ARF Frequently Asked Questions

SWANA’s Executive Committee and International Board oversee the Applied Research Foundation (ARF). Subscribing partners to the ARF determine what research topics should be addressed, and participate in the research.

Research projects are supported through subscribing member organizations’ annual subscription fees. 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. Funds received from subscribers are held in reserve accounts with separate financial accounting for each subscriber category. Additional funds are solicited from other sources to leverage subscription dollars.

The research is conducted by SWANA staff, expert consultants and researchers.

As an Applied Research Foundation subscriber, you can help shape the future of the solid waste industry! Download a Subscription Form [PDF] to subscribe to the ARF today!

The Subscribers choose! By working together, subscribing partners have the unique opportunity to determine what research topics should be addressed, and to participate in the research. Each subscription year ARF Subscribing Partners identify research topics for each functional group (e.g., collection, disposal, sustainable materials management, waste conversion and energy recovery). Subscribers in each group then serve on a Project Advisory Committee to review the research.