Welcome Address by ISRI Convention Chair Stephen Moss
State of the Association Address by ISRI Chair Brian Henesey
The 2023 ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award to Robert Goldstein Presentation
Recognition of the Youth Poster and Video Award Winners Presentation

A visionary leader with a deep understanding of the economic and social challenges facing Latin America, President Vicente Fox is one of the world’s most important voices on the contemporary geopolitical landscape and the role of business in the developing world.

He served as President of Mexico from 2000 to 2006. He was the first candidate from an opposition party to be elected president. Today Fox is an Advisory Board Member at Inolife Sciences and is actively involved on encouraging leadership and creating opportunities for the less favored people through his organization named Centro Fox.
At ISRI2023, Fox will help put into perspective the rhythm and harmony of the recycling industry across North America and the world.

The supply and demand outlook for recycled iron and steel is a hot topic given the major U.S. steel mill capacity expansion plans and increased focus on sustainability. Please join our panel of experts from the Steel Manufacturers Association, steel mills, and recycled materials industry professionals for a timely conversation of what lies in store for ferrous recycling in 2023 and beyond.

As state and federal stormwater permitting programs become more robust, it is critical for the recycled materials industry to understand its obligations and prepare strategies to maintain ongoing compliance. This session will provide an overview of EPA’s 2021 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for industrial stormwater discharges and its applicability to the recycled materials industry. Attendees will gain strategies to maintain compliance through the implementation of stormwater control measures and best management practices (BMPs). Topics will include effluent limitations, impaired waters, inspections and assessments, sampling and monitoring, and corrective actions.

Recycled paper shipping has gone through a period of supply and demand high volatility in the past two and a half years and the entire shipping world has seen their supply and demand scenario change drastically. Learn how the Federal Maritime Commission has handled the continuously evolving situation and what the future strategy is moving forward.

Digital devices from 5G smartphones to tablets and other consumer electronics are collecting and storing ever increasing amounts of personal data and other information. Consumers and businesses are increasingly becoming more aware of the risks associated with the proper handling of this equipment to protect valuable and sensitive data. Learn the vulnerabilities of consumer electronics and how you can protect your operation from accidental and preventable data releases.

Join us at the scenic L.A. Jackson Rooftop Bar to sip mimosas, enjoy a Nashville flare brunch, listen to live music, and take part in a jewelry making activity. After brunch guests will learn about Strings for Hope, a local non-profit organization that supports survivors of addiction, domestic violence, and sex trafficking, through an employment program in jewelry making. Attendees will get to meet some of the participants in the program and will have the opportunity to make a piece of their own jewelry to take home. The jewelry is made from guitar strings, donated by local musicians and music stores throughout the local Nashville area.

Electronics Reuse and Recycling is one of the most dynamic industries in the world. Constantly changing equipment streams, data security methods, customer requirements, regulations, market conditions, trade restrictions, and certification standards are a challenges for every recycler. This session will discuss the key changes in the industry, and how to stay on top of them.

Presented by the ISRI Young Executives Council

The digitalization of operations management, human-machine interfaces, commodity trading, marketing, and much more have revolutionized the recycled materials industry. Industry 4.0 has brought the advent of new state-of-the-art technologies to our industry, introducing Internet of Things (IoT) devices, cloud data management and analytics, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. Learn how the fourth industrial revolution will affect the processing, trading, and consumption of recycled materials and how you can embrace these new technologies to continue your organization’s growth.

Nickel prices outperformed all the other major base metals in 2022, but the meltdown in nickel trading at the London Metal Exchange wreaked havoc for both processors and consumers of recycled nickel and stainless steel. Our panel of recycled materials industry veterans and stainless producers will share their insights on the potential re-balancing of nickel and stainless steel markets going forward.

Recycled materials are essential to meet the growing demands for sustainably sourced infrastructure and products. Developing standards allows companies to demonstrate they are optimizing processes to satisfy these demands in an efficient and sustainable manner. This session will explore the importance of steel manufacturing to meet ESG requirements and commitments. Attendees will learn about the climate-focused Global Steel Standard, currently being developed by the Global Steel Climate Council, that has a simple method to verify low-GHG recycled steel that meets growing demand and climate goals..

Presented by the ISRI Century Club

Four industry icons discuss the growth of the industry through a historic look at the past, an overview of the present, and an educated eye towards the future. Take insights built on years of experience back to your organization.

During the last meeting of the Basel Convention, two new proposals were adopted that may have profound impacts on the recycling of used electronic devices and other recycled materials. While these new proposals will not go into effect right away, it is imperative that you understand the implications and prepare in advance to meet these new compliance objectives.

