Join 250 delegates engaging with experts and policymakers on AI, robotics, advanced recycling, and responsible resource recovery
2026 NEW YORK CONFERENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TWO DAYS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOVERY. ONE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION.
October 29–30, 2026 | New York City
October 29: NYC Field Experiences
October 30: Conference at Cornell Tech, Roosevelt Island
Conservation Through Zero Waste: Leveraging AI, Technology & Infrastructure to Make Zero Waste Possible
Join the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions (NYSACC) and the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board (MSWAB) for the 2026 New York Conference on the Environment.
Bringing together approximately 250 delegates from government, academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, and environmental leadership, the conference creates a unique opportunity to connect the people developing environmental policy with those advancing scientific research, implementing solutions, and building innovative technologies.
Explore real-world solutions on Thursday. Meet the people shaping what's next on Friday.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 — NYC FIELD EXPERIENCES
INCLUDED WITH DELEGATE REGISTRATION!
Go beyond the conference room and discover how environmental innovation is being implemented across New York City.
Optional field experiences provide opportunities to explore environmental infrastructure, conservation projects, materials recovery operations, and community sustainability initiatives firsthand.
Featured experiences include:
🌳 Freshkills Park — Discover the transformation of a former landfill into one of New York City's most ambitious landscape restoration projects.
♻️ Sunset Park Materials Recovery Facility — Explore advanced recycling operations and the infrastructure supporting NYC's materials recovery systems.
🏙️ Roosevelt Island Automated Vacuum Collection (AVAC) System — See how underground infrastructure has transformed waste collection.
🌱 Manhattan Healing Forest — Explore urban biodiversity, native habitat restoration, and the Miyawaki pocket-forest approach.
♻️ Sure We Can — Learn how community recycling, container redemption, and economic opportunity intersect.
🌿 Inner City Green Team — Explore resident-led recycling, reuse, and environmental equity initiatives.
🌻 West Harlem Community Gardens — Discover the role of community gardens in composting, education, and neighborhood stewardship.
These field experiences are available to eligible conference registrants at no additional registration cost.
Separate advance reservations are required, and participation is subject to availability.
Field Experience Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Explore the available experiences and registration information:
https://www.nysacc.net/2026-coe/field-trips
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 — CONFERENCE AT CORNELL TECH
WHERE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY MEETS PRACTICAL INNOVATION
From artificial intelligence and robotics to conservation planning, advanced recycling, organics management, and sustainable infrastructure, the conference explores technologies and strategies reshaping how communities manage resources and protect their environments.
Featured speakers and discussions include:
Nathaniel Banks & Yidian Liu | PolyGone Systems
Removing Microplastics from the World's Waters
Explore emerging technologies designed to capture microplastics and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Sashti Balasundaram & Peter Jamros | WeRadiate
Live Data Reporting: Continuous Monitoring of Compost Operations
Discover how environmental data can help improve monitoring and decision-making in composting operations.
Stan Chen | RecycleGO
AI-Powered Predictive Blockchain Supply Chain Modeling and Monitoring
Explore the applications of artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, and blockchain technology in materials management.
Matt Allen | Reju
Advancing Textile-to-Textile Recycling
Examine emerging approaches to textile recovery and circular materials systems.
Charles Cochran | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
NYS Programmatic Tools and Open Space Conservation
Explore tools and approaches supporting conservation planning and environmental stewardship.
Additional presentations and discussions will examine:
- Artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated materials sorting.
- AI-powered waste auditing and environmental data.
- Municipal recycling infrastructure.
- Decentralized food waste diversion and composting.
- Textile collection, recovery, and recycling economics.
- Wastewater treatment and resource management.
- Conservation policy and sustainable infrastructure.
CONNECT, LEARN & COLLABORATE
Delegate Registration includes:
- Keynote presentations and educational sessions.
- Opportunities to engage with environmental policymakers, researchers, and technology innovators.
- Access to the Innovation Pavilion.
- Professional networking throughout the conference.
- Lunch, refreshments, and conference materials.
- Eligibility to reserve October 29 NYC field experiences at no additional registration cost.
Whether you serve on a municipal conservation commission, develop environmental technologies, conduct research, manage sustainability programs, or advocate for practical environmental solutions, this conference offers opportunities to exchange ideas, discover emerging approaches, and build relationships that extend beyond the event itself.
Attendance is intentionally limited to approximately 250 delegates to encourage meaningful dialogue and professional connections.
YOUR PARTICIPATION SUPPORTS MORE THAN THIS CONFERENCE
Founded in 1972, the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions is an independent nonprofit organization supporting environmental education, collaboration, and conservation leadership across New York State.
Conference participation, membership dues, and sponsorships help sustain NYSACC's ongoing work connecting municipal conservation commissions, environmental professionals, community leaders, and organizations dedicated to protecting New York's natural and built environments.
Your registration supports both this year's conference and the statewide network behind it.
JOIN US
Friday, October 30, 2026
Cornell Tech
2 West Loop Road
Roosevelt Island, New York City
General Admission: $175
NYSACC Members: $150
Students: $50
Registration discounts and eligibility details are provided in the FAQs below.
Interested in sponsorship or showcasing your organization's environmental solutions? Visit the separate 2026 NYSACC Conference Sponsor Registration event to explore participation opportunities.
See the solutions. Meet the innovators. Support the mission. Help shape what's next.
Good to know
Highlights
- 9 hours
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Cornell Tech
2 West Loop Road
New York, NY 10044
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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Registration & Innovation Pavilion Open - Networking & Exhibits
Location : Registration / Innovation Pavilion -- Description : Welcome to the 2026 NYSACC Conference on the Environment! Check in, collect your conference materials, and begin exploring the Innovation Pavilion, featuring organizations, technologies, and initiatives advancing environmental stewardship and responsible resource recovery. Connect with fellow delegates, municipal leaders, conservation professionals, researchers, and industry innovators before the day's presentations begin.
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Keynote Remarks
Location : Main Auditorium -- Description : Join New York City Department of Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson for opening keynote remarks as we begin a day dedicated to conservation, innovative technology, and the future of materials management. The opening program brings together leaders from government, research, industry, and community organizations to examine how New York can advance its environmental priorities through collaboration, infrastructure, and practical solutions.
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Audit: Oversight of Recyclables Handling and Recovery Facilities
Location : Main Auditorium -- Description : Effective recycling programs depend on more than collection systems. They also require meaningful oversight, accountability, and confidence that recyclable materials are being managed appropriately. This presentation focuses on the oversight of recyclables handling and recovery facilities through the lens of government auditing. Attendees will gain perspective on the importance of regulatory oversight, operational accountability, and transparent reporting in supporting effective recycling systems and responsible public resource management.