**Talking Tires Podcast – Episode**

**Host: Craig Hunter**
Welcome to Talking Tires, the podcast that delves deep into the world of tires. Join us as we explore everything from the science behind tire manufacturing to the latest innovations in tire recycling. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of tires, including how they work, how to maintain them, and how to dispose of them responsibly. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic, curious car enthusiast, or an avid recycler, Talking Tires is the perfect podcast for anyone who wants to learn about this essential component of modern vehicles and heavy equipment. So, buckle up and join us for an informative and engaging journey into the world of tires.

**Episode Introduction**

**Craig Hunter:**
Alright, welcome to another episode of Talking Tires. I’m your host, Craig Hunter, president of Tire Reclaim. I’m here with Dan Cheddarbach from Rock Springs, Wyoming. Welcome, Dan.

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
Thanks, Craig. I really appreciate you making the trip.

**Craig Hunter:**
So, confession time. This is actually take two. We first met at the Wyoming Solid Waste Association conference. It was an honor to be there and to have you at my booth. We did a podcast there, but I need a new sound guy because I’m the sound guy and I had it all wrong. But you decided to take a trip, you’re here, and I appreciate you coming all the way from Rockwell, Green River, which we’ll learn more about, right?

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
Yeah, definitely. It’s great to be here and to do our podcast in this awesome new room. Thanks to everyone who put it together. It’s fantastic.

**Craig Hunter:**
Absolutely. So, let’s dive in. How did you get into Rock Springs Landfill and the position you’re in?

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
Sure. I’m the General Manager/Director at the landfill. I was actually born and raised in Rock Springs, moved to Green River in 2002. I started working right out of high school, moved to San Antonio for a bit, then back to Rock Springs. My great-grandpa knew someone in engineering, and I got on with an engineering company. It eventually turned into a solid waste district, and I’ve been on site for 28 years now.

**Craig Hunter:**
Were you always in this field right out of high school?

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
Yeah, I started right in the scale house on site and got familiar with regulations and everything landfill as kind of part of the job.

**Craig Hunter:**
Throughout your experience, you’ve moved through different areas. How has that shaped your understanding of landfill management?

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
It’s taught me a lot. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of technology like GPS for better compaction and management. It helps us with efficient use of airspace – a key resource at a landfill.

**Craig Hunter:**
Sounds like the GPS system has been a game-changer for you.

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
Absolutely, it allows operators to maximize compaction without overdoing it. It’s been incredibly helpful in managing both daily operations and strategic planning at the site.

**Craig Hunter:**
You’ve had to rethink how to handle tires within your landfill, can you share more about that?

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
Yes, burying whole tires just wasn’t sustainable. We started shredding them, thanks to partnerships like yours, which makes them compactable and less problematic over time. We even use the shredded material as alternative daily cover.

**Craig Hunter:**
Great initiative. It’s amazing what collaboration can achieve.

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
It really helps to have a supportive board that’s open to new technology and ideas. Working with you guys has shown us new possibilities.

**Craig Hunter:**
It’s been fantastic to hear about your journey and the innovations at Rock Springs. Anything else you’d like to add?

**Dan Cheddarbach:**
Just a shoutout to my team. They’re the backbone of our operations and make everything we do possible. Also, networking has been crucial in learning and improving our processes. Always take the meeting, you never know what you’ll learn or who you’ll connect with.

**Craig Hunter:**
Thank you for joining us, Dan. It’s been a pleasure. Let’s go see the facility now. Until next time, everybody!