SOLICITATIONS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY POSITION FOR FY2010

In accordance with Policy MA-32, the Association is currently requesting applications from interested candidates for the position of International Secretary for fiscal year 2010, September 2009 – August 2010, (but serving by tradition from the 2009 Annual Business Meeting in September 2009, to the 2010 Annual Business Meeting in August 2010.)

Applications for FY 2010 are due to the Associate Director prior to December 31, 2008.

The application packet must include the following documentation:

1. Letter of interest;
2. Resume;
3. Summary of Qualifications clearly responding to each of the selection criteria set forth in Section V of MA-32 (ISWM, SWANA governance experience, professional experience, interpersonal skills, communication skills, etc.).
4. Letters of support or other documentation supporting candidate’s contribution to SWANA.
5. Letter of support from candidate’s local SWANA chapter; and
6. Letter of support from candidate’s employer, where applicable. This letter of support must include language that acknowledges the candidate’s obligation to attend board meetings and other SWANA events, as invited and necessary to represent the Association, and to devote the time required to fulfill the duties of office for a five-year period.
   

Please refer to policy MA-32 for further details (available from the Associate Director at kcallaghan@swana.org or by calling 240-494-2248).

Election will be with IB approval and by written ballot of the SWANA Membership via on-line voting in August 2009. Resumes of each candidate will be available on-line with the ballot.

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SWANA'S 2009 OFFICERS ANNOUNCED AT WASTECON

October 22, 2008 (Tampa, Fl.)— The International Board of Directors of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) gathered today with the membership of the Association for the Annual Business Meeting, where the 2009 officers were announced. Laurie Batchelder Adams of LBA Associates, who now holds the title of past president, officially handed over the gavel to Carl Newby of Arlington County Department of Environmental Services, SWANA's new International President.

"I am greatly honored to be able to serve with so many other solid waste professionals from all across North America," said Carl Newby. "We plan to continue working to make livable and sustainable communities using environmentally and economically sound solid waste practices."

John Hadfield assumed the position of International Vice President, while Sara Bixby of South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency became the International Treasurer and James Warner of Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority became the new International Secretary.

"The enthusiasm these newly elected officers have for our cause is exciting to see," said John H. Skinner, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO of SWANA. "They are geared up and ready to carry out their plans for SWANA and I know all four of them are going to do a great job this upcoming year."

The Annual Business Meeting was followed by the WASTECON 2008 Lawrence Lecture and Keynote Presentations. The Lawrence Lecturer, Dr. Jean Bogner, was the coordinating lead author of the waste management chapter of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) report on "Mitigation of Climate Change." The Keynote Speaker, Roberta Fernandez, president and founder of Planet Partnership, was one of the first people selected and trained by former vice president, Al Gore, to present his acclaimed climate change message, "An Inconvenient Truth."

Both the IPCC and Al Gore were honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in December 2007 "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change."

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SWANA CALLS FOR INCREASED WASTE SCREENING IN RESPONSE TO EPA'S UPDATED DEFINITION OF SOLID WASTE

With the issuance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule regarding the updated definition of solid waste, the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has advised its members of the increased importance of waste screening practices at municipal solid waste facilities. While the goal of the rule is to encourage recycling of hazardous materials, the USEPA estimates that 1.5 million tons of hazardous materials would be excluded from the Resource Conversation and Recovery Act’s hazardous waste regulations. This could cause a potential loophole through which hazardous materials may escape regulation finding their way into municipal solid waste facilities, thus placing an increased importance on waste screening practices.

“Municipal solid waste managers need to know where their wastes are coming from and SWANA strongly encourages more vigilant practices to detect and screen out prohibited wastes,” said John H. Skinner, SWANA Executive Director and CEO.

After publication of the revised EPA rule, Skinner issued a cautionary notice to the International Board of Directors, the governing body of the Association. He also indicated that SWANA is updating its Waste Screening Training Course to provide improved guidance for SWANA members. This revised course will be finished by the end of this calendar year.

The full version of the notice can be found online at http://swana.org/www/Portals/Officers/SWANA_Notice_Regarding_EPA_Ruling.pdf

SWANA ANNOUNCES 2008 PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS

Silver Spring, Md. – The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Professional Achievement Awards. The Awards Program was developed to recognize individuals who, through the course of their careers, have made significant contributions to the solid waste management profession. The recipients of this year’s awards will be honored during the Awards Luncheon at WASTECON 2008 in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, October 23.

Professional Achievement Award – Public Member:

Pat Raidy, City of Mesa, Arizona.

Professional Achievement Award – Public Member:

Russ Rutkowski, Monroe County, New York.

