Zach Samaras is the Zero Waste Program Manager in ISTC's Center for Economic Impacts & Societal Benefits. In his role, Zach works with municipalities, businesses/organizations, and institutions on sustainable materials management, waste reduction and diversion. This includes waste audits and waste characterization studies, stakeholder engagement and education, technical assistance on hard to divert/recycle materials, and more. 

He is a graduate of Indiana University and has a Master’s in Environmental Sustainability from Loyola University Chicago with a focus on the Circular Economy. Zach is a volunteer canoe guide with Friends of the Chicago River and loves getting folks out on the river to experience the city in a new way.  

Certifications: TRUE Zero Waste Advisor (Green Business Certification Inc.), Certification in Sustainable Resource Management (San Jose State University/GreenEducation.us)