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Explore In the Media with Food, Beverage and Organics program

Podcasts, radio interviews and news articles featuring IWRC's esteemed experts sharing their wisdom. insights, and knowledge about preventing and reducing organic waste through sustainable and actionable solutions.  

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Jennifer Trent of the Iowa Waste Reduction Center
Jennifer Trent of the Iowa Waste Reduction Center

IWRC’s Jennifer Trent serves as the President of the U.S. Composting Council

As the program manager for IWRC's Food, Beverage and Organics programming, Jennifer has been instrumental in implementing and coordinating multiple food waste reduction efforts since 2012. Congratulations Jennifer!!

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An IWRC environmental specialist inspects secondary containment unit at gasoline distribution facility
An IWRC environmental specialist inspects secondary containment unit at gasoline distribution facility

Free and Confidential Environmental Consultations

We’ve provided quality, dedicated assistance to Iowa small businesses for more than 28 years. Schedule an on-site technical assistance visit with us today!

All about the OSR program
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map of certified green breweries in Iowa
map of certified green breweries in Iowa
FREE Expert Guidance

Iowa Certified Green Craft Breweries

Find out how we can help you implement sustainable business practices for your Iowa Brewery.

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Environmental Consultation and Education

The IWRC is a nationally recognized organization at the University of Northern Iowa devoted to environmental consulting, assistance, training and education for entities with environmental impact or need.

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Environmental Assistance

Environmental assistance helps your Iowa small businesses meet regulations through monitoring, compliance tracking, on-site audits, permit assistance, and deploying new technologies to help you reduce and reuse waste.
 

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Energy Efficiency

Free on-site energy efficiency technical assistance and educational materials help your Iowa small businesses reduce energy consumption and costs through energy audits and efficiency education, improving both sustainability and profitability.
 

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Food, Beverage and Organics

Focused on diverting organic waste from landfills through solutions like anaerobic digestion, composting, and waste prevention. Audits, training, regulatory guidance, and the Iowa Green Brewery Certification are some of the services you can expect.
 

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‌Painter Training
 

Improve your production efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance. Customized training for diverse industries can boost your productivity, minimize defects, and can be conducted on-site or at our facility.
 

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IWRC Latest Posts

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IWRC goes on the road as fall conference season gets underway

Autumn in Iowa brings a welcoming crispness to the air and an abundance of color and stunning views. It makes it really hard…
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New Scam Targeting Businesses

The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General has issued a fraud alert regarding a new and…
man training on VirtualPaint system for painter training recertification at STAR4D

Rota, Spain: A Unique Hub for U.S. Military Equipment Painting

Two continents, multiple connecting flights and 15hrs and 35 minutes is all it takes to connect Rota, Spain to Cedar Falls,…

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News Stories Blog Posts

What Clients Say

Thanks again for taking the time! I think your experience and insight really gave folks hope for change in Nebraska. I've had 5 folks, two of whom are composters, reach out to say what a great conversation it was.

Nebraska Composting Council member

What Clients Say

STAR4D does more intensive and beneficial training in three days with spray technique than my tech school did in three years.

Air Force Painter

What Clients Say

I did learn a lot. I enjoyed the hands-on aspects of the training. Jennifer and Jason were fantastic instructors.

2021-2022 Food, Beverage & Organics / USDA Project Participant

What Clients Say

Mr. Nickey and Ms. Burrows have been extremely helpful and very professional. They both have been extremely valuable in assisting me in getting our company up to compliance with EPA and DNR regulations. I would highly recommend the IWRC to anyone; and I wish other states I have worked in had this type of resource. I am extremely grateful that this program exists

IceCap Cold Storage

What Clients Say

I really enjoyed calculating the porosity of the compost by adding water to the bucket and taking different measurements. I’ve learned about these concepts in classes and really enjoyed the mini activity.

2021-2022 Food, Beverage & Organics / USDA Project Participant

What Clients Say

I found the team very easy to work with and very knowledgeable. The fact that the IWRC provides actionable items is extremely helpful.

LDJ Manufacturing, Inc

What Clients Say

Loved the opportunity for our library to partner with IWRC on this program. They were so much fun to work with and we would love to have you back in Shenandoah for other training opportunities!

2021-2022 Food, Beverage & Organics / USDA Project Participant

What Clients Say

Jordan & Jason were extremely easy to work with and went above and beyond to help me out. They put my mind at ease and have answered any questions I had for them. It is wonderful that we have a service like that to help smaller businesses and new employees.

White Transfer & Storage

What Clients Say

Great information on composting was presented and they almost convinced me to take up vermicomposting too!

2021-2022 Food, Beverage & Organics / USDA Project Participant

What Clients Say

Great experience! They answered all questions and provided information to help our organization with areas that we did not understand.

Freund-Vector Corporation

What Clients Say

The vermicomposting was really fascinating! I had heard the composting series before, and I still learned something new this time. I appreciate the hands-on nature of your events.

2021-2022 Food, Beverage & Organics / USDA Project Participant

 

Our Partners

Alliant Energy
Chemical Coaters Association International
Food Rescue Partnership
Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency
Iowa Brewers Guild
Iowa Composting Council
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Iowa Economic Development
Iowa Environmental Council
Iowa Recycling Association
Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations
Iowa Waste Exchange
MidAmerican Energy Company
National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Pollution Prevention Services
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
US Composting Council