Michigan county public works department adds waste reduction educator

The Kent County, Michigan, Department of Public Works has hired Emma Dillman as a waste reduction educator to help Kent County residents and businesses learn how to reduce and repurpose waste. 

Dillman joins a team of waste reduction and resource recovery specialists at the department, leading tours of the department’s three main facilities and efforts to increase recycling and waste reduction awareness for businesses and residents.  

Dillman has worked in solid waste for years, most recently in Indiana as an environmental educator, where she helped students of all ages understand recycling and waste and their roles in protecting the environment. She was also previously a shared intern between the Western Michigan Environmental Action Council and the Kent County Department of Public Works’ Recycling & Education Center.   

“There are many topics related to protecting the environment that are complicated and require a great deal of knowledge, but waste reduction is an entry-level topic that everyone can learn about and take part in, and it really makes a difference for our land, air and water,” Dillman says. “I’m looking forward to helping people be part of solutions, develop new, healthier habits and take their first steps toward a cleaner community.” 

Dillman holds a master’s degree in environmental education from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability from Northern Michigan University, where she also studied Spanish and renewable energy. 

“We’re very excited to have Emma on board at DPW,” says Dar Baas, director at the Department of Public Works. “She brings incredible expertise in environmental stewardship, sustainability education and her knowledge of the Spanish language will be a major benefit for Kent County residents. Our waste reduction educators play a huge role in progressing toward our goals of reducing landfill waste, and Emma will be an integral part of that.” 

The Kent County Department of Public Works provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste through various facilities and programs, including Waste-to-Energy, the Recycling and Education Center, North Kent Transfer Station and South Kent Landfill.