Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)

SWANA CEO and Executive Director, Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE, is featured on the Association Chat Podcast, hosted by Kiki L’Italien. In this episode, titled “Navigating Hurricanes, Hope, and a Mega Conference – Lessons from SWANA’s Amy Lestition Burke,” Amy and Kiki discuss the leadership skills and challenges involved in guiding an association through two major hurricanes and a critical annual conference, WASTECON?. Tune in to hear how SWANA provides support during natural disasters and get Amy’s personal insights on what it means to be a leader. The Association Chat Podcast, hosted by Editor-in-Chief Kiki L’Italien, serves as a valuable resource for association members and professionals. It offers opportunities to network and gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate challenges.? Listen to the episode on Apple Music: https://lnkd.in/eXU59t_j? ? Listen to the episode on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eNp6DPfX Subscribe to Association Chat Magazine: https://lnkd.in/gdsU8cKx #SWANA #TheAssociationChat #TheAssociationChatPodcast #AmyLestitionBurke #KikiLItalien #podcast #SWANALeadership #DisasterRecovery #SustainableEvents

SWANA congratulates the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the release of the National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution, which is the latest publication in the EPA’s Series on Building a Circular Economy for All. SWANA is committed to preventing plastic pollution and supports the intent of the strategy. “SWANA congratulates the EPA on this publication,” says SWANA Executive Director & CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE?.?“SWANA members play key roles in many of the strategy’s objectives and goals.”? Learn more in a press release by SWANA https://lnkd.in/eUhBrbcg #SWANA #EPA #recycling #reuse #compost #preventplasticpollution??

?? After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the waste and resource recovery sector is working tirelessly to help communities rebuild. ?? From clearing over 1.3M cubic yards of debris in one county, to managing daily operations, these professionals are the backbone of disaster recovery. “I have worked in this industry for over 28 years, and this is the worst I have ever seen,” says Chris Collins, deputy director of utilities in Florida’s Manatee County. “When it’s all done, we expect to collect triple the amount of debris compared to Hurricane Ian.” Hurricanes can generate massive amounts of waste made up of broken trees, household items, appliances, and hazardous materials that block access to roads and clog up drainage systems, worsening flooding in already hard-hit areas. ?? Thanks to the dedication of many waste and resource recovery workers, neighborhoods are being restored to safety and cleanliness, ensuring faster recovery. ?? Let’s recognize these unsung heroes for their hard work in restoring normalcy after the storms!?Read the blog post here: https://lnkd.in/eY8TZ6n6 #HurricaneRecovery #ResourceManagement #SolidWaste #WasteManagement #Community #SWANA #NaturalDisaster #CleanUp #Recovery?

Today, SWANA proudly joins 60+ partners in advocating for two bipartisan bills that will transform the US recycling system. These bills aim to make recycling more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. Nearly 40 million US residents lack the same level of access to recycling as they have to garbage service. Many valuable recyclable materials are not captured for recycling into new packaging and materials. SWANA is committed to working toward a future where recycling is a seamless part of our lives, contributing to a healthier planet. This legislation is a big step toward tackling the waste crisis and moving us toward a circular economy. Let’s bring these bills to the finish line! Read the letter here: https://lnkd.in/egq7sKTV? #SWANA #Recycling #Congress #Composting #Compost #Recycle #resourcemanagement #solidwaste?

In Canada, November is Fall Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness about preventing falls and injuries. Falls are the top cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors. Visit the official Fall Prevention Month website to take a quiz on fall hazards in your space, join fitness activities to boost mobility, participate in the Safe Winter Walking Campaign, and more: https://lnkd.in/gv7Xe3CH?? #FallPreventionMonth #FallPrevention #SlipandFall #Safety #SWANA #awareness??

November 15 is America Recycles Day—a day to recognize the importance of recycling and its positive impact on our environment. The US EPA has set an ambitious goal to raise the US recycling rate to 50% by 2030. To reach this goal, it’s crucial to recycle the right items. Cardboard, plastic bottles, metal cans, and paper are typically accepted, but items like plastic bags are often mistakenly placed in recycling bins. Check with your local recycling provider to confirm what’s accepted and help prevent contamination. Let's all play our part—every action counts!? Recycling supports jobs in waste and resource management, conserves natural resources like timber and water, conserves landfill space, and so much more.? SWANA has consistently advocated for improved recycling infrastructure, including support for US legislation – the Recycling Infrastructure Accessibility Act (S. 1189/H.R. 6159) and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (S. 1194/H.R. 4040). A heartfelt thank you to SWANA members, especially those in Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and recycling communications and collections who work tirelessly to keep recycling systems moving. Your dedication is essential to achieving a more sustainable future. You make recycling happen! Check out the EPA website to learn more about America Recycles Day: https://lnkd.in/gNy6gHhF and the SWANA website for recycling resources: https://lnkd.in/efngqrPn? #AmericaRecyclesDay #SWANA #recycling #resourcemanagement #reuse #reduce?

Exciting news! SWANA CEO Amy Lestition Burke has joined the Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) board in an effort to help drive innovation and sustainability in tire recycling. With SWANA’s resources on hand, Lestition Burke says that “SWANA is ready to work with the Tire Recycling Foundation to create effective solutions that secure a more sustainable future.” Led by the US Tire Manufacturers Association and the Tire Industry Association, the TRF funds research and projects to address critical gaps in tire reuse and recycling across the US. Together, they aim to tackle challenges like illegal dumping and increased tire scrappage from electric vehicles, pushing for practical solutions for a cleaner future. Learn more about this new collaboration from the press release: https://lnkd.in/eh6hh4XC #TireRecycling #Sustainability #Recycling #SWANA #research #reuse #action

?? There’s still time to sign up! Join us tomorrow for the next session in our SWANA webinar series, where SWANA’s Young Professionals will be sharing career tips to help you grow and succeed. ?? Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights, expert advice, and build your skills! Check out the full webinar lineup and register here: https://lnkd.in/eDrRGMxj Can’t make it live? No worries! Our on-demand library has a wealth of resources available anytime—find it here: https://lnkd.in/e6VE4hMT #Webinars #SWANA #webinarseries #SWANAYPs #YoungProfessionals #learning #community #career

???? This week is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, led by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF)! The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving and help reduce impaired drivers on the road. ?? Did you know that 95% of Americans recognize the risks of drowsy driving, yet many still do it? Even more concerning, 1 in 6 teens have driven drowsy within their first two years on the road. Life can make it hard to get consistent, restful sleep—from late work hours to caring for young kids. But it’s crucial to prioritize alert, rested driving to keep everyone safe. Learn more about who is at risk of drowsy driving here: https://lnkd.in/e_K5qfu5 #DrowsyDrivingPreventionWeek #DrowsyDriving #DriveAlert #Safety

?? Ready to boost your career and stay ahead in the industry? Join us for SWANA's upcoming webinars this November & December! ?? Gain valuable insights, learn from experts, and expand your skills. Slide to check out the full lineup and register now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/eDrRGMxj. Plus, don’t miss our on-demand library for even more resources! Find it here: https://lnkd.in/epn6J4xH #SWANAWebinarSeries #CareerGrowth #StayInformed #Webinars #SWANA #YoungProfessionals #resourcemanagement