Professional Role and Responsibilities
Susan Erlenwein serves as the Director of Environmental Resources and Household Hazardous Waste at Sedgwick County Public Works, a position she has held since February 1987, accumulating over 38 years of continuous experience in this role. Her official contact information includes an office located at 1144 S. Seneca St., Wichita, KS 67213, with direct phone line (316) 660-7200 and email susan.erlenwein@sedgwick.gov.
In her capacity as director, Erlenwein is responsible for managing and overseeing solid waste management, stormwater and contamination issues, and various environmental services impacting Sedgwick County, Kansas. She also serves as the manager for the Sedgwick County Environmental Resources Center, which delivers critical programs related to waste reduction, recycling, and hazardous waste control.
Key Contributions and Achievements
- Under her leadership, Sedgwick County achieved a significant milestone: an 11% reduction in trash sent to landfills over a three-year period as of 2011, demonstrating effectiveness in waste diversion strategies.
- She played a pivotal role in the creation and ongoing management of the county's “Swap & Shop” program, which collects used household chemicals such as paint and fertilizers and redistributes them free to residents, reducing hazardous waste volume and taxpayer costs. This program remains active and publicly highlighted as recently as July 2024.
- Erlenwein routinely represents Sedgwick County on environmental and planning boards, including active involvement with the Sedgwick County Food and Farm Council where she leads analysis of goals and objectives related to environmental sustainability (noted as recently as September 2025).
- She contributes expertise to stormwater management and planning efforts influencing both the incorporated and unincorporated parts of Sedgwick County, collaborating with other public works departments and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
- The Environmental Resources department under her direction has received grants, including a 2024 Kansas state grant, supporting ongoing initiatives.
- She has been involved in community and governmental meetings since the 1990s, demonstrating long-term commitment and authoritative presence in regional environmental policy-making.
- Recognized within the Sunflower Chapter of SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America), she holds roles such as Scholarship and Awards Chair, and is a contact point for the chapter’s awards program acknowledging professional contributions in solid waste management.
Educational Background and Related Experience
- Erlenwein holds a Master of Science in Environmental Studies earned from Friends University.
- She previously worked as a high school math teacher in Wichita for nine years, indicating strong communication and educational skills applicable to public outreach and staff training.
- She also teaches as an Adjunct Program Director for the Master of Science in Environmental Studies, further reinforcing her expertise and engagement in environmental education and professional development.
Professional Recognition and Affiliations
- She is frequently mentioned in local media and county documents as a leading environmental authority and a key spokesperson for Sedgwick County Public Works’ environmental initiatives.
- Her leadership in the department has garnered her and her staff recognition, particularly for commitment to Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Management.
- Erlenwein serves as an advisor to the Sedgwick County Conservation District, contributing to conservation education and outreach programs supporting local natural resource management.
Salary and Compensation
- Public payroll records indicate that in 2018, Erlenwein earned $99,272 as Environmental Resources Director, consistent with senior-level county management compensation.
Susan Erlenwein’s extensive tenure and breadth of responsibilities within Sedgwick County position her as a highly experienced environmental management professional, directly engaged in innovative waste reduction programs, regulatory compliance, and community sustainability initiatives. Her dual role as a public administrator and educator underscores her capacity to lead multi-faceted projects and serve as a credible authority in county-level environmental policy and operational execution.
