Training & Certification
Novice or veteran solid waste professional, achieve the goals you set for yourself with SWANA Training and Certification. Need help working smarter, incorporating best practices and new technologies, managing and leading better? SWANA can help.
Access First-Class Training
Have room to improve or learn something new? Our first-class training in core disciplines of the solid waste industry equips you with the tools, knowledge, and insight you need to ensure your operations and team members work efficiently and safely. We help you build a strong skill set of abilities, qualities, and experiences you can apply to perform better, become an expert in a certain topic, and progress in your career.
Spending time on improving your skills can help you achieve personal career goals, such as earning a promotion, improving your stature as a solid waste professional, and expanding your job opportunities in the industry.
Learn how you like to learn, at your pace, at your convenience. SWANA offers its first-class training through a variety of ways—international conferences, regional training centers, chapter events, a Training@Work program—and in various formats, including in-person training, live and recorded webinars, and OnDemand courses.
Well-trained teams provide organizations a competitive edge, minimize risks by following best practices, are more creative and motivated. Count on SWANA to help you strengthen your team.
Looking for chapter training? Find our Chapter Events here.
Get SWANA Certified
Gain a competitive advantage. Distinguish yourself among your peers and in the industry through SWANA Certification. Recognized by several states as the standard for solid waste professionals, SWANA Certification identifies you as an asset within the industry and as a leader among your peers.
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SWANA Certification Disciplines
Zero Waste Principles & Practices
“Waste is a design flaw” (Kate Kreba)
Professionals who take this new Zero Waste Principles & Practices training course will have the ability to integrate their understanding of Zero Waste with their existing waste management systems, practices, and policies to move local systems toward locally defined Zero Waste goals.
The Zero Waste Principles & Practices training course is a joint undertaking of SWANA and the California Resource Recovery Association. CRRA is dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability in and beyond California through Zero Waste strategies. SWANA, with its work in 45 chapters across the United States and Canada, is committed to educating professionals working in the industry and moving the industry as a whole from a focus on solid waste management to resource management.
Content and Approach
The course encompasses a broad overview of Zero Waste principles and practices in 10 modules covering public policy, programs, technology, and measurement:
- Introduction to Zero Waste, including a survey of different definitions and perspectives
- What’s In Your Waste Stream?
- Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream: understanding Zero Waste strategies as they affect each stage of product lifestyles
- Collections Options
- Processing Technology Options
- Managing Organics
- Public Venues and Challenging Materials
- Changing Behavior through Education and Outreach
- Financing and Funding
- Contracting and Partnerships
The course provides many opportunities for discussion among instructors and participants. It draws on current materials and examples from outside the published manual and engages students in several in-class exercises.
Who Should Attend?
Entry and mid-level managers of programs and systems serving local governments and other industry professionals who work in an advisory or consulting capacity with municipal programs and staff.
Buying Options
- eCourse On Demand
- In-Person Training at SOAR - April 15-17, 2024
- Training@Work On-Site
- Planning & Management
- Recycling & Special Waste
The debriefings are great!
“…really helps to hear what everyone else is doing and getting their feedback on what does and doesn’t work for them and why.”
– Kelly Vrooman County of Wellington, Ontario, Canada
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