

Registration information and awards applications can be accessed at the GPCRC website or by calling 215-247-3090.

1/26/2007