Partnering with local school districts helps create a deeper understanding of the science behind recycling and the recycled materials industry. Highlighting different career paths in our industry for students and supporting the development of STEM practices bolster our future workforce. Hear from ISRI members, school representatives, and JASON Learning representatives as they share their success stories and supply the roadmap for your organization to further engage your community through the local schools.

The steady monitoring of company practices as outlined in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) portfolio, the introduction of new and expanded material types, global and domestic policies, conflicts, trade restrictions, climate events, economic downturn impacts, transportation hurdles, and employee shortages continue to strain supply chains. Hear from esperts how to document actions, progress, and risk management strategies as outlined in the ESG portfolio. Learn how the ISRI ESG online fillable form will help document sound environmental compliance, safety, social, and governance practices for suppliers and customers.

Open to All Access Registration Badge Types and Must be 21 years or over to attend. ID and badge required for entry. Sing live with the band at the ISRI After Hours Party at Nashville’s largest roof deck overlooking the neon lights of Broadway and vote for your favorite singer while raising money for RERF. Hang out with recycling industry friends and enjoy food and drinks. This is an event not to be missed.

Please join our invited delegates from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association Recycling Metal Branch (CMRA) for a lively conversation on the latest recycling, sustainability, and economic trends in China that continue to drive markets and reshape the global landscape. 

Fire detection and a SAFE response are just as important as prevention and mitigation. Doing the proper planning and having the best tools on-hand are keys to success in case of a thermal event at your business. Learn about ways to safely respond and control fires. And be prepared to extinguish and prevent all classes of fire with NFPA 18A, the standard for Fire Control and Vapor Mitigation. This session will include a focus on li-ion batteries and other fuel and ignition sources commonly found in recycling operations.

Presented by the ISRI Women in Recycling Council

The recycled materials industry is full of job opportunities at all career levels and functions. STEM encompasses a variety of exciting career routes in recycling from working in artificial intelligence and sustainability to designing innovative products with recycling in mind, and beyond. Learn how to showcase these opportunities to potential employees. Take back the tools to highlight STEM careers in your facilities that will attract the right people for the right jobs.

The REMADE Institute is a public-private partnership established by the U.S. Department of Energy to drive early-stage applied research and development in circular economy technologies. With support from 165 members, the Institute has convened more than 80 collaborative R&D projects representing $80M of investment with additional projects planned for 2023. A major focus for REMADE includes developing new recycling and recovery technologies in rapid gathering, identification, sorting separation, contaminant removal, and reprocessing. In this presentation, representatives from REMADE will provide an overview of Institute objectives, updates on ongoing research in recycling and recovery, and how ISRI members can participate in future initiatives. In addition, REMADE representatives will share information on the Institute’s expanding Education and Workforce Development program highlighting recently developed plastics and fibers recycling training for the incumbent workforce.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. In 1992, EPA established an environmental justice office, and two years later President Clinton issued an executive order for all federal government agencies to consider environmental justice in their decisions. The current administration has placed further emphasis on federal agencies to include environmental justice principles in decision-making and many states are doing the same. As EPA and the states seek to engage more with communities on environmental justice-related issues, it is important for ISRI members to proactively participate in discussions that help avoid unintended consequences. This session will provide insight on how to engage at the local, state, and federal levels using thoughtful, transparent, and positive approaches that will result in win-win solutions.

Mental health can be treated; suicide can be prevented. Hear from professionals in both areas about the effects each can have on your workplace and what you can do to address the needs of your workforce.

Learn how the industry is expanding its reach to recycle more plastics, expand end use markets, and partner with brands, given the current environment of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and other initiatives.

Preventing crime through the design of your facility could be a game changer for your operation. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED, shows how your facilities can be designed to prevent thieves from stealing and possibly stop them from attempting to sell you stolen property.

U.S. aluminum mill capacity expansion plans, rising EV demand, global supply disruptions, and geo-political events are some of the key factors that are transforming the market for recycled aluminum. Market participants who want to stay ahead of the curve can’t afford to miss this year’s Spotlight on Aluminum.

From Fortune 500 corporations to privately held multi-generational companies, finance plays a critical role in how an organization manages its cash flow. Gain an understanding into how to use finance options in the right scenarios to make the difference in optimizing the growth trajectory of your business. See a full analysis of cash purchases versus financing and when to use different types of financing methods to best manage your company’s equipment assets.

