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Experiential Learning / Facility Tours


RCon™ will feature experiential learning / facility tour opportunities in the local Columbus, Ohio area. Some of these experiences will re-occur throughout the conference to allow you the opportunity to select the date and time that works best for your schedule. 

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Tours Offered

Franklin County Sanitary Landfill 

Located in Grove City, OH, the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill is operated by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and is a vital part of the region’s waste management system. Handling over 1.2 million tons of waste annually, the landfill is more than just a dumping ground — it’s a hub of innovation, sustainability, and energy recovery.

SWACO serves Franklin County, OH, and neighboring areas with solutions for solid waste. They are one of 52 solid waste districts created by the Ohio General Assembly in 1989. These districts were established with the mission of reducing reliance on landfills. Acting upon that mission, SWACO provides consumers recycling opportunities around Franklin County at a variety of recycling drop off-locations. 

Tour Highlights:

  • Get a behind-the-scenes look at how SWACO manages 334 acres of landfill operations.
  • Learn how over 300 gas wells power an on-site landfill gas-to-energy plant, operated by Archaea Energy.
  • Hear directly from Archaea representatives about converting waste to renewable energy.
  • See the latest construction of a new 20-acre landfill cell.
  • Discover SWACO’s innovative waste diversion programs and community impact.

Tour Duration: 2 hours

  • 1st Hour: Presentation in SWACO’s Operations Training Room, covering an overview of SWACO programs and operations
  • 2nd Hour: Guided bus tour of the landfill facility

Tour Dates/Times: The Franklin County Landfill Tour will be offered multiple times throughout RCon. Select your preferred date/time when registering.

  • Wednesday, November 12
    7:30 - 10:00 a.m.
    1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 13
    7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
  • Friday, November 14
    7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Tour Cost: $50
PDHs Earned: 2

Revive Environmental Technology

Founded in December 2022, Revive Environmental was the first company to commercialize Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) technology in North America using permitted fixed destruction facilities. Since its inception, Revive has successfully treated a wide range of PFAS-impacted waste streams, including: 

  • Landfill leachate
  • Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) stockpiles
  • Industrial wastewater
  • Contaminated groundwater 

Revive utilizes proprietary SCWO technology to mineralize PFAS compounds into harmless byproducts. Its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, serves as both a permanent destruction facility and the site of one of their commercial-scale SCWO operations. 

This exclusive tour offers participants a rare opportunity to observe SCWO technology in action and gain firsthand understanding of the processes used to permanently eliminate PFAS contaminants. View this video for a look inside Revive's PFAS annihilation facility.

Tour Date/Time: Friday, November 14, 2:00 - 3:45 p.m.
Tour Cost: $50 
PDHs Earned: 1.5

Please Note:

  • All participants must wear closed-toe shoes; Revive Environmental will provide additional required PPE. 
  • Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited during the tour.

Rumpke Recycling & Resource Center

The Rumpke Resource & Recycling Center is the largest and most technically advanced recycling facility in North America. In collaboration with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and The Ohio State University, Rumpke developed an Education Floor featuring an interactive exhibit and research center. The elevated tour platform is 150 feet long and 45 feet high from the processing floor. 

Facility Highlights: 

  • Employs 60 people in just the recycling facility.
  • State-of-the-art recycling equipment includes four ballistic separators, 19 optical scanners and Artificial Intelligence technology.
  • The building is 226,000 square feet total. 

Additional details on this tour will be posted as available.

Greater Columbus Convention Center Back-of-House Tour

Join us for a 30-minute tour of the back-of-house operations at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The Greater Columbus Convention Center North Building is LEED® Silver certified under the Existing Buildings (Operations + Management) program. The center is committed to operating more sustainable conventions, meetings and events and has a variety of programs in place to support their efforts, including: 

  • Low flow water fixtures to minimize water usage.
  • 100% of its energy usage is offset with renewable energy by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) equivalent to the total amount of electricity used.
  • Paper products used throughout the facility are made with 100% post-consumer content and a single-stream recycling program exists with recycling and compost containers throughout the event spaces to collect and process recyclable materials. 
  • All disposable service items (plates, forks, straws, etc.) are compostable and are transported by GCCC’s commercial composter and turned into a soil amendment at their compost facility.
  • The GCCC’s caterer, Levy, uses organic and locally grown products, in-season produce as well as local meat and seafood when it is available.  

There is no charge for this experience and sign-up will be available at the RCon registration desk during the conference.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Sustainability Tour

Discover how the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is leading the way in conservation and sustainability on this engaging Sustainability Tour. Guests will explore features that highlight the zoo and aquarium's green building practices, renewable energy initiatives, waste reduction programs, sustainable habitats, and wildlife conservation efforts. Learn how everyday actions—from composting to water conservation—help protect ecosystems and species worldwide.

Highlights of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's responsible practices:

  • The Columbus Zoo maintains a robust, biodiverse habitat, hosting over 11 acres of pollinator habitats at the Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club. These acres are full of plants that provide food and shelter for bees, birds, butterflies, moths, wasps, bats, and other small mammals that support the local ecosystem and food web. 
  • Food and beverage is served in recyclable and/or compostable containers.
  • The Zoo's iconic North America train runs on a fully-electric engine! It can accommodate up to 52 guests, offers fun audio effects, and emits zero emissions.
  • The zoo's total waste diversion rate has increased by 16% since 2018, with only 452 tons going to landfill. That means close to 80% of waste is diverted!
  • Through partnerships with local organizations, non-traditional materials like styrofoam, electronics, plastic wrap and textiles are repurposed rather than sent to a landfill. 
  • Bedding, yard clippings, food waste, and manure get transported daily from the Zoo to Price Farms Organics to be turned into compost. When it arrives, it is shredded, then, over the next two years, it is turned and shifted. After that process, it is bagged and sold as Zoo Brew compost. While it is available to the public, the Zoo also buys the compost back to be used as topsoil for flower beds and potted plants. 

Visit the Columbus Zoo's Sustainability Hub to learn more.

Tour Date/Time: Thursday, November 13, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tour Cost: $150
PDHs Earned: 2

 
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