SWANA Applied Research Foundation
The Applied Research Foundation (ARF) was formed in 2001 to advance the mission of SWANA for transforming waste to a resource through collectively-defined and funded applied research.
The ARF has published 67 publications covering all facets of municipal solid waste and resource management. These reports are available free of charge to SWANA members.
View All Applied Research Foundation Reports »
Become a Subscribing Partner
To support and participate in the Foundation’s research activities, subscribers provide annual penny and a half per ton contributions based on the amount of waste or recycling that they manage.
Through their vision and commitment, ARF Subscribing Partners conduct collectively-funded and defined applied research projects that address pressing solid waste issues.
Subscribe to the Applied Research Foundation by contacting the Membership team at membership@swana.org.
Subscriber Categories
- Solid Waste Service Providers – Public and private organizations providing solid waste services.
- Corporate Subscribers – Organizations that provide solid waste management services, consulting services, or equipment.
- SWANA Chapters – Chapter members receive free, unlimited access to all research reports each year as a subscriber. Learn more about the ARF Chapter Subscriber Program.
There are currently 49 subscribing organizations, including four SWANA chapters.
Research Groups
The ARF has four research groups:
- Collection
- Disposal
- Sustainable Materials Management
- Waste Conversion and Energy Recovery
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.
Applied Research Foundation Overview
Subscriber Benefits
ARF subscribers participate in the Foundation’s research activities and have many extra opportunities.
- Identifying, submitting, and voting on research topics.
- Participating in project review meetings.
- Networking with leaders on topics of interest.
- Learning about other programs and experiences
- Early access to interim results and final work products.
- Invitations to exclusive webinars with in-depth looks at research reports.
- Receiving research reports from all research groups free of charge as soon as they are published.
Subscribing Partners
By working together, subscribing partners have the unique opportunity to determine what research topics should be addressed, and to participate in the research. The result is increased knowledge and efficiency in directly confronting industry challenges.
Chapter Subscriber Program
SWANA chapters are now eligible to become subscribers of ARF. Chapter members receive free, unlimited access to all research reports each year as a subscriber.
ARF FAQs
Review a list of common questions designed to help you to better understand SWANA’s Applied Research Foundation. If your question cannot be answered below, please contact Jeremy O’Brien, P.E. BCEE, SWANA Director of Applied Research at (704) 906-7269 or at jobrien@swana.org.
ARF in the News
The work of the ARF is a hot topic for solid waste industry news stories!
Featured ARF Reports
Below features some of the latest ARF reports from a collection of over 65 publications.
Clarifying the Benefits of WTE Facilities for County and Provincial Elected Officials
Horizontal Landfill Gas Collection Systems
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Best Practices for Reducing Curbside Recycling Contamination and Code Enforcement
Aging Waste-to-Energy Facilities: Refurbish or Replace
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Questions
Please contact Jeremy O’Brien, P.E. BCEE, Director of Applied Research, at (704) 906-7269 or jobrien@swana.org.
Review ARF FAQs for common questions about the Foundation.
