Solid Waste Association of North America

Introduction

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is a leading non-profit organization in North America dedicated to advancing the field of solid waste management towards resource management. Established in 1961, SWANA plays a pivotal role in educating, innovating, and communicating best practices in waste management.

History

SWANA was originally founded in December 1961 as the Governmental Refuse Collection and Disposal Association (GRCDA) by a group of local government solid waste program supervisors in the Los Angeles basin. By 1978, GRCDA had expanded to about 900 members across ten chapters in western states and parts of Canada. In 1992, GRCDA renamed itself the Solid Waste Association of North America to reflect the broader scope of municipal solid waste management.

Mission and Objectives

SWANA's mission is to advance the industry from solid waste management to resource management through education, advocacy, and research. The organization serves as a platform for professionals across the waste and resource management sector to share information, address key issues, and promote environmentally and economically sound practices.

Structure and Membership

SWANA operates with 47 chapters across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Its members include professionals from the public and private sectors, as well as non-profit organizations and institutions. The majority of its members are public sector officials, while others provide consulting services, equipment, technologies, and systems in the municipal solid waste management field. SWANA is organized into seven technical divisions, which enable members to focus on specific areas of interest and contribute to shaping the future of solid waste management.

Activities

SWANA offers a range of technical training courses and credentialing programs to enhance the skills of its members. The organization also publishes research and provides educational resources to support best practices in waste management. Key areas of focus include safety in waste collection, recycling, materials recovery, and addressing public health concerns such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

Governance

In 2023, Amy Lestition Burke, CAE, FASAE, was appointed as SWANA's new Executive Director/CEO, following the tenure of David Biderman. SWANA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, allowing donors to deduct contributions under the U.S. tax code.

Strategic Plan and Initiatives

SWANA has developed a strategic plan for 2023–2027, which is publicly available. This plan outlines the organization's goals for advancing waste management practices and improving industry safety and sustainability. SWANA is committed to reducing accidents and injuries in the waste collection sector, which is currently among the most hazardous occupations in the U.S. federal government's listing.

Impact and Recognition

SWANA is recognized for its leadership in the waste management sector, having been honored as "Organization of the Year" by Waste Dive. Its work in safety improvement and resource recovery has positioned it as a key advocate for the industry's contributions to public health and economic sustainability.

Chapters and Regional Activities

Regional chapters like the Mid-Atlantic Chapter engage in local initiatives, such as surveys for training needs and outreach programs to further the organization's mission at a community level. Each chapter provides localized support and networking opportunities for its members.