By Gazette staff

PORTAGE COUNTY – Portage County Solid Waste Site Coordinator Abby Lichtscheidl was recently honored by the Solid Waste Association of North America – Badger Chapter (SWANA – BC) at its 2023 Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference.

During an awards ceremony held in late February, which recognized individuals and organizations for outstanding work in the field of resource management, Lichtscheidl received the chapter’s “Young Professional of the Year” award.

Lichtscheidl was recognized in particular for her work in Portage County and her leadership roles with the SWANA – BC.

She oversees the county’s closed landfill and the hazardous waste and universal waste programs.

“She oversees the landfill including all water sampling, gas sampling and monitoring, other maintenance activities, all reporting to the DNR; the hazardous waste program including creating the ‘After Hours Event’ two years ago, taking in and properly sorting materials, outreach to agribusinesses; transfer facility actives include overseeing the collection and proper disposal of electronics, appliances, oil, antifreeze,” said Amanda Haffele, Portage County Solid Waste director.

“She was the mastermind behind the pizza box sticker education program and worked with Dominos, Papa Johns, and Politos to have them placed on their pizza boxes. She also does the ’secure your load’ outreach on our Facebook page.

The Badger Chapter has been recognizing young professionals since 2015 through a nomination process.

The nominations are then reviewed by the board of directors on the basis of achievements in the resource management industry. Lichtscheidl obtained her bachelor’s in waste and materials management from UW-Stevens Point.

She has been employed with the Portage County Solid Waste department for three and a half years.

“Abby demonstrates great perseverance and dedication to her duties,” Haffele said. “I’m delighted the industry recognized her for the work she’s done and continues to do.”