Preserving the waste and recycling industry’s role as a key element of the circular economy requires diversity organization wide but specifically at the leadership level. WISR delivers the tools and network required to integrate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion based values into all facets of the waste and recycling industry
The waste and recycling industry has grown and evolved significantly since the early days of the twentieth century and while more women are coming into the industry, more needs to be done to both attract women into the industry and to equip them to take on leadership positions. This organization, founded by industry experts Rachel Oster & Erin Merrill was created to ensure women have the tools and support they need to be successful leaders in the industry.
To diversify the decision makers in the solid waste and recycling industry by developing leaders at all levels
Empower our diverse community of members with tools and support to step into their own unique leadership style
WISR was created from a need to bring together women from the various stakeholders who make up the waste and recycling industry. After co-founders Erin Merrill and Rachel Oster left their corporate positions to start their solid waste consulting firm, they sought out to find a community of women from all throughout the waste and recycling space for networking and professional development. To their surprise, an organization that brought together women from all facets of the waste and recycling space – private industry, government, consulting, media, academia, students, and those who are just interested, did not exist. In 2017, WISR was born. Today, WISR includes members from all over the United States and frequently receives inquiries from all over the world.
Rachel Oster is an enthusiastic, well rounded and experienced professional in the solid waste and recycling industry. She specializes in the development and operation of solid waste infrastructure including compost facilities, landfill operations, and material recovery facilities. Rachel began her career in the industry as a Government and external affairs professional. In this capacity, she developed authentic and time-tested relationships with elected officials and bureaucrats alike at the State and local levels. Ensuring “win, win” results has secured Rachel’s reputation as someone who communicates effectively and delivers on promises.
Most recently, Rachel acted as the Vice President of Central California operations at Recology. Her responsibilities included overseeing the profitable operation of several post collection facilities. Recology’s collection contracts in Central California were also included in Rachel’s territory. In 2011, Rachel was appointed to serve on the State Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board by the Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross and was re-appointed for a three-year term in 2012. While serving on this Board, Rachel assisted in the development of the State’s certification program for organic fertilizers.
Erin brings creativity, strategy and thoroughness to the table with an excellent record in permitting complicated development projects. Erin specializes in overseeing and managing the many moving parts of commercial infrastructure projects with an unparalleled attention to detail. After having worked in multiple law firms, Erin began her career in permitting and development while seeking alternative applications of her Juris Doctor degree. Following law school, she worked as a Land Use Manager for a consulting firm that managed the permitting process for the construction and operation of wireless telecommunication antenna infrastructure for large telecommunications throughout Northern California and Nevada.
In May 2007, Erin joined Recology and throughout her nearly 10 year career there, built an excellent team that specialized in project management. Erin’s team represented Recology, and oversaw the entitlement processes for new construction of company infrastructure and modifications to existing facilities throughout California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Projects include due diligence and feasibility on new business; regulatory review of new and existing regulations; permits for land use, solid waste, air and water board for landfills, recycling centers, transfer stations, material recovery facilities, truck yards and compost facilities; and environmental review (CEQA, NEPA, SEPA).
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