Sustainable Materials Management Technical Division

Strategies & Priorities

SMM TD members view waste as a resource and strive for circular economy results through the following actions:

• Exploring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and deposit return systems (DRS) policies and programs. 
• Reducing waste at the source prevents the need to manage materials at the end of use. 
• Reusing and refurbishing items prolongs their useful life.
• Recycling creates jobs, conserves natural resources, and saves energy. 
• Domestic recycling helps strengthen North American economies. 
• Food rescue and recovery ensures that edible food nourishes hungry people and animals. 
• Organic waste (food scraps and plant material) can be responsibly managed to reduce landfilled material and produce beneficial end products, such as compost and renewable energy.
• Special waste, like lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste, can be hazardous and must be managed and processed safely and appropriately. 
• Sustainable materials management helps sustain the environment for future generations. 

Sustainable Materials Management Technical Division Leadership

The Vice Director of each Technical Division is elected by division members every two years. Once elected, they continue in subsequent leadership positions as a beacon of expertise for six years: Vice Director, Director, and Past Director.

The Advisory Council Delegate of each Technical Division is elected by division members every two years. The term is two years with a maximum of four consecutive terms served.

The individual selected for the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) working group will serve as SWANA's representative and share the association's perspective. Each working group member will be appointed for a three-year term, with the option to extend for a second term.

Sustainable Materials Management Technical Division Committees

You must be a member of both SWANA and the Technical Division to join a committee.

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee evaluates nominations and presents the division's Awards.

Legislative and Regulatory Committee

Tracks current and pending legislation at the federal and state levels, providing comments and writing letters to elected officials in support of the stance taken by SWANA on key issues.

Content Committee

The Content Committee develops technical content for SWANA events, programs, newsletters, webinars, etc. The Content Committee works to contribute ideas for future SWANA technical presentations, tour locations, other written content and program elements associated with the subject matter.

Training Committee

Provides training and education through courses and publications, assuring program quality, working with the SWANA Manager of Training and Certification Programs.