Why SWANA?

Message from John Skinner, SWANA Executive Director

Today’s solid waste marketplace presents a very complex and changing landscape that demands a tremendous need for cutting-edge information and methods on how to employ the best technologies and management practices.

The fulfillment of this critical need for today’s solid waste professional has been a long-standing hallmark of SWANA, provided through its highly rated training and certification programs developed by the Association’s eight Technical Divisions.

Beyond the provision of quality information, SWANA members are universally drawn together by the guiding principle that "local governments are responsible for solid waste management within their jurisdictions, but not necessarily the ownership of operation of solid waste management systems."

While local governments can contract out some or all of their solid waste operations, they can never contract out their accountability to the public. Solid waste management is first and foremost strongly grounded in the need to protect public health, safeguard the environment and conserve and recover material and energy resources. It is not a commodity like soap detergent or cable television that can be left to the whims of short-term profit and loss decisions. Instead, solid waste management decisions must reflect community values and are therefore an essential prerogative of local government.

This is not contrary to private sector provision of services, but instead establishes the foundation for responsible partnerships between local governments and private service providers. Through its extensive services and aggressive advocacy efforts for effective industry policy and representation, SWANA continues to be the premier educational association for solid waste professionals in both the public and private sectors to identify and align with.

John A. Skinner

Training & Professional Development

Opportunities for training & professional development are essential components of an association such as SWANA Old Dominion Chapter. By offering ongoing training programs and certification workshops, the chapter serves as a resource providing information and technical assistance to solid waste managers. The following programs are offered regularly to chapter members: Landfill Operations

• Waste Screening
• Landfill Gas Management
• Groundwater Monitoring and Leachate Management
• Transfer Station Design and Operation
• Recycling Technology
• Landfill Technology

Many programs and networking opportunities are offered to give members the opportunity to enhance their skills and abilities.

Annual Solid Waste Management Conference

At technical sessions, new ideas, experiences and cost-saving approaches to solid waste management are shared. Trends in solid waste management equipment and technology are highlighted at the exhibitor show. Tours of area solid waste management operations are organized to allow members to visit other programs, and a golf tournament is held in coordination with the annual business meeting.

Quarterly Newsletter

SWANA Virginia News is published quarterly highlighting developments in the solid waste management industry that may affect chapter members. Story suggestions are welcomed.

Landfill Technical Session (MOLO Certification)

Each year the Landfill Committee holds a workshop and technical tour. Topics include landfill-related issues such as tire shredding, hazardous waste screening and yard waste composting.

Recycling Technical Session

Another annual workshop is the Recycling Technical Workshop organized by the Recycling Committee. Traditionally this event is hosted by a member organization solid waste management department and consists of facility tours. The purpose of the workshop is to examine new techniques in managing recyclables.