Student Design Competition Winners Announced

The SWANA International Solid Waste Design Competition (SWDC) is a student team competition to solve “real world” problems faced by solid waste professionals. The experience provides students real world experience in solving complex solid waste management issues in a supportive and fun environment, provides students an opportunity to display their talents, and provides a networking opportunity for students to connect with potential employers.

The 2024 challenge focused on sustainably reducing landfilled plastic waste. Teams from ten universities entered the competition for the kick-off in January. Eight teams made their final presentations over three days early April.

• 1st Place: University of British Columbia
• 2nd Place: University of South Carolina
• 3rd Place: University of Florida
• Best Presentation: Jackson State University
• Rising Star Award: Fariha Rahman, Jackson State University

SWANA Executive Director & CEO Amy Lestition Burke joined the awards ceremony on April 10, 2024. Each of the teams worked hard and displayed creative alternatives for tackling the challenge.

Completing the competition this year were teams from:

• University of British Columbia (UBC)
• University of Colorado, Boulder
• FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
• University of Florida
• Jackson State University
• National University of Engineering - Peru
• University of Regina
• University of South Carolina, Columbia

Thank you to all the participants, sponsoring professors, team coaches, judges, and the committee members.