The International Solid Waste Design Competition

FINAL Deadline Extension!

Due November 22

Do you know a student or university program (perhaps from your alma mater) who might want to compete in this year’s competition? If so, help us spread the word!

The application deadline has been extended for one final time for the 7^th annual International Solid Waste Design Competition (SWDC) with live presentations to be held virtually the week of April 3, 2022.

Also Featuring:

• Visibility to some of the industry’s top employers
• Chances to win cash prizes (including for Best Team and Emerging Leader/Rising Star)
• And real-world experience!

This year's project will challenge each student team on "Evaluating the limitations of the EPA’s Gas Model (LandGEM) and developing an alternative method for landfill emissions estimation."

Applications are now due by November 22, 2021.

Download the Problem Statement Document

Download the 2022 SWDC Application now!

Visit SWANA.org/SWDC for more information & read below to hear from past participants.

"SWANA’s International Solid Waste Design Competition has been a platform to elevate my current knowledge in solid waste design and available technologies. It has motivated me to research more and think outside the box to address the design of a closure plan for the Bakoteh Dumpsite.”
- Lizzie Torres Cruz | The University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)

“The SWANA student design competition was an exciting and challenging experience working with a real-world problem, it was rewarding to know that my contributions might help shape the solid waste solutions in The Gambia.”

- Dimitrios Kakaris | Wayne State University

“This experience in global and cross-industry partnership is a microcosm of hope for what momentous challenges lay ahead of us in tackling not only the world's waste crisis, but in matters of sustainability at large. This is sincerely powerful as a young professional moving into my career.”

- Cecilia Giordano | University of Vermont

What is the SWDC?

SWANA’s International Solid Waste Design Competition (SWDC) is a student team competition to solve a “real world” problem faced by solid waste professionals. The competition aims at providing design experience for students interested in pursuing an education and/or career in solid waste management. The program provides students with 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.

Apply or Spread the Word Today!

Questions? Contact the YP Liaison, Shelby Truxon, at struxon@swana.org.