Everything’s bigger in Texas—and Austin’s ambitious zero waste goals are no exception. The city is blazing a trail when it comes to transforming traditional waste management into sustainable resource recovery.
On this episode, Maddie Morgan from Austin’s Circular Economy Program shows us how the city is creating a more sustainable future. As you’ll find out, Maddie’s approach to improving the circular economy in her hometown is emblematic of Austin’s innovative, creative, and collaborative culture. We hope her outside-of-the-box ideas and success stories might spark solutions in other communities.
Maddie knew she had her dream job when she saw one number: 233 tons. In Texas, that’s the equivalent of 330 Longhorns or 24 eighteen-wheelers. In Maddie’s case, it’s the amount of waste that she and the Austin Resource Recovery team have kept from landfill (so far) through Move Out ATX. All told, the economic value of the materials diverted from the landfill through Move Out ATX equates to about $500,000 dollars to date. Yet, as you’ll find out, this program is just one of the many ingenious circular economy projects they are spearheading in Austin to achieve zero waste by 2040. These are projects that could be replicated in communities across the U.S., maybe even yours? If you are looking for inspiration and wondering how you can think differently about waste in your community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Maddie Morgan, Circular Economy Program Manager for the City of Austin
Maddie Morgan, Circular Economy Program Manager for the City of AustinMaddie has over 10 years of experience in zero waste and circular economy initiatives. She currently oversees the City of Austin’s Circular Economy Program, which helps retain and grow businesses and entrepreneurs advancing the circular economy; develops and implements initiatives to shift Austinites’ behavior towards reuse, repair and other circular actions; and helps the City of Austin lead by example by implementing circular practices within the organization.
She has a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in Sustainability Studies from Texas State University. She has spearheaded community-driven reuse programs like MoveOutATX, social impact pitch events, zero waste business consultation, and she created and taught zero waste curriculum. Maddie is a Waste360 ‘40 Under 40’ recipient.
Mia Quinn, Senior Director, Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council
Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling, and infrastructure.
She is passionate about collaboration, clear communication, and engaging audiences to learn more about innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country.
Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.
