Material Reuse Forum 11: Government Policies to Elevate Reuse
December 2nd, 2025 | 1:30 - 3:00 PM ET
This webinar will highlight how U.S. state-level policies and Canada are advancing reuse. From solid waste programs to funding initiatives and action plans, taking concrete steps to embed reuse into their sustainability strategies. Hear examples from Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency, Massachusetts’ Reduce and Reuse Action Plan, and Canadian efforts that are driving innovation and investment in reuse.
Meet our Speakers:
Diane Cohen, CEO, Finger Lakes ReUse
Diane Cohen is chief executive officer of Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc., an award-winning nonprofit social enterprise operating two Community ReUse Centers in Ithaca, NY. Diane has been working professionally in waste reduction through reuse since 2001, and enjoys taking a collaborative approach with multi-sector partners to help design and activate a more comprehensive, sustainable and just materials management system. The ultimate goal is for all reusable and repairable materials to remain circulating in local economies, providing opportunities for skill-building, empowerment and community connection in the process.
Alison Cameron, Environmental Specialist, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Alison Cameron is an Environmental Specialist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, where she leads policy and planning work to advance waste reduction, reuse, and circular systems across the Twin Cities metropolitan region. She manages cross-agency initiatives translating statewide policy into county and city action, integrating procurement, permitting, grants, and community partnerships. Alison currently supports implementation of the 2022–2042 Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan and is supporting the development of the state’s Resource Management Report, with an emphasis on practical, scalable reuse strategies and measurable outcomes.
Leah Kelleher, Regional Planner, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Leah Kelleher is a Regional Planner with MassDEP’s Municipal Waste Reduction Branch, where she advances reuse initiatives guided by the state’s Reduce & Reuse Action Plan. She also supports public education through Recycle Smart MA, equipping Bay Staters with information and tools to recycle right and prevent waste from the start. Through all this work, Leah seeks to strengthen systems that normalize reuse and repair and make them accessible to everyone in Massachusetts.
