Benefits & Services
SWANA NLC is a non-profit, educational organization serving individuals and communities responsible for the management and operation of municipal solid waste management systems. Explore the many benefits and services SWANA NLC provides below.
Crisis Management
Dedicated to assisting communities with high impact events, the SWANA NLC Crisis Management Team provides documents to assist with planning for emergency situations.
Scholarships
Scholarships available to students entering their first year of post-secondary education, enrolled in upper years or for students entering a trades or technical program.
Training Courses
Industry leading training, servicing the waste management industry. SWANA NLC Faculty provide first hand experience and passion for the courses they instruct.
Membership
Become an Industry-Leading Professional with SWANA! SWANA serves more than 11,000 solid waste professionals throughout North America.
Young Professionals
SWANA Young Professionals are passionate about the environment, our industry, and helping each other succeed and are eager to offer advice, brainstorm ideas and develop solutions.
SWANA International
Dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in the field, SWANA offers members training programs, technical assistance, and educational opportunities to help meet their ever-growing needs.
Who We Are
The SWANA Northern Lights Chapter includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
SWANA NLC’s vision is to be recognized as a quality educator, collaborator, facilitator, knowledge resource and advocate for all industries, government and institutions related to the solid waste industry.
For more information please download our ten-year strategic plan below.
SWANA International
SWANA is a non-profit, educational organization serving communities responsible for the management and operation of municipal solid waste management systems.
SWANA is dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in the field and offers its members training programs, technical assistance, and educational opportunities to help meet their ever-growing needs.
Education Training
- Improve the chapter’s course variety and quality to better serve the current and future solid waste community.
- Expand course availability to Indigenous communities, northern communities, private operators, and industry.
Advocacy
- Reduce waste generation and improve waste diversion.
- Collaborate with post-secondary institutions to better serve all orders of government, industry and the solid waste community.
- Improve the participation of private operators and remote communities.
Outreach
- Improve and diversify communication with solid waste industry stakeholders including municipalities, industry and academia with an emphasis on reaching out to young people and members of remote communities.
- Improve communications by identifying any gaps that may exist in current communication tools.
Governance
- Assess and update policies such that the NLC maintains its financial stability, expands its representation, and diversifies itself to ensure long-term chapter sustainability.
- Review and update the NLC committee structure to ensure that it serves the needs of the 10-year Strategic Plan.
Certification Courses
SWANA (NLC) is dedicated to environmental research and advocates for the advancement of progressive waste management approaches and offers to its members training programs, technical assistance and educational opportunities to help meet ever-changing waste management needs.
The Alberta and Manitoba Landfill Operator Certification Programs are provincial programs administered by SWANA Northern Lights Chapter on behalf of the Provinces of Alberta and Manitoba. SWANA Certification is recognized as the standard for solid waste employees. Being SWANA Certified enhances your resume and distinguishes you as a leader in your profession.
Alberta Landfill Certification
We are a certifying partner with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. Landfills and composting facilities regulated by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas are required to have a certified operator.
Manitoba Landfill Certification
The Manitoba Landfill Operator Exam is open to employees of landfills in the Province of Manitoba. The Landfill Operations Course is open to anyone interested.
SWANA Certification
SWANA certification empowers you with the latest information, creates networking opportunities with fellow professionals, and identifies you as an asset to the industry.