“I’ve been part of our industry a relatively short time, just more than a year, and I’ve noticed that SWANA is different than other associations. There is a real camaraderie when members get together, not competition. When people meet in the airport, hotel lobby or on the show floor, it’s a reunion with hugs, not a handshake.”

— John Campanelli, Editor, Waste & Recycling News

“The ability to learn about and discuss important/evolving topics with industry leaders in time where the regulatory framework is very fluid is invaluable.”

— Tom Durham. Sr. Environmental Engineer DTE Biomass Energy

The SWANA Landfill Symposium provided a nice array of speakers focused on issues surrounding policy, operations and trends affecting the landfill side of the industry. Of particular interest and focus during the meeting was the increasing trend towards landfill sites are becoming more integrated with holistic and sustainable waste management options, such as re-use and recycling.

— Bryan Staley, PhD, PE, President, Environmental Research & Education Foundation

“For those who are just entering the field of waste management I offer some advice. First be ready to roll with the changes, as they are many, and often. A simple trash man has evolved into a waste recovery and resource management professional, Sanitation Engineers, and waste to energy specialists, with heavy emphasis in natural resource management. I have seen it all in my almost 25 years in this business. What has been able to keep me ahead of the changes and informed about what the industry is seeing has been my membership in the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). SWANA offers the industry professional valuable insight, resources, and an uncommon look at what’s next. The organization also offers a wide array of industry specific training such as MOLO, MSW systems, and certification course work to name a few. As safety becomes the concentration of our industry SWANA is there with insightful technical bulletins helping us keep our employees and our customers safe. I am proud to be a SWANA member, and highly recommend it to the industry beginner and the time tested veteran.”

— Jerry Schuber, Assistant Director of Public Utilities, City of Freson, CA

“Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) staff relies on SWANA courses and meetings for professional development, training & networking to maintain its cutting edge leadership.”

— N.C. Vasuki

“I really like SWANA because in California we have a really strong conference out here but I appreciate SWANA for having an International perspective and being able to talk with professionals in the hauling field. That’s one of SWANA’s strengths.”

— Naomi Lue

“To continue to seek out new technologies, updated regulations at the state and federal level, applied sciences that involve the solid waste industry, there is only one organization, SWANA, that can deliver.

“Anyone willing to apply themselves, through attending the training courses and technical sessions approved by SWANA can learn an unlimited amount of information that will be most beneficial to anyone working in the solid waste field. I support and recommend any SWANA certification or continuing education for ‘I am SWANA CERTIFIED’. Just an added note, I not only talk the talk, I walk the walk, I hold currently hold seven SWANA certifications.”

— Robert Fickle, City of Kingsport, Kingsport, TN

“I have a really great new job. I would not have found it without SWANA’s Online Career Center!”

— Cathleen Hall, Solid Waste Manager, Pitkin County, Colorado

“I would like to say that SWANA’s exhibit hall was one of the best-catered trade shows I have been to in years. Staff did a great job of taking care of new vendors, members like me who are new to SWANA and longtime members who were there for training. The show was well-organized and easy to get our equipment into and out.”

— Brian Gordon, IPD Parts Exhibitor, 2013 Landfill Gas Conference