The Song Experience at Blackbird Studio takes you backstage at one of America’s most iconic and state-of-the-art music studios where you’ll work with some of Nashville’s talented musicians, engineers, and producers to collaborate and record your favorite cover song. No music background/ability is required! Tour of one of Nashville’s most iconic music studios, learn about the famous musicians that have worked there, and then witness the production process step by step with top musicians and producers during the 3-hour session. Shortly after the session, you’ll receive a link to the recording which you can share with your family, friends, colleagues, and others proudly telling them how the song evolved. You’ll create an everlasting memory and bond with the people who shared this experience with you and be inspired to continue collaborating and creating, whether it is in your work or a personal passion. The Song Experience lets you live the Nashville dream and come away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir recording of your favorite song.

In order to meet demand for recycling hard-to-recycle plastics major companies are committing billions of dollars of investments into chemical recycling. While this industry is still in its infancy, it's important to understand how chemical recycling can effectively coexist with mechanical recycling. In this session, attendees will hear from two companies that are exploring this issue and what they see for the future of the industries.

Copper prices got off to a fast start in 2023 amid expectations for growing demand for primary and secondary copper. This year’s Copper Spotlight features industry professionals from the copper production and recycled materials industries who will dive into the key trends impacting the demand for recycled copper and copper alloys, both in North America and in overseas markets. 

The only thing more impactful to your bottom line than knowing your data is not knowing your data. Do you know your experience modifier, how much loss you experience due to workflow inefficiencies, or how much energy you consume? To change these data points you must first understand them. In this session, panelists will share the value this data and how they work to continually improve their tracking and performance around these data points. As ESG requirements trickle down from your customers and suppliers, and as insurance premiums continue to rise, now is the time to take steps toward understanding and improving your data.

Learn how to create a resilient workforce by expanding the pool of potential employees through apprenticeships, internships, and fellowships. Also learn how to use a simple litmus test to determine if an interested applicant is right for your operations, and hear strategies about how to engage and employees with different abilities, while lowering absenteeism and turnover rates. Taision Kwamilele, a former fellow of ISRI’s Sustainability Pathways Program hired by Schnitzer Steel, will share information about the company’s high school apprenticeship program and other unique approaches to identifying and retaining employees. Dan Sahd of Metal Recycling will talk about a skills test, as well as how investing in staff personal and leadership development helps build a future for your business. Neil Samahon of Opportunity Enterprises will talk about the benefits of employing individuals with different abilities.

Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulations can be complicated and confusing. Learn from a panel of experts as they share information and answer your questions on hiring drivers, maintaining driver files, and more.

Learn how to step into your power as an influencer with assurance, authenticity, “presence,” and quantifiable success. Hear from four dynamic professionals who became influencers and ultimately top-tier leaders of their companies. Their journeys to leadership were not effortless; yet they paved the way for many others to become leaders in the industry today and in future generations.

In this session, learn how to take a proactive, risk-first approach to your facility’s health and safety program. Panelists will discuss their companies’ safety programs and why they are focused on leading indicators and comprehensive risk mitigation strategies. They will share how they limit safety incidents, retain staff, and lower insurance premiums. Come away with tools to help you turn a cost into an investment and ways to lower your bottom line.

The world is becoming increasingly electrified. This movement presents our industry with challenges and tremendous opportunities to set forth and practice best economic, environmental, and safety measures to not just keep up with the changes, but act as leaders and pioneers in the electrification movement. Gain insights and engage with leaders in the battery, electronics, and metals recycling fields.

The rapidly changing regulatory, economic, and geo-political landscape in Europe has become a major source of concern for manufacturers and recyclers, both within the region and around the world. Our panel of experts will share their insights on the latest developments in Europe and the potential ramifications for recycling market participants going forward.

Safety and training are critical as electric vehicles and materials begin to enter the recycling stream. Take back the tools to prepare your workforce to handle these vehicles safely.

Imagine what would it look like to have employees make things work, rather than coming up with excuses, justifications, explanations, and stories? What would it look like to reliably deliver the goals, objectives and measures promised? Imagine what it would be like if employees were straight with their communications? Not hiding or avoiding anything. Come join a panel discussion about what Integrity actually is, presented by several ISRI members who have been practicing Integrity in running their organizations and personal lives. They will share their experience of what has increased workability, accountability, and performance at work and in life.

