SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has appointed circular economy and zero waste specialist Zoe Heller, of Sacramento, as its new Director. The announcement to this effect was made by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week. The position requires Senate confirmation.

Heller will succeed Rachel Machi Wagoner, who was appointed to the past in December 2020, but later left the post early this year. Heller has been serving as CalRecycle’s deputy director of the circular economy division since last year. Prior to that, she has served the organization in various roles from 2017 to 2022.

ALSO READ:

Call2Recycle Announced 2023 U.S. Battery Collection and Recycling Data

Wood County Solid Waste Authority to Promote Recycling Efforts

Also, she has worked at the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) from 2006 to 2017. During this period, she held various roles such including Manager of the Zero Waste Section, Special Assistant to Regional Administrator, and Environmental Protection Specialist. 

Heller has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Policy from Eckerd College and a Master of Public Administration degree from Roosevelt University. 

Heller,in her new role, will oversee a staff of more than thousand people, which may soon see further expansion.

Heller is already known for her circular economy efforts under EPA. She has been successful in building a strong connection and relationship with various stakeholders.