Environmental Stewardship: Turning Purpose into Action

By Brian Winter, Director of Environmental, Health and Safety

Environmental stewardship isn’t just about compliance; it’s about leadership, purpose, and long-term thinking. Companies that go beyond minimum standards often uncover efficiencies and brand value that set them apart. True stewardship means embedding sustainability into strategy and not treating it as an afterthought. At Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS), water is at the heart of everything we do, so protecting it shapes how we approach safety, materials, and sustainability every single day. The decisions we make today must stand the test of time, because they define the world future generations will inherit.

That commitment is why I accepted the opportunity to serve on the Materials Management Advisory Council (MMAC) for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This role matters because it’s a chance to help shape policies that make sustainability practical, not just theoretical. Regulations should not be roadblocks; they should be catalysts for innovation and provide perspective around freedom to operate.

Why Perspective Matters

I bring a unique viewpoint to the Council as the only private-sector representative with an environmental, health, and safety background.  It’s a chance to bridge gaps; helping businesses understand regulatory intent and helping policymakers appreciate operational realities. Over the years, I’ve learned that environmental, health, safety and sustainability succeed for the same reason: people need to believe the work matters. When these values become part of everyday decisions, they move from checklists to culture—and that’s when real progress happens. 

The Evolution of Materials Management

Today, materials management goes far beyond waste disposal. It’s about resource optimization, circular economy principles, and reducing environmental impact across a product’s lifecycle. Challenges remain; confusion about what is recyclable, contamination from items like plastic bags and food waste, rising collection costs, and space limitations in multi-family housing. But these challenges create opportunities for businesses to lead.

At ADS, sustainability isn’t an afterthought. It’s embedded in how we design durable products that perform for the long term both environmentally and operationally.

Collaboration and Innovation Drive Change

Progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It starts with relationships between businesses, regulators, and communities and that partnership is the foundation for progress. Servant leadership and transparency build trust, and trust drives results. As one of my favorite sayings goes: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”  From a regulatory perspective, collaboration works best when businesses are transparent and committed to doing things the right way, not minimizing identified issues. Partnership is the foundation for progress.

Innovation is also reshaping industry.  Materials management is becoming data-driven, and technologies like artificial intelligence are improving efficiency and safety. For example, a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Columbus uses AI-powered optical sorting to speed up sorting and reduce injury risks. This is just the beginning; AI will transform recycling and resource recovery in ways we’re only starting to imagine.

Looking Ahead

Ohio has about 40 years of landfill life left without expansion, which means sustainability isn’t optional, it’s essential. The future of materials management will be built on practical solutions, shared responsibility, and collaboration. When industry and regulators work together, processes and systems are created that serve both the environment and the communities that depend on it.

At ADS, environmental stewardship is part of who we are. It’s a strategic advantage that builds brand value and sets us apart. The future is about turning waste into opportunity and building a circular economy that benefits everyone. It’s an exciting time to lead, and I hope you share that excitement.