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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: Safe Winter Driving

December 23, 2024

Follow our tips to ensure safe driving during the winter season, when icy roads and poor visibility heighten risks for resource management employees in transportation.

Safety First: Backing Safety

December 23, 2024

Backing a heavy truck involves significant risks due to limited visibility and blind spots. Check out our tips to help you develop a comprehensive backing safety plan.

Safety First: Sleep and Shiftwork

December 20, 2024

Discover the importance of restful sleep, particularly for individuals working overnight or on rotating shifts.

Tips for Celebrating the Holidays Sustainably

December 19, 2024

Check out SWANA's tips to keep this year's celebrations eco-friendly!

A Reduction in Waste: The Success of the City of Fairfax, VA’s Recycling Audit

December 19, 2024

Explore Melissa Pennett's article on how the City of Fairfax successfully lowered curbside recycling contamination rates through effective community outreach and annual audits.

Safety First: Cold & Flu Season

December 13, 2024

Winter often brings an uptick in colds and flu spreading through social circles. Follow these steps to protect yourself and stay healthy throughout the holiday season.

Safety First: Electrical Safety

December 06, 2024

Electrical safety is crucial in resource management: by understanding the risks and following key safety measures, individuals can prevent serious injuries and maintain a safe environment.

Meet SWANA's Young Professionals!

December 05, 2024

Meet our Young Professionals! This week, we are introduced to Amber Barbella, owner and operator of Diversion Designers.

Don't Miss Out on SWIFR Grant Funding!

December 05, 2024

The US EPA has announced it will offer $78 million in new grants to boost recycling infrastructure, benefiting communities, tribes, and states in advancing sustainable waste management.

Safety First: Seasonal Depression

November 29, 2024

The holiday season and winter months can be challenging, but prioritizing self-care, maintaining social connections, and seeking support when needed can help ease seasonal stress and sadness.

Update on Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations

November 26, 2024

The fifth session of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) is now underway to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

Safety First: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injury

November 22, 2024

Over time, repeating the same motions at work can create minor injuries that later progress into painful disorders. Explore our tips to prevent these issues and safeguard your long-term health.

Not Your Parents' Trash: How AI is Revolutionizing the Solid Waste Sector

November 21, 2024

This WASTECON® session analyzes the innovative technologies developed by artificial intelligence (AI) that can improve safety and efficiency in resource management facilities.

How Waste and Resource Management Supports Natural Disaster Recovery

November 20, 2024

SWANA highlights the vital ways that solid waste and resource management employees help cities recover from natural disasters, from clearing debris to reopening access roads for emergency services.

Safety First: Workplace Violence Prevention

November 15, 2024

Assault is the third leading cause of workplace fatalities, underscoring the need for all employees to report unsafe behavior and for workplaces to implement zero-tolerance policy.

How's the Economy? Check the Waste

November 08, 2024

This WASTECON® session explored how economic trends impact waste and recycling volumes, offering insights on forecasting tonnage changes to better prepare budgets and resources.

Safety First: Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs)

November 08, 2024

Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are essential for recycling, but they come with risks; read our safety tips to stay protected from noise, dust, and other hazards.

Safety First: Daylight Savings Ends

November 01, 2024

As Daylight Savings ends, turn back your clocks and use the extra hour to catch up on sleep, which is essential for safety, especially for those in demanding jobs where fatigue can impair focus and increase the risk of accidents.

Green Halloween in McKinney, Texas

October 31, 2024

On October 19, the "Trail or Treat" took place in McKinney, Texas, and provided a fun opportunity for residents to learn simple ways to reduce waste.

Safety First: Railroad Crossing Safety

October 25, 2024

Paying attention to traffic rules, especially at railroad crossings, is crucial for resource management employee safety, as heavy vehicles may struggle to move quickly when railroad signals activate.