Colleen Foster

Colleen Foster, Senior Associate at HF&H, brings 20 years of experience in local government, specializing in solid waste, recycling, regulatory compliance, and utility management. She has a proven track record of helping local jurisdictions navigate challenging compliance evaluations to avoid enforcement, particularly with SB 1383 requirements. Her expertise spans solid waste and organics planning, zero waste programs, food recovery, climate action, and legislative advocacy.

Colleen has worked extensively with California jurisdictions on SB 1383 compliance, providing services such as gap analysis, corrective action planning, and assisting with CalRecycle compliance evaluations. She has hands-on experience managing diversion programs, developing teams, engaging stakeholders, overseeing recycling and organics service rollouts for the City of Oceanside, and being a consultant across the state. Colleen has also led initiatives in stormwater, conservation, and extended producer responsibility programs, addressing challenging materials like single-use plastics and hazardous waste.

Her deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape, combined with her strategic insights, enables jurisdictions to navigate complex challenges and achieve their sustainability goals successfully. Whether working directly with cities or advising statewide policy, Colleen’s expertise ensures compliance and fosters long-term environmental impact.