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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.

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

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) serves Franklin County, Ohio 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. 

Additional details on this tour will be posted as available.

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. 

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 paving the way for a greener future through innovative sustainability practices. 

Additional details on this tour will be posted as available.

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