Welcome Address by ISRI Convention Chair Stephen Moss
Address from ISRI Chai-Elect Colin Kelly
The 2023 ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award to Bruce Blue Presentation
2023 ISRI Young Executive of the Year Award Presentation
Design for Recycling Award Presentation

The closing session of ISRI2023, ISRI is looking at the future of the global economy and the vital role the recycled materials industry plays in keeping supply chains in motion, as well as what current inflation means for the recycled materials industry. ISRI is happy to announce Rana Foroohar as the closing keynote speaker, who will provide insight into what she sees as the post-global world.

A sought-after commentator and moderator for her analysis, Foroohar speaks on the changes occurring in globalization, politics, and the digital economy. She is the Global Business Columnist and an Associate Editor at the Financial Times and also CNN’s global economic analyst.

Foroohar’s recent book, Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World, makes the case that a new age of local economic growth will reunite place and prosperity, putting to an end to the last half-century of globalization.

The former Economics Columnist and Assistant Managing Editor for TIME, Foroohar has penned numerous cover stories and essays on China and the next global recession, Europe’s economic crisis, and the rise of “localnomics” means for American business. She previously spent 13 years at Newsweek, as an economic and foreign affairs editor and a foreign correspondent covering Europe and the Middle East. During that time, she was awarded the German Marshall Fund’s Peter Weitz Prize for transatlantic reporting. She has also received awards and fellowships from institutions such as the Johns Hopkins School of International Affairs and the East West Center. She is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and sits on the advisory board of the Open Markets Institute.

In this session, experts from Call2Recycle and Li-Cycle will discuss proper ways to handle, store, ship, and recycle lithium-ion batteries for optimum safety and risk mitigation. Learn about methods to control risks of batteries, procedures to handle both in-tact and damaged batteries, and proper response to an incident. 

The electronics reuse and recycling industry is facing a wave of new equipment and materials including PV systems, EVs, wearables, and embedded devices. Data privacy, worker safety, environmental responsibility, and profitability present just some of the challenges. Learn how these issues are being addressed and take lessons learned back to your organization.

ADD TOUR TO MY REGISTRATION

MSS, Inc. is a manufacturer of sensor-based sorting equipment. For the metal recycling sector, MSS, Inc. offers the induction-based MetalMinerTM to recover stainless steel and wire from ASR as well as the L-VIS high-resolution camera sorter to color sort Zorba, Zurik, PCBs, and more.

ISRI members will see in-house demonstrations of tried-and-true sensor-based sorting technology for various metal recycling applications. Furthermore, MSS, Inc. will introduce the participants to recent new developments including artificial intelligences sensors and meatball sorting machines.

FEE: $84 per person (transportation included)
TRANSPORTATION: Buses will load at 1:45 p.m. at the Music City Center 6th Avenue “Route 1 Guitar” Shuttle Pick Up location. Buses will depart promptly at 2:00 p.m. All participants must take the ISRI provided transportation to attend the tour.
GUIDELINES: Maximum 50 participants, first come first served bases (ISRI Member All-Access convention badge must be worn at all times). Tour participants must wear closed toed shoes and adhere to all facility safety guidelines. Personal protective equipment is not required during this tour. Photography, live streaming and/or videography is not permitted during the tour.

ADD TOUR TO MY REGISTRATION

Recognized as an industry leader in metal recycling, SA Recycling operates more than 125 recycling centers located throughout Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania. The mission of SA Recycling is to redefine the scrap metal industry to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities by being the industry leader in safety and environmental compliance, by building lasting customer relationships, by fostering professional growth for our employees, and by sharing our success with the community.

Joining the tour will give an up-close view of the everyday operations of SA Recycling, Nashville. Tour the retail buying operations, nonferrous baling operations, and the shredding operations. Additionally, load a barge of recycled material to view the iron yard and the barge loading operations during the tour.
Buses will load at 1:45 p.m. at the Music City Center 6th Avenue “Route 1 Guitar” Shuttle Pick Up location. Buses will depart promptly at 2:00 p.m. All participants must take the ISRI provided transportation to attend the tour.

FEE: $84 per person (transportation included)
TRANSPORTATION: Buses will load at 1:45 p.m. at the Music City Center 6th Avenue “Route 1 Guitar” Shuttle Pick Up location. Buses will depart promptly at 2:00 p.m. All participants must take the ISRI provided transportation to attend the tour.
GUIDELINES: Maximum 75 participants, first come first served bases (ISRI Member All-Access convention badge must be worn at all times). Tour participants must wear closed toed shoes and adhere to all facility safety guidelines. Personal protective equipment will be loaned to participants for the duration of the tour. Photography, live streaming and/or videography is not permitted during the tour.