Seeing how solid waste facilities operate in person causes observations to be made, and questions to arise, that never could have been anticipated beforehand based upon what could have been read. Generally, those working are too busy to write about it. Some are not inclined to write.

Ideas about what facilities to tour have come from many sources. Industry periodicals, ads in those, regulators, consultants, presenters or tablers at conferences, department staff, and even facility staff have all informed RAM along the way. It never hurts to ask people's opinions of what facilities they think are worth touring. They could mention some off-the-beaten-path gem that you never would have learned about otherwise. Trip itineraries typically allowed time to insert facility tours between scheduled appointments. The record was five tours in one day -- the last being self-guided after hours.

Since the Southern U.S. has had relatively few notable facilities compared with other regions, RAM members have had to plan several long trips to see these. Use of cars has been helpful, as many facilities have had samples of products or compost available, which require someplace to collect and transport these. As RAM's John van der Harst has never owned a car, and acquired time for RAM by living frugally, it was his good fortune to have Sandy Loyd be so generous with his car and willingness to travel economically. John would plan the itinerary. John and Sandy generally camped out along the way. In inclement weather, lodging of choice would often be old motels found along U.S. highways. Others providing car transportation to tours included Pixie Lewis and Karen Cisler. Near facilities, waste vehicles could generally be followed to our destination.

Facilities toured in the following states, provinces, counties, or cities: