Municipal solid waste systems are facing a convergence of challenges and opportunities that few in the industry have experienced in their careers. Inflation has surged to levels not seen in decades, interest rates remain high, and political and regulatory uncertainty continues to complicate long-term planning. These pressures are reshaping the financial and operational landscape for solid waste managers across the country.

This presentation explores how these macroeconomic forces are impacting the cost of providing essential solid waste services, from fuel and equipment to infrastructure and labor, and what strategies can help systems remain resilient and financially sustainable. Drawing on historical data and recent trends, this presentation examines the relationship between inflation, interest rates, the cost of capital projects, and operational considerations. The financial focus will be on three core funding mechanisms: rate setting, bonding, and grants. The presentation will also include insights from recent rate studies and planning efforts illustrating how solid waste systems can adapt to economic volatility while maintaining service quality and public trust.

It will emphasize the importance of financial resiliency, building systems that can withstand market shocks, regulatory changes, and unexpected costs without compromising long-term goals. Session leaders will be joined by a municipal solid waste director who oversees a complex solid waste system and will share firsthand, practical perspectives from the front lines of system management. This session will provide tools, data-driven insights, and strategic guidance for navigating the complexities of solid waste planning in a time of rapid change.

About the Speakers

Giorgio Castro
Project Professional | Geosyntec Consultants

Giorgio Castro is a Project Professional Analyst with expertise in economics and operational analysis focusing on the solid waste industry. With a master’s degree in Sustainable Finance, Mr. Castro has supported and/or managed, more than 30 solid waste, ESG and climate impact projects including landfill strategic master planning, transfer station operational improvement, MRF analysis, rate and cost of service studies, capital expenditure and reserve analysis, and waste characterization studies. Mr. Castro has presented at five SWANA conferences on the topic of rate studies and waste characterization studies, including a SWANA national webinar in September of 2022. Additionally, together with his colleagues, Mr. Castro wrote an article on the lessons learned from four rate studies performed by Geosyntec, which was published in the April 2023 edition of Waste Advantage Magazine and the Spring 2023 edition of Talking Trash newsletter. Mr. Castro is a SWANA Young Professional and a member of the U.S. Composting Council.

Anna Stechschulte
Staff Analalyst | Geosyntec Consultants

Anna Stechschulte is a Staff Professional Analyst with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and minors in Finance and Environmental Studies from Boston College. Ms. Stechschulte has experience with financial analysis, financial modeling, research, environmental policy and regulation, and economic evaluation. Throughout her time at Geosyntec, Anna has supported several significant solid waste advisory projects, gaining experience in various areas of solid waste management, specifically in financial planning and budgeting, waste management plans, landfill liabilities management and valuations, rate studies, and operational analysis of landfills. Anna is also a SWANA Young Professional.

Tyler Bandemer
Solid Waste Manager | City of Loveland, CO

Tyler Bandemer is the Solid Waste Manager for the City of Loveland, CO. He manages the collection of trash, single-stream recycling, and yard waste collections from approximately 30,000 households and manages a full-service recycling center. Oversees the top residential recycling program in Colorado with a year-to-year average diversion rate of approximately 60%. Develops and executes strategies to increase recycling and increase efficiencies with sustainability in mind. Has introduced automated waste collections, single-stream recycling, organics collections and composting, along with many other diversion initiatives. He continues to work on initiatives to increase technologies and efficiencies with collection services, including routing software and live video on trucks for proof of service, safety, accident review, decreasing contamination, and accident review, while also utilizing technologies to communicate with customers. Graduated from the University of Wyoming with a BS in Health Science and has been in the solid waste industry for 18 years.