The MARC Solid Waste Management District held its 2017 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center. Jason Morado from ETC Institute spoke about the results of the district’s recent residential recycling survey. The survey explored resident’s thoughts, attitudes and behaviors with regard to recycling. The survey also examines changes since the last survey in 2012.

The district also recognized several individuals and organizations that have made notable contributions to regional waste management and recycling efforts. See photos from the event on Flickr » The 2017 Special Recognition Award recipients include:
Public Employee — Rob Fort, City of Kansas City, Missouri Department of Water Services
The Public Employee award recognizes a public employee who has shown dedication to the development and advancement of waste reduction and recycling through individual achievement and commitment.

Outstanding Program — Shawnee Mission School District & Board of Education
The Outstanding Program award recognizes an innovative or outstanding waste reduction or recycling program. Joan Leavens, Sustainability and Community Engagement Coordinator, accepted this award.
Waste Industry — Waste Management of Kansas, Inc.
The Waste Industry award recognizes outstanding waste reduction and recycling efforts for a business in the waste industry. John Blessing, Public Sector Manager, accepted this award.
Every Little Bit Counts — The American Legion Post #61
The “Every Little Bit Counts” award recognizes that small actions are meaningful. Mike Scruby accepted the award.

Teaching Environmental Stewardship Award
The Kansas City Environmental Education Network also recognized two teachers who provide outstanding environmental education in the Kansas City metro:
- P.J. Born, Shawnee Mission South High School
- Muriel Desbleds-Wilson, Académie Lafayette