Safety First in the Solid Waste Industry

SWANA is dedicated to supporting and advancing efforts to reduce accidents and injuries in the waste collection industry. We are committed to fostering a culture of safety across the waste and resource management industry through resources, training, initiatives, collaborations, and advocacy.

SWANA Safety Initiatives

Safety Awards

Presented annually at RCon™, SWANA Safety Awards honor safety best practices and successes.

Learn more about SWANA Safety Awards.

Safety Resources

SWANA delivers a variety of safety resources that address top issues facing the industry, including guidelines for developing lithium battery management practices.

View Safety Resources.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, present significant challenges for collection, recycling, and disposal due to the potential for hazardous reactions. SWANA launched a Lithium-Ion Battery Workgroup to focus on the issue and has developed several resources.

View lithium-ion battery information and resources.

Learn more about a collaborative resource for battery drop-off sites, fire prevention guidance, and incident reporting on the SWANA and Fire Rover partnership page.

Safety Leaders

SWANA Safety Ambassadors serve as safety leaders in all 47 SWANA Chapters in the United States and Canada.
The SWANA Safety Committee guides SWANA’s safety programs, resources, and initiatives in collaboration with SWANA staff and Safety Ambassadors.

Learn more about the Safety Committee and Ambassadors.

Safety First

Safety First is a weekly newsletter with safety tips to share at meetings and for posting around your workplace.

View Safety First articles and other SWANA resources.

Hauler Outreach

Share SWANA resources by hosting a Hauler Safety Outreach event.

Download Hauler Outreach Materials.

Safety Pledge

Take the SWANA Safety Pledge to show your commitment to protecting yourself and others from harm every day.

Take the SWANA Safety Pledge.

5 to Stay Alive

SWANA has a safety campaign of five simple tips to help solid waste workers stay safe on the job.

View the 5 to Stay Alive Safety Tips.

American National Standards for Waste and Recycling

American National Standards (ANSs) applicable to Equipment Technology and Operations for Wastes and Recyclable Materials.

Purchase ANS ASC Z245 Standards.

Safety Training

SWANA has partnered with Blue Ridge Services, Inc. to provide comprehensive safety training for solid waste industry workers and operators.

View Safety Training Courses.

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Share Your Safety Topic

Your perspective and expertise can benefit all SWANA members.

Submit your safety topic idea today and be a part of the solution!

Submit Your Safety Topic »

Safety Blog Posts and Related Events

Safety Blog Posts

Safety First: Cold Weather Safety

January 30, 2026

As winter weather continues across North America, review these key tips to help you and your team prevent cold stress and stay safe on the job.

Safety First: On-Site Traffic Signage

January 23, 2026

Enhance site safety at your landfill with our effective traffic signage tips.

Safety First: Driving Ergonomics

January 16, 2026

Long hours behind the wheel can lead to aches and fatigue, but simple ergonomic tips can help drivers stay comfortable, healthy, and pain-free on the job.

Related Events

SWANA Florida Chapter Summer Conference

July 19 - 21, 2026