Resources
SWANA Applied Research Foundation
The Applied Research Foundation (ARF) was formed in 2001 to advance SWANA’s mission of transforming waste to a resource through collectively-defined and funded applied research.
The ARF has published 56 publications covering all facets of municipal solid waste management. These reports are available free of charge to SWANA members. View all ARF reports here.
How ARF is Funded
Subscribers provide penny per ton contributions annually to support the ARF’s research activities. The exact amount depends on how much waste or recyclables a subscriber manages. There are currently 47 subscribing organizations—including five SWANA chapters. Learn more about the benefits of becoming an ARF Subscriber.
The ARF is managed by Jeremy O’Brien, P.E. BCEE, SWANA’s Director of Applied Research. Mr. O’Brien can be reached at (704) 906-7269 or at jobrien@swana.org.
How Research is Conducted
The ARF has four research groups:
Each new fiscal year research group subscribers submit and vote on topics. Subscribers may review and comment on draft research reports. They often meet at SWANA conferences to discuss research topics and learn about each other’s programs.
Now available EXCLUSIVELY to SWANA Members! 
Reducing Contamination in Curbside Recycling Programs
SWANA’s Applied Research Foundation addresses key reasons why residents place contaminants in their recycling bins.
Members: FREE
Available to the general public in March 2022.
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