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Who We Are

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is a member-based association of professionals from across the waste and resource management industry.

Committed to advancing from waste management to resource management, we are empowering our members to deliver essential services to communities today and anticipate their needs for tomorrow.

SWANA serves industry professionals through technical education, publications and research, and a large offering of technical training courses and credentialing to create a highly skilled workforce.

We are building a stronger waste and resource management industry by convening members to address key issues, share information, and deepen industry relationships in all aspects of integrated waste and resource management. SWANA advocates for and represents waste and resource management practitioners and champions our industry’s vital contributions to our society and to our economy.

With 47 Chapters in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin, SWANA members serve as stewards of public health and the environment across North America. Our members work in public and private sectors, as well as non-profit organizations and institutions. Seven technical divisions enable members to track hot topics, connect with experts, and shape the future of solid waste management. SWANA is the leading association for public sector waste and resource management professionals.

SWANA Strategic Pillars

SWANA’ s mission, transforming waste to a resource, and its four strategic priorities serve as the foundation for SWANA’s activities and goals: 

  1. Prioritizing Safety
  2. Championing Progress on Sustainability
  3. Promoting Professional Development Opportunities
  4. Delivering Exceptional Value to Members

Learn more about the four SWANA Strategic Pillars.

SWANA Tax Status

SWANA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in California and operating with headquarters in Maryland. It is the mission of SWANA to advance the industry from solid waste management to resource management through an emphasis on education, advocacy and research. This qualifies donors to be eligible to deduct contributions to SWANA under the exempt purposes of IRS Code Section 501(c)3. SWANA is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts under IRC Sections 2055, 2106, and 2522.

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Our Initiatives

Safety officer surveying landfill

SWANA has a strong commitment to safety and is determined to help move the waste collection industry off of the federal government’s list of 10 most dangerous jobs and reduce accidents and injuries.

More about SWANA Safety initiatives
materials recovery workers sorting recycling

SWANA is a leading expert on recycling and materials recovery. We work with members, municipalities, and leaders to respond to recycling challenges.

More about recycling
3D rendering of Teflon molecule

PFAS are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds causing public health concerns. SWANA provides some information and resources on PFAS as part of our role as environmental and public health stewards.

Learn more about PFAS

Our History

SWANA has a long and storied history. Here are some key highlights. 

  • In 1961 a small group of local government solid waste program supervisors in the Los Angeles basin formed the Governmental Refuse Collection and Disposal Association (GRCDA) to provide a means for solid waste professionals to share information and promote training.

  • By 1978 GRCDA had grown to about 900 members in 10 chapters in various western states and parts of Canada and hired its first Executive Director, Lanny Hickman. July 1st of that year, GRCDA established its first permanent office at 16th & K. Street NW, Washington, D.C.

  • In the summer of 1981, GRCDA moved their offices to Silver Spring, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.

  • In 1992 GRCDA changed its name to the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) to reflect how the field had broadened from refuse collection and disposal to all aspects of municipal solid waste management.

  • When Lanny Hickman retired in 1996, John H. Skinner, Ph.D., was selected as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer.

  • In 2015, Dr. Skinner retired and David Biderman was selected as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer.

  • SWANA recognized as organization of the year by Waste Dive.

  • In March, David Biderman concludes his almost eight-year tenure as executive director and CEO. Following his departure, Richard Yep, CAE, FASAE, assumed the role of Interim Executive Director in April 2023. Fast forward to November 2023, and SWANA warmly embraces Amy Lestition Burke, CAE, FASAE, as its new Executive Director/CEO.