Initiatives
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. These safety initiatives represent part of that effort.
SWANA recognizes that, in the solid waste industry safety matters! #SWANASafety
2023 Safety Award Winners announced.
Safety First is a weekly newsletter with safety tips for tailgate meetings and posting around your workplace. Available only to SWANA members, it is a resource on a variety of industry safety topics.
Solid waste collection workers are receiving the same safety resources from SWANA at Hauler Safety Outreach events across North America.
Take the SWANA Safety Pledge to show your commitment to protecting yourself and others from harm every day.
SWANA Safety Ambassadors serve as safety leaders in all 47 chapters in the United States and Canada.
SWANA has a safety campaign of five simple tips to help solid waste workers stay safe on the job.
Slow Down to Get Around is a national safety campaign reminding motorists to drive more carefully when near waste and recycling collection vehicles.
American National Standards (ANSs) applicable to Equipment Technology and Operations for Wastes and Recyclable Materials.
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The Solid Waste Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is recognized as a leading subject matter expert on solid waste management in the United States. SWANA has been providing guidance guidance to municipal and private sector waste and recycling operations to help protect worker and public health during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As an essential critical infrastructure workforce, waste and recycling collection continues during this national emergency, but it must also adjust to new, unique challenges. Some services have been modified or temporarily suspended in some locations and the public is being asked to change their behavior to help protect worker health.
SWANA Executive Director David Biderman and SWANA Advocacy & Safety Senior Manager, Jesse Maxwell, are available to answer questions from the media concerning how the waste and recycling collection system is functioning during the pandemic and how the public can help ensure it continues safely and effectively. As reporters continue to write about the response to the pandemic, it is important that waste and recycling is included in that narrative.
SWANA has substantial experience explaining solid waste and recycling issues to local and national audiences. Just in the past week, SWANA Executive Director David Biderman has spoken with CNN, The Washington Post, a local NPR affiliate in NY, and several trade publications that cover the waste and recycling industry about the evolving impact of the pandemic on waste employees and employers. SWANA been featured on the NPR On Point program, as well as in articles in ABC News, The Bloomberg Environment, The Verge, The Atlantic, The New York Times, HuffPost, Associate Press, Waste Dive, MSW Management, American Cleaning & Hygiene, and The Christian Science Monitor.
May 16, 2025
Safety First: Clean Air Awareness
Check out our tips to protect against air pollution while working, especially in regions affected by smog, smoke, or dust.
May 09, 2025
Safety First: Mental Health Awareness Month
This Mental Health Awareness Month, explore our tips to support and strengthen your mental well-being.
May 02, 2025
Safety First: Electrical Safety
Explore our tips for electrical safety and best practices for handling electrical tools safely at work.