City Manager appoints Director of Solid Waste Services

Dec. 8, 2009

After a nationwide search, Austin City Manager Marc Ott has selected Robert Gedert, a recognized national leader in solid waste management research, analysis and planning, to lead the City of Austin’s Solid Waste Services Department.

Gedert, a former Source Reduction and Recycling Branch Chief for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, was most recently the Executive Director for the California Resource Recovery Association.

Throughout his career, Gedert has been responsible for designing, developing and operating solid waste and recycling programs at a City, County, and State level. He is an accomplished professional with more than 30 years experience in recycling collection and solid waste facilities.

Gedert has designed and operated several material recovery facilities (MRFs) in Ohio in the cities of Cincinnati, Hillsboro and St. Mary’s.

"‘Mr. Gedert brings vast experience in the solid waste and recycling industry," City Manager Ott said. "I am confident as we move forward with the Solid Waste Master Plan for the City of Austin, his background will help ensure that we provide effective and efficient solid waste services that focus on meeting our Zero Waste goals."

Gedert, who begins Feb. 1, will oversee a department of 398 employees with a budget of $66 million. Solid Waste Services provides integrated waste management services including Pay As You Throw garbage, recycling, brush and bulky collection. The department will lead implementation of the Zero Waste Plan.

Contact:
Communications and Public Information Office, (512) 974-2220