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SWANA Applied Research Foundation

The ARF has published 66 publications covering all facets of municipal solid waste and resource management. These reports are available free of charge to SWANA members. View all ARF reports here.

The Applied Research Foundation (ARF) was formed in 2001 to advance mission of SWANA for transforming waste to a resource through collectively-defined and funded applied research.

How ARF is Funded

Subscribers contribute a penny and a half per ton annually to support the ARF’s research activities. The exact amount depends on how much waste or recyclables a subscriber manages. There are currently 49 subscribing organizations—including four SWANA chapters. Learn more about the benefits of becoming an ARF Subscriber.

JeremyOBrien

The ARF is managed by Jeremy O’Brien, P.E. BCEE, Director of Applied Research. Mr. O’Brien can be reached at (704) 906-7269 or at jobrien@swana.org.

How Research is Conducted

Each new fiscal year research group subscribers submit and vote on topics. Subscribers may review and comment on draft research reports. They often meet at SWANA conferences to discuss research topics and learn about each other’s programs.

New release!

ARF Report -Carbon Dioxide Avoided Emissions Costs

 

 

Newly available to SWANA Members!

ARF Report - Zero Waste Programs

Carbon Dioxide Avoided Emissions Cost

This report provides solid waste managers with up-to-date information and guidance on carbon dioxide avoided costs associated with options for processing mixed organics -- such as food waste, yard trimmings, paper and wood -- rather than disposing of them in landfills. 

Members: FREE
Nonmembers: $199.00

Zero Waste Programs: An Analysis of Seattle’s Performance Data

This report report provides an in-depth analysis of the impacts of Seattle’s zero waste program initiatives on the total and per-capita recycling and disposal rates for the city’s four primary waste generation groups.

Members: FREE
Nonmembers: $199.00