Resources
Coronavirus Resources
Here are resources SWANA has gathered to support solid waste workers, employers and customers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
SWANApalooza 2020 COVID-19 Sessions
Two keynote sessions at SWANApalooza 2020 covered the recent coronavirus pandemic. They are available for purchase through the SWANA Store.
Workplace COVID-19 Resources
Updated September 28, 2020
A list of general COVID-19 resources grouped by U.S. federal agency, a section with resources on reopening workplaces, and additional industry-specific COVID-19 resources grouped by industry.
Guide to Public to Protect Solid Waste Workers
The public can help protect the health of the men and women in the solid waste industry during this vital time by following the tips available in this guide.
COVID-19: Are we safe from our own trash?
A review of the risk of garbage belonging to people infected with SARS-CoV-2 as a potential source of community spread and a threat to sanitation workers.
ISWA Recommendations
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Waste Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The International Solid Waste Association considers three overall priorities for waste management during the period of the pandemic of COVID-19:
- Ensure the continuity of the services
- Adjusting recycling services
- Ensure safe collection, disposal and treatment of healthcare waste
News on COVID-19
SWANA Submits Over 1,500 Facial Covering Orders to HHS
July 23, 2020
Free Face Coverings for Solid Waste and Recycling Industry
June 25, 2020
Maryland Governor Extends Appreciation to SWANA and Industry
June 03, 2020
SWANA Calls on Congress to Support Local Governments
May 20, 2020
SWANA and Glad Partner to Address COVID-19 Among Solid Waste and Recycling Workers
April 27, 2020
Celebrating Earth Day Responsibly During COVID-19
April 22, 2020
SWANA Calls to Help Protect Waste and Recycling Workers
April 13, 2020
SWANA Urges Americans to Dispose of Gloves and Masks Properly
April 07, 2020
Media Advisory: Waste & Recycling During COVID-19 Pandemic
April 02, 2020
March 31, 2020
SWANA issues important documents for all essential industry workers
March 23, 2020
March 19, 2020
SWANA in the News
- Family Adventures, Last Mile Vehicles, COVID Waste, Mini Book Club, The Great Realization – Oct 1, 2020, The Lisa Show on BYU Radio
- Trash is Piling Up. Sanitation Workers Are Feeling the Strain. – Sep 30, 2020, Bloomberg City Lab
- 'Hard, Dirty Job': Cities Struggle To Clear Garbage Glut In Stay-At-Home World – Sep 21, 2020, National Public Radio
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Delivers 5,000 Masks to Miami-Dade Waste Management Department – Sep 14, 2020, Waste 360
- More working from home means we’re generating more residential trash – Aug 31, 2020, Minnesota Public Radio
- As trash piles up during Covid-19, residents raise a stink – Aug 30, 2020, Wall Street Journal
- COVID-19 pandemic: Sanitation workers association distributing millions of cloth facial coverings – Aug 14, 2020, Safety+Health Magazine
- Coronavirus has Philly falling way behind on trash pickup — but it’s not the only city – Aug 6, 2020, The Philadelphia Inquirer
- On top of coronavirus, industry faced with surprising year of safety trends – Jul 28, 2020, Waste Dive
- Renewed interest in automated side loaders driven by pandemic concerns, persistent safety issues – Jul 23, 2020, Waste Dive
- Editor’s Blog: These Are Our People – Jul 22, 2020, MSW Management
- Cities can turn household waste into opportunity – Jul 19, 2020, Press Argus-Courier
- Sanitation workers soldier on during COVID crisis despite risks – Jul 9, 2020, North Carolina Health News
- The coronavirus has given us a new kind of plastic waste. Where does it go? – Jun 17, 2020, Tampa Bay Times
- Senate hearing revives federal recycling discussion with little consensus – Jun 17, 2020, Waste Dive
- Face Masks And Latex Gloves Have Become A New Environmental Problem – Jun 9, 2020, IFLScience
- COVID-19 pandemic: Association asks public to help keep sanitation workers safe – May 28, 2020, Safety+Health
- Sheltering at home has produced loads more residential trash – May 22, 2020, Indianapolis Business Journal
- Plastic bags were finally being banned. Then came the pandemic. – May 20, 2020, Vox Media
- Supporting Frontline Waste and Recycling Workers Impacted by COVID-19: A Q&A with SWANA’s David Biderman – May 5, 2020, Waste 360
COVID-19 Links
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COVID-19 Workplace Posters & Guidance Booklets - U.S. OSHA
- COVID-19 Resources – Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials
- SAFER: Safe Actions for Employee Returns - National Safety Council
- FEMA’s COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season
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Pandemic (COVID-19) Tip Sheets – Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
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Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Resources - Public Health Agency of Canada
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Recycling & COVID-19 – The Recycling Partnership
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Gloved Hands May Spread Germs – Association for Professionals In Infection Control and Epidemiology
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Survey shows widespread industry impact of COVID-19 - Waste Today
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COVID-19 Resource Page - California Resource Recovery Association
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Guidance for Employers: COVID-19 and the Workplace - National Safety Council
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The Safety Professional’s Role in Planning for a Pandemic - American Society of Safety Professionals
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Coronavirus Impacts on the Recycling Industry - Resource Recycling
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Locate Distilleries Making Hand Sanitizer to Fight COVID-19 - Distilled Spirits Council
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This is what it’s like to be a sanitation worker during the coronavirus outbreak - Washington Post
- Coronavirus Resource Center - Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
- COVID-19 News Related to the Industry — WASTE360
- 'How coronavirus is disrupting US waste and recycling' - Waste Dive
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce - 3/19/20
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Thank You Sanitation and Recycling Workers!
Show your appreciation for Sanitation and Recycling Workers! Download this Thank You flyer and post it in sight of your community's solid waste workers.
Guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Helping the solid waste industry cope with evolving health and safety risks.
Download COVID 19 Documents for Essential Waste and Recycling Workers
Download documents to demonstrate proof to law enforcement personnel that you work in an essential industry.
- Template letter that can be provided to demonstrate a worker’s exemption
- Memo for employers instructing them on use of the letter
- Placard for display in worker vehicles
Download these documents for essential waste and recycling workers
Continue the Discussion
Contribute your resources to combatting COVID-19 on MySWANA.
Join the CommunityCOVID-19 Webinars
Financial Impact of COVID-19 on the Solid Waste Industry