Professional Achievement Award – Public Member:

Brian Tippetts, LaCrosse County, Wisconsin.

Professional Achievement Award – Life Member:

Robert A. Epler, City of San Diego, California.

Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award:

Richard J. Mauck, City of Santa Clara, California.

Life Member Award:

William (Willie) T. Black, City of Mesa, Arizona.

Each of the winners was recommended by the International Awards Committee and each recommendation was approved by the Executive Committee during SWANA’s Mid-Year Meetings held in Silver Spring, Maryland in June.

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SWANA APPROVES PROVISONAL CHAPTER

Silver Spring, Md. – The Caribbean – Puerto Rico Chapter is slated to become the 46th chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). In a unanimous vote by SWANA’s International Board of Directors, the Caribbean – Puerto Rico Chapter was granted Provisional Chapter status during the Board’s mid-year meetings in June.
To become eligible for Regular Chapter status, the new Chapter will work for the next 12 months in preparing its Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, as well as developing training and education programs. If all criteria are met, the International Board will vote at next year’s meeting to approve Regular Chapter status.

The Caribbean – Puerto Rico Chapter was initiated by a group of engineers and professionals in Puerto Rico who are concerned about future waste management issues on the island. With a population approaching four million and a total land area of approximately 3,500 square miles, Puerto Rico is seeking new solid waste initiatives to assist the existing recycling facilities and community landfills in managing the ever-increasing amount of solid waste.

“Solid waste management presents a big challenge for Puerto Rico,” said Raquel Cortes, President of the Caribbean - Puerto Rico Chapter. “The main goal of our chapter is to encourage and promote public policies that will facilitate the implementation of new alternatives to resolve the waste disposal problems confronted by our island.”

SWANA, which currently has 45 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, is excited about the new addition to the Association and the opportunities for expansion that the new Chapter will bring.

“We certainly welcome the Caribbean-Puerto Chapter into SWANA,” said John Skinner, SWANA’s Executive Director and CEO. “SWANA’s expansion into the Caribbean will provide training and education opportunities for solid waste professionals in that important part of the world.”

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SWANA ANNOUNCES C&T EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

SWANA ANNOUNCES C&T EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
HONOREE TO BE RECOGNIZED AT WASTECON 2008

July 11, 2008 - The Collection and Transfer Technical Division of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has named Gary Strosser of Dunedin, Fla. as the 2008 Collection and Transfer Employee of the Year.

An employee of the City of Dunedin, Fla., Strosser was recommended by numerous supervisors, public works directors and city managers. Strosser has worked for the city's sanitation department for 37 years and was recognized for his ability to operate a vast array of solid waste equipment. Strosser was also commended for his 14-year accident-free records with notable incidents where his driving expertise prevented critical accidents.

Donald Ross, a former manager at the City of Dunedin, said, "I believe that Gary exemplifies the spirit, determination, and pride each and every solid waste employee in North America should possess."

SWANA will recognize Strosser's achievement during the WASTECON 2008 Excellence Awards luncheon in Tampa, Florida on October 23, 2008. Strosser will also receive complimentary registration to the convention.

"Gary Strosser has demonstrated professional excellence throughout his entire career," said SWANA CEO and Executive Director John H. Skinner, Ph.D. "We are proud to honor and recognize his hard work."

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About SWANA: For over 40 years, the Solid Waste Association of North America has been the leading professional association in the solid waste industry. SWANA serves over 8,000 members throughout North America with conferences, certifications, publications and technical training courses.

SWANA ANNOUNCES 2008 EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

SWANA ANNOUNCES 2008 EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES TO BE RECOGNIZED AT WASTECON 2008

June 10, 2008 - SWANA is pleased to announce the 2008 Excellence Awards winners. The Awards program was created to recognize outstanding facilities, operations and programs committed to the “environmentally and economically sound management of solid waste,” while at the same time, encouraging innovation. Award winners will be honored during the SWANA Awards Luncheon at WASTECON 2008 in Tampa, Florida, Thursday, October 23.

“SWANA is proud to recognize the 2008 Excellence Award Winners” said John Skinner, Ph.D., SWANA Executive Director and CEO. “These organizations are a credit to their communities and an inspiration to others in the solid waste profession.”

The award winners in 12 categories include:

Public Education Award
Gold - Castro Valley Sanitary District, California, Multi-Family Recycling
Silver - King County Solid Waste Division, Washington, Recycle More. It's Easy to Do
Bronze - Pinellas County Solid Waste Operations, Florida, No Such Place As Away

Collection Systems Award
Gold – City of Mesa, Arizona, Curbside Collection Rollout.

Transfer Station Award
Gold – Department of Sanitation, City of New York, New York, Staten Island Transfer Station.

