UW Zero Waste is administered by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of Sustainability, where the dedicated team collaborates across various university groups. Comprised of passionate and skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds, UW Zero Waste strives to achieve comprehensive and sustainable materials management at the University. Together, the team works towards fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation within our university community by examining how we purchase, use, and discard materials.
Current Team Members
The UW Zero Waste Team is a cross-functional group of UW-Madison staff, faculty, and students. Current team members are individuals with diverse skill sets and expertise who work collaboratively towards the University’s zero waste goals. They come from different areas of the organization and each brings their unique perspective to the team. Collaboration between these members enables a more holistic approach to problem-solving, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions. By working together, these team members leverage their respective strengths to deliver successful outcomes.
Name | Title | Group(s) |
Bradley Schenkel | Building and Grounds Superintendent | Physical Plant - Campus Services |
Brian Kopp | Assistant Director | Verona Operations MDS/SWAP |
Carolyn Shumaker | Zero Waste Project Assistant | Office of Sustainability |
Craig Mayer | Director of Maintenance | Physical Plant - Maintenance |
Derek Peplinski | Refuse Collector | Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling |
Ellen Agnew | Building and Grounds Superintendent | Physical Plant |
Eloise Massee | Zero Waste Project Assistant | Office of Sustainability |
Emily Johnson | Zero Waste Project Assistant | Office of Sustainability |
Glenn Betts | Senior Associate Director of Facilities | Athletics |
Jeff Templin | Waste & Recycling Manager | Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling |
Jeremy Oimoen | Refuse Collector | Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling |
Jodi Krause | Assistant Director of Housekeeping | University Housing |
Joe Boss | Custodial Program Manager | Wisconsin Union |
Josh Berg | Director of Support Services | Wisconsin Union |
Kacie Krueger | Program Assistant | Athletics |
Malorie Garbe | Sustainability Coordinator | University Housing |
Martin Flanagan | Lead - Refuse Collector | Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling |
Matt Thies | Surplus Program Manager | Verona Operations MDS/SWAP |
Olivia Grose | Zero Waste Project Assistant | Office of Sustainability |
Sam Totzke | Zero Waste Project Assistant | Office of Sustainability |
Steve Heitz | Custodial Service Program Supervisor | Physical Plant - Custodial Services |
Tim Blankenship | Waste & Recycling Supervisor | Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling |
Tom Retelle | Materials Management Lead | Physical Plant - Stores |
Travis Blomberg | Campus Resource Coordinator | Office of Sustainability |
Troy Vannieuwenhoven | Waste Management Supervisor | Environment, Health & Safety |
Past Team Members
Past team members are an essential part of UW Zero Waste’s success, and their contributions are invaluable. Their work and dedication have helped shape the initiative into what it is today. The legacy they left behind serves as a reminder of the commitment and effort that went into making it successful. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on the team, and they should always be remembered for the work they did. By acknowledging and valuing the work of past team members, we demonstrate our appreciation for their efforts, and it motivates the current team to continue to strive for excellence. The following individuals are past team members of the UW Zero Waste Team.
Name | Title | Group(s) |
Alec Schmelzer | Maintenance Intern | Physical Plant |
Cassie Sandford | Intern | Office of Sustainability |
Eliza Lindley | Intern | Office of Sustainability |
Eloise Petruska | Sustainability Coordinator Assistant | University Housing |
Emily Pieper | Volunteer | UW-Madison |
Joe Liebforth | Volunteer | UW-Madison |
Kevin Peirce | Waste & Recycling Supervisor | Physical Plant |
Kris Ackerbauer | Director of Services | Physical Plant |
Max McMeeken | Intern | Office of Sustainability |
Nina Delgado | Intern | Office of Sustainability |
Page Buchanan | Maintenance - Stores | Physical Plant |
Rachel Schumacher | Zero Waste Project Assistant | Office of Sustainability |
Will Awve | Intern | Office of Sustainability |