4 Reasons to Join SWANA Technical Divisions

by Andrea Mowers Jan 8, 2026, 11:38 AM

SWANA Technical Divisions provide a unique opportunity to expand your subject matter expertise and support professional development.

If you’re a SWANA member, this is your opportunity to plug into the most vibrant expert networks in waste and resource management. And if you’re not yet a member, joining SWANA unlocks the door to those networks so you can contribute expertise, learn from peers and shape the future of our industry.

About SWANA Technical Divisions

SWANA’s seven technical divisions are member-led communities focused on the core disciplines of our field:

  • Collection & Transfer (C&T)
  • Communication, Education & Marketing (CEM)
  • Landfill Management (LFM)
  • Landfill Gas & Biogas (LGB)
  • Planning & Management (P&M)
  • Sustainable Materials Management (SMM)
  • Waste Conversion & Energy Recovery (WCER)

Any SWANA member may join a technical division, whether you’re an in-field practitioner, operator, engineer, policymaker, consultant, communicator, student, or innovator. Technical division members collaborate on practical content, training, policies, research, and awards while implementing learnings to drive measurable improvements within their own facilities and organizations.

Why Join a Technical Division?

"SWANA has been an invaluable resource for learning and professional growth since I joined in 2022. The wealth of knowledge shared by experienced members and the comprehensive training opportunities have been instrumental in my development. SWANA's commitment to education and resource sharing has empowered me to stay ahead in the ever-evolving waste industry.” - Ashley Ramsey, Senior Geologist, Geosyntec Consultants

  • Access lessons learned from trusted peers: Ask questions, crowdsource solutions, and accelerate your work because the chances are someone has tackled your exact challenge and will share what worked and what didn’t, helping save you time and money.
  • Shape industry resources and policy: Offer technical input for SWANA courses, support development of SWANA policy positions, inform conference agendas, and contribute to webinars and articles. Your on-the-ground perspective helps set best practices others in our industry will rely on.
  • Grow industry visibility and leadership skills: Present at events, draft guidance, or serve in a Technical Division leadership role to build your reputation as a go-to expert— internally and across the industry. Many organizations encourage (or require) professional association leadership as part of career development.
  • Stay ahead of emerging issues: From battery fire risks to PFAS, EPR, methane management, and circular economy strategies, SWANA technical division members unlock fast access to briefings, research, and practical case studies so you can respond with confidence.

Not yet a SWANA member?

  • SWANA membership includes one complimentary technical division subscription in your first year with the option to add more divisions at a nominal cost. It’s the fastest way to plug into expert communities and unlock insider learning.
  • SWANA membership boosts your career development with discounts for certifications, training, events, safety resources, and a transnational network that improves how you operate every day.
  • Supporting a team? Ask about SWANA’s enterprise membership to expand benefits and technical division participation across your organization.

Learn more about SWANA membership and join today! Email membership@swana.org with questions.

Call for Nominations: Technical Division Leadership

Start your technical division leadership pathway for FY2026-2032 to drive innovation in resource management, expand your professional network, and advance your career.

Submit nominations by Monday, March 2 for the following roles:

  • Collection & Transfer: Vice Director; Advisory Council Delegate
  • Landfill Gas & Biogas: Advisory Council Delegate
  • Planning & Management: Advisory Council Delegate
  • Sustainable Materials Management: Vice Director
  • Waste Conversion & Energy Recovery: Vice Director

Note: Only SWANA members in good standing with their technical division(s) may serve in leadership positions. Check your division membership status in MySWANA and email membership@swana.org with questions.

 

Make This the Year You Step In

SWANA technical divisions are the engine rooms of our profession—where ideas become training, guidance, policy, and measurable results. Whether you’re joining your first division, adding another, or throwing your hat in the ring for leadership, your expertise belongs at SWANA.

Join or inquire today: membership@swana.org.