Meet a SWANA Young Professional: Haley Kunert

The Young Professionals in the Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Technical Division of SWANA want to connect with you! In this special feature, we interview a Young Professional (YP) to highlight their work and interests.

Name: Haley Kunert

Job Title/Company: Senior Project Manager with HF&H Consultants, LLC

Where you’re located: Irvine, CA

How many years have you been in the industry: 11 with college experience

If you were to travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would love to do a food tour in Italy. It is on the top of my bucket list at this time.

^{Educating City Council members from Garden Grove regarding California legislation.}

What does SMM mean to you? 

It means managing the materials we put into society not to end up in a landfill, but to see it as a resource with potential. It means looking at waste from the perspective shift that one person’s trash could, in fact, be an opportunity!

How did your education contribute to you joining the solid waste industry? 

I majored in environmental systems with a focus on ecology, behavior and evolution with a minor in psychology. When I graduated, I assumed I would get into research or habitat restoration work, but I was wrong. I found the industry in college through my job as a sustainability developer for the Housing, Dining and Hospitality division at UC San Diego and through networking I found an entry level job at HF&H. Now, I look back and see how much psychology and the systems of the environment play into the everyday decisions we make, but also how I support my municipal clients to have successful solid waste, recycling, and organics programs in California.

^{Presenting to a group of Indonesian Environmental Officials about the California organics legislation, SB 1383.}

As a YP working in SMM, what about this industry have you found to be most interesting? 

The abundance of new and ongoing information to learn. From new technology to legislation, to new ways to manage a team to PFAS, there is always abundant information. So there is never a dull moment; [there is] always something to look to on the horizon.

What are the topics you see keeping you busy over the next 5-10 years? 

Continued organics oversight, extended producer responsibility, zero emission fleets and sustainable funding for municipal programming.

^{Wednesday Night Networking costume contest participants for “That thing you never get to wear in your closet." Also pictured: Michelle Leonard, a past SWANA National President, and Elizabeth Roe, current SWANA Vice President.}

What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on in regards to SMM? Any lessons learned you’d like to share (successes or what not to do)?

Recently, [my favorite project] has been supporting jurisdictions to find ways to close the loop with the recovered organic waste products generated in California. It is an ongoing process, but when a connection or new avenue is uncovered, it is always very rewarding to support.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I like to stay fit with my dog, and when I have time, I like to try “experimental” cooking (think finding a recipe and adapting it).