5 Essential SWANA Safety Education Opportunities

January 28, 2026

As the waste and resource management industry evolves, so do the challenges and responsibilities related to safety in the workplace. SWANA remains committed to equipping professionals with the tools and training needed to build safer organizations from the ground up.

Below are five upcoming learning opportunities every safety-minded professional in our industry should have on their radar.

1. SWANA Safety Workshop in Washington, DC

SWANA’s signature, hands-on workshop is one full day of practical learning designed to move safety beyond compliance and into everyday behavior. This interactive workshop helps participants:

Learn strategies to create, maintain, and strengthen a culture of safety;
Translate safety policies into meaningful daily practices;
Strengthen leadership's role in workplace safety; and
Empower teams to make safer decisions in real time.

Participants will earn 5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) while collaborating with peers who share a commitment to building safer organizations. Registration is open!

2. Collaborative Just Culture® Program Webinar & Training

In a January 28th webinar, SWANA offered an informative overview of SWANA Safety Resources and an introduction to the Collaborative Just Culture® program created by Captain K. Scott Griffith. The safety program draws from the aviation industry’s transformative Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) model credited with reducing fatal accidents by 95%, providing a framework for:

Encouraging transparent reporting;
Reducing blame-based safety approaches; and
Identifying and addressing risks before incidents occur.

Scott describes the approach to this program and opportunities to engage in an upcoming training program with other industry professionals. The webinar recording will be available on the SWANA website along with more information about the robust training program soon. The webinar recording will be worth 1 PDH.
3. PFAS Safety Training for Landfill Professionals

PFAS management can present questions and challenges for landfill operators and environmental professionals, as discussed in a recent SWANA blog. SWANA’s specialized PFAS training will be offered February 22 in California ahead of the Global Waste Management Symposium, providing essential guidance on safe PFAS management, treatment approaches, and regulatory considerations.

The course is tailored for landfill professionals and is part of SWANA’s ongoing work to support members navigating PFAS-impacted waste streams and compliance challenges. Participants will also earn 6 PDHs while learning practical insights for PFAS oversight, community engagement and risk mitigation. Registration is open!

4. Guide to Improving Lithium-Ion Battery Management

Improperly managed lithium-ion batteries remain a leading cause of fires at Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). That’s why SWANA, NWRA and ReMA recently collaborated on updated guidance that outlines best practices to reduce fire risks and improve safety throughout battery handling systems. This guide is a must-read for operations leaders, MRF managers, and safety coordinators looking to reduce hazards associated with LIB disposal and contamination.

5. Safety Tips & Tricks eBook

Alongside these major training opportunities, SWANA is also offering a new safety publication, featuring tips, tools, and topic-specific guidance to support ongoing safety planning throughout the year. The eBook includes:

Practical, actionable safety tips
Topic-organized recommendations
Supportive materials for daily leadership

This resource complements SWANA’s workshop and training programs by helping teams reinforce what they learn and integrate safety thinking into routine operations. SWANA members may access the eBook complimentary, and non-members can purchase the eBook for download. Access the eBook.

Building a Safer Industry Starts with Shared Knowledge

From in-person workshops to practical guides and virtual training, SWANA’s 2026 safety education offerings are designed to meet professionals where they are—whether leading teams, managing facilities, or setting organizational safety strategy.

Each of these opportunities helps reinforce the foundational principle echoed across SWANA’s internal planning discussions: lasting safety improvement comes from strong leadership, transparent culture, and practical tools that support real-time decision-making.

View more SWANA safety resources to keep your team safe.