The Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County is the local government authority for information about recycling, yard waste and household hazardous waste services that serves the residents and businesses of Porter County.
We are one of 70 solid waste management districts created by the State of Indiana in 1990 with the adoption of House Enrolled Act 1240. Each solid waste management district is funded differently and provides slightly different services to serve the distinct needs of its population.
Our
Mission
Porter County Recycling and Waste Reduction is an agency dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life by providing services and educational programs which help residents reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Our
Vision
Every person in Porter County engages in an effective waste reduction lifestyle.
Our
Funding
We are funded primarily by an annual $20 user fee added on to the county tax bill of each household and business. The fee averages out to a little more than $8 per year per person in Porter County.
Our
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of the three county commissioners, the mayor and a councilperson from the largest municipality, a county councilperson, and a third municipal representative appointed by the county commissioners.
The Board is responsible for working with staff to set District policies and standards as well as perform as accountable elected officials regarding such.
Additionally, the Board appoints individuals to the Citizens Advisory Committee, an intermediary and advisory panel, which works with the staff to monitor District services and make programmatic recommendations to the Board of elected officials.
2025 Board of Directors
Barb Regnitz, Chair
Porter County Commissioner
Term: 2023-2026
Jim Ton, Vice Chair
Chesterton Town Council
Appointed by Porter County Commissioners
Term: 1/1/2025-12/31/2025
Jim Biggs
Porter County Commissioner
Term: 2025-2028
Edward Morales
Porter County Commissioner
Term: 2025-2028
Austin Bonta
Mayor of Portage
Term: 2024-2027
Gina Giese-Hurst
Portage City Council
Appointed by Portage City Council
Term: 1/1/2025-12/31/2025
Greg Simms
Porter County Council
Appointed by Porter County Council
Term: 1/1/2025-12/31/2025
Clay Patton
Attorney
Our
Citizens Advisory Committee
The Citizens Advisory Committee members are made up of Porter County citizens who possess a passion for the environment and a desire to be part of a team, which can affect change.
2025 Citizen’s Advisory Committee
Cassie Dalton, Chair
Valparaiso
Ann Barone, Vice Chair
Valparaiso
Emily Bretl, Secretary
Chesterton
Walt Breitinger
Valparaiso
Nora Ritter-Sasse
Valparaiso
Andy Kantroski
Valparaiso
Toya Garcia-Bradow
Portage
Our Staff
Keri Marrs Barron
Executive Director
Allison Andersen
Educator
Jane Jones
Assistant Director / Controller
Ellen Kapitan
Administrative Assistant
Sarah Tubbs
Public Relations Coordinator
Ruby Ziembicki
Administrative Assistant
Steve Dolak
Operator
Bill Carney
Compost Site Attendant
Jeff Clinkenbeard
Compost Site Attendant
Vincent Gordon
Compost Site Attendant
Don Groff
Utility
Michele Hardt
Compost Site Attendant
John Mays
Compost Site Attendant
Bob R.
Compost Site Attendant
Chuck Stockham
Field Operations