Communication Award
Silver – Solid Waste Management Program, Fairfax County, Virginia, Do Not Empty Before 6 AM.
Bronze – Solid Waste Operations, Pinellas County, Florida, Recycle Reference Guides.

Marketing Award
Gold – City of Hamilton Waste Management Division, Gold Box Program, Ontario
Silver – Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management, Commercial Recycling, North Carolina
Bronze – Maryland Environmental Services, Composting Outreach

Landfill Management Award
Gold – Texas Disposal Systems, Austin, Texas.
Silver – Department of Public Works, Prince William County, Virginia, Sanitary Landfill.
Bronze – Covanta Haverhill, Massachusetts, Ward Hill Neck Landfill.

Landfill Gas Award
Gold – Northern Tier Solid Waste Authority, Burlington, Pennsylvania.
Silver – Public Works Department, DeKalb County, Georgia.
Bronze – St. Lucie, Florida, Landfill Gas Utilization.

Solid Waste Management Systems Award
Gold – Public Works Department, Santa Barbara County, California.
Silver – Solid Waste Division, King County, Washington.
Bronze – Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington, Navy Whidbey Recycle.

Special Waste Award
Gold – Waste Management Division, City of Hamilton, Ontario.
Silver – Utilities Authority, Bergen County, New Jersey.
Bronze – Monterey Regional Waste Management District, California.

Composting Systems Award
Silver – City of Baksersfield, California, Mt. Vernon Recycling & Composting Facility.
Bronze – District of LaPorte County, Indiana, Compost Facility of Solid Waste.

Recycling Systems Award
Gold – Region of Durham, Ontario, Durham Region Material Recovery Facility.
Silver – Solid Waste Management Division, Cecil County, Maryland.
Bronze – University of Virginia Recycling, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Innovation Award Winner
Solid Waste Division, King County. Washington, Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan.

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About SWANA: For over 40 years, SWANA, The Solid Waste Association of North America, has been the leading professional association in the solid waste management field. SWANA’s mission is "to advance the practice of environmentally and economically sound management of municipal solid waste." SWANA serves over 8,000 members and thousands more industry professionals with technical conferences, certifications, publications and a large offering of technical training courses.

About WASTECON: WASTECON is SWANA’s signature annual conference and trade show. Known for being the only international solid waste trade show run for solid waste professionals by solid waste professionals, WASTECON features a large trade show, technical sessions, training courses, workshops, speakers and networking events. This year’s conference will be held in Tampa, Florida from October 21-23.

NSWMA AND SWANA COMMENT ON EPA GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING

NSWMA and SWANA Comment on EPA Greenhouse Gas

Silver Spring, MD, (June 2, 2008) - In a joint letter to the U.S. EPA, the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) commented on the agency’s draft mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting and its potential impact on municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. As the EPA proceeds with requirements identifying reporting sectors in this rulemaking process, NSWMA and SWANA requested the following be considered:

• The solid waste sector has substantially reduced GHG emissions.
• A protocol for estimating fugitive landfill emissions should be established.
• Carbon sequestration should be accounted for in estimating GHG emissions of individual landfills.
• Strong enforcement authorities make third-party verification unnecessary.
• Biogenic GHG emissions should not be a mandatory reporting element of a federal program.

NSWMA President and CEO Bruce Parker said, “The waste management industry is aggressively responding to the challenges presented by climate change and how the industry’s carbon footprint can be reduced. We are leaders in the innovative production of renewable energy from the disposal of waste, and any reporting system should acknowledge the progress that we’ve made in this area.”

“Environmentally sound solid waste management practices can make an important positive contribution towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions” added SWANA Executive Director and CEO John H. Skinner, “It is important that any reporting system encourage these practices” he added.

The EPA greenhouse gas reporting would mandate reporting of greenhouse gas among all industries, including municipal solid waste, above the EPA determined threshold. The EPA is still in the process of developing the rule’s guidelines.

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About NSWMA: The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) – a sub-association of the Environmental Industry Associations (EIA) – represents for-profit companies in North America that provide solid, hazardous and medical waste collection, recycling and disposal services, and companies that provide professional and consulting services to the waste services industry. NSWMA members conduct business in all 50 states. For more information, visit http://www.nswma.org/.

About SWANA: For 40 years, SWANA, the Solid Waste Association of North America, has been the leading professional association in the solid waste management field. SWANA’s mission is “to advance the practice of environmentally and economically sound management of municipal solid waste.” SWANA serves over 8,000 members and thousands more industry professionals with technical conferences, certifications, publications and a large offering of technical training courses. For more information, visit http://www.swana.org/.