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The SWANA Public Blog for Solid Waste and Recycling Professionals

The SWANA blog is made public for everyone interested in the solid waste and recycling industry. Contributors range from SWANA staff to SWANA members. Articles vary from industry updates and technology to firsthand experiences. All SWANA members may submit articles to the SWANA Blog.

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Safety First: Safety on Moving Vehicles

March 21, 2025

Stay safe while riding on or working near a moving collection vehicle. Follow these essential tips to protect yourself and others while on your collection route.

Safety First: Ladder and Stair Safety

March 14, 2025

In recognition of National Ladder Safety Month, this issue highlights ways to prevent injuries while using ladders and stairs.

Emergency Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation in Renewable Natural Gas Facilities

March 10, 2025

Read WAGA Energy's emergency preparedness guidelines for employees working at a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility located on a landfill.

Safety First: Leachate & Condensate Safety

March 07, 2025

Due to the contaminants in leachate and condensate, avoiding contact or exposure to these liquids is crucial when working at a landfill. Read our blog post to learn effective ways to stay protected.

Meet a SWANA Young Professional: Haley Kunert

March 06, 2025

Meet our Young Professionals! This week, we spotlight Haley Kunert, Senior Project Manager with HF&H Consultants, LLC.
Employee wearing safety vest holding safety glasses

Safety First: Eye Protection

February 28, 2025

Workplace eye injuries are common, but they can be prevented with the right protective gear. Follow our tips to safeguard your vision and protect your long-term eye health.

Safety First: Workplace Stress

February 21, 2025

Workplace stress can arise for many reasons and may negatively impact your health. Check out our tips to help you manage stress at work and prioritize your well-being.
Celebrating Engineers Week

Celebrating Engineers Week: Meet an Engineer!

February 20, 2025

For Engineers Week, SWANA interviewed four members to learn about their backgrounds and dedication to engineering.
Effective Strategies for Managing Workplace Stress

Effective Strategies for Managing Workplace Stress: A Guide for Leaders

February 20, 2025

Management plays a crucial role in fostering a healthy work environment. Check out our tips on supporting employees facing workplace stress.
Burning fire at waste site

Safety First: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

February 18, 2025

Fire incidents at waste facilities continue to rise, largely due to the increased popularity of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Follow these battery safety tips to avoid injury and damaged equipment.

Safety First: Personal Protective Equipment

February 14, 2025

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and proper training work together to form the foundation of a strong safety system. Follow our tips to ensure your PPE provides maximum protection.

Safety First: Confined Spaces

February 07, 2025

This issue highlights the risks associated with working in confined spaces and provides essential guidelines to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Meet a SWANA Young Professional: Diana Reighart

February 06, 2025

Meet our Young Professionals! This week, we spotlight Diana Reighart, Project Manager with the Northeast MD Waste Disposal Authority.

K. Scott Griffith: Improving Safety Comes from Focusing on the Things You Do Every Day

February 06, 2025

K. Scott Griffith, former chief safety officer of American Airlines, presented the keynote session at WASTECON® where he shared his strategies for cultivating a strong safety culture within an organization.
Man putting on protective hearing equipment

Safety First: Noise Exposure

January 31, 2025

Check out our tips on protecting your hearing and preventing hearing loss, especially for employees working at materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and around heavy vehicles.

Safety First: Stretching at Work

January 24, 2025

Stretching throughout your workday can increase mobility and flexibility and protect against muscle strain and tension. Read our tips to incorporate stretching into your daily activities.

Eric Thomas: ‘You’re Never Just a Driver’

January 23, 2025

Learn about Eric Thomas, a solid waste collection technician from Kansas, as he shares his experiences as a driver and discusses how his role has deepened his connection to the community.

The State of Recycling in America: How Well-Designed Policy Can Help Build a Circular Economy

January 22, 2025

This WASTECON® session focuses on The 50 States of Recycling Report, a state-by-state analysis of common packaging materials based on 2018 data and strategies to improve the US recycling system.

Safety First: Working in the Cold

January 17, 2025

Read our tips to minimize the dangers of cold-related injuries and maintain productivity while working in cold or freezing conditions.

Safety First: Arriving at a Destination

January 10, 2025

Worker and driver safety requires following guidelines both on the road and at destinations, like tipping floors and docks, to prevent accidents and promote responsibility.