News

Refuse and Recyclable Materials Collection Now Seventh Deadliest Job in United States

2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics Fatality Data Shows Industry Improvement The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its 2021 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries showing refuse and recyclable materials collection was the seventh-deadliest job that year, down from sixth in 2020. The workplace fatality rate for this group was 27.9…
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WASTECON: Learning How the World-Famous San Diego Zoo Handles Waste

San Diego, CA, December 1, 2022 — Exotic animals attract most people to the San Diego Zoo, but the Solid Waste Management Association of North America’s (SWANA) December 5 tour will cover something just as exotic: How does this world-famous attraction handle the logistics of waste management? A highlight of the WASTECON 2022 Summit, which…
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WASTECON 2022 in San Diego to Address Tough Waste and Recycling Challenges

San Diego, CA, December 1, 2022 — Speeches from national and international environmental leaders will provide a glimpse into current and future issues of the waste and recycling industries at a major environmental conference running Monday through Thursday (December 5th–8th ) at the San Diego Convention Center. Nena Shaw, Acting Director of the US Environmental…
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EPA Opens Applications for Federal Recycling Grant Programs

SWANA-Supported Grant Program Will Improve Recycling Education and Infrastructure The US Environmental Protection Agency has issued Requests for Applications for two important new recycling grant programs, providing states, municipalities, and other entities the opportunity to apply for millions of dollars in funds. The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) and Education and Outreach Grant Programs…
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SWANA Supports America Recycles Day 2022

Remains Committed to Recycling as Part of Resource Management The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is proud to celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15. This annual event is an opportunity to promote the value of recycling and to discuss ways to strengthen it into the future. “SWANA continues to place a strong emphasis…
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Historic Drop in 2021 Injury & Illness Rates for Solid Waste Employees

US Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey Shows Continued Improvement in Worker Safety The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the 2021 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) showing a continued decline in injury and illness rates across the solid waste industry, with historic lows for solid waste landfill, collection, and material recovery facility…
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Solid Waste Industry Responds to EPA’s Proposed PFAS CERCLA Rule

Agency is urged to ensure that the “polluter pays,” not communities The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) submitted joint comments today with the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) in response to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to designate two PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,…
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SWANA Participates in New York City Safety Press Conference

Dusk and Darkness Initiative Expanded to Include Solid Waste Collection Workers The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) participated in a press conference today in New York City, reminding New Yorkers to keep cyclists, pedestrians, and solid waste collection workers safe at night, especially after clocks “fall back” on Sunday, marking the end of…
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The SWANA International Road-E-O Competition Is Back and Better than Ever

El Paso, TX, October 26, 2022—SWANA’s International Road-E-O competition was held on October 14–15. It was co-hosted by the Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department (ESD). The Road-E-O featured more than 150 competitors, sponsors, and spectators. Congratulations to SWANA’s 2022…
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Congratulations International Road-E-O Winners!

Congratulations to the following individuals for placing at the SWANA International Road-E-O in El Paso, Texas, this month! Joseph Marshall, City of Clearwater3rd place, Tractor Trailer Alexander Grant, City of Clearwater1st place, Roll Off Evangelos Chatziemmanoui, City of Largo3rd place, Truck Mechanic