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
Governance
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.
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.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2023 Citizen’s Advisory Committee appointments. Applications will be accepted through January 6, 2023.
Our Staff
Keri Marrs Barron
Executive Director
Allison Andersen
Educator
Dawn Garmon
Deputy Director / Controller
Gabrielle Gresham
Public Relations Coordinator
Jane Jones
Administrative Assistant
Ellen Kapitan
Administrative Assistant
Ruby Ziembicki
Administrative Assistant
Steve Dolak
Operator
Doug Adkins
Compost Site Attendant
Bill Carney
Compost Site Attendant
Jim Jaske
Compost Site Attendant
Bob R.
Compost Site Attendant
Chuck Stockham
Field Operations
Don Groff
Utility
Our Board of Directors
Sue Lynch, President
Mayor of Portage
Laura Shurr Blaney, Vice Chair
Porter County Commissioner
Jim Biggs
Porter County Commissioner
Barb Regnitz
Porter County Commissioner
Sylvia Graham
Porter County Council
Matt Murphy
Mayor of Valparaiso
Scott Williams
Portage City Council
Clay Patton
Attorney
Citizen’s Advisory Committee
Duane Davison, Chair
Valparaiso
Walt Breitinger, Vice Chair
Valparaiso
Kaye Frataccia
Valparaiso
Julie Peller
Chesterton
Ann Barone
Valparaiso
Erin Urschel
Valparaiso
Mindy Wallis
Valparaiso
Get involved! Join our next Citizen’s Advisory Committee Meeting on July 19th at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will be held in the Porter County Administration Building.