Diversion Strategies - Deep Roots in Dirty Boots.
Diversion Strategies is a full-service consulting firm based in Sacramento, California, supporting the solid waste and recycling industry’s growth. The Firm’s capabilities range from permitting and development of commercial infrastructure, to Government advocacy, to facility operation and support.
The Diversion Strategies team brings unique value through experience working on the industry side of solid waste and recycling throughout the west coast. Our broad range of experience includes policy and rulemaking, multi-agency permitting, construction oversight and operation of landfills, material recovery facilities, recycling centers, transfer stations, composting facilities and diversion technologies. Because of this industry experience, Diversion Strategies focuses on delivering projects timely while prioritizing cost effectiveness through operational efficiencies.
Specializing in the assessment, development, project management, and delivery of solid waste and recycling commercial infrastructure projects, Diversion Strategies brings an Industry perspective and experience to deliver projects with the operator in mind.
Rachel Oster, Principal
Rachel Oster is an enthusiastic, well rounded and experienced professional in the solid waste and recycling industry. She specializes in the development and operation of solid waste infrastructure including compost facilities, landfill operations, and material recovery facilities.
Rachel began her career in the industry as a Government and external affairs professional. In this capacity, she developed authentic and time-tested relationships with elected officials and bureaucrats alike at the State and local levels. Ensuring “win, win” results has secured Rachel’s reputation as someone who communicates effectively and delivers on promises.
Most recently, Rachel acted as the Vice President of Central California operations at Recology. Her responsibilities included overseeing the profitable operation of several post collection facilities. Recology’s collection contracts in Central California were also included in Rachel’s territory.
In 2011, Rachel was appointed to serve on the State Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board by the Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross and was re-appointed for a three-year term in 2012. While serving on this Board, Rachel assisted in the development of the State’s certification program for organic fertilizers.
Rachel lives in Sacramento, California and believes in developing and practicing a healthy work life balance. This allows her to pour herself into her passion for all things waste and recycling while still making time for the things she loves: practicing yoga, riding her horse, and cooking. Above all, Rachel especially enjoys sharing time and these passions with her husband and two young children.
Erin Merrill, Principal
Erin brings creativity, strategy and thoroughness to the table with an excellent record in permitting complicated development projects. Erin specializes in overseeing and managing the many moving parts of commercial infrastructure projects with an unparalleled attention to detail.
After having worked in multiple law firms, Erin began her career in permitting and development while seeking alternative applications of her Juris Doctor degree. Following law school, she worked as a Land Use Manager for a consulting firm that managed the permitting process for the construction and operation of wireless telecommunication antenna infrastructure for large telecommunications throughout Northern California and Nevada.
In May 2007, Erin joined Recology and throughout her nearly 10 year career there, built an excellent team that specialized in project management. Erin’s team represented Recology, and oversaw the entitlement processes for new construction of company infrastructure and modifications to existing facilities throughout California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Projects include due diligence and feasibility on new business; regulatory review of new and existing regulations; permits for land use, solid waste, air and water board for landfills, recycling centers, transfer stations, material recovery facilities, truck yards and compost facilities; and environmental review (CEQA, NEPA, SEPA).
While Erin is not passionately seeking opportunities to help support the innovative growth and development of infrastructure, she enjoys many hobbies. These include sharing time with family and friends, traveling around the world, attending Mini Cooper rallies, golfing and horseback riding. Erin lives with her husband and two sons in the North Bay Area.