About SWANA NLC
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 individuals and communities responsible for the management and operation of municipal solid waste management systems.
Founded in 1961, SWANA has become the largest member-based solid waste management association in the world.
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.
Strategic Priorities
To meet its mission, vision and growth objectives, SWANA NLC is committed to the following:
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.
Technical Divisions
SWANA’s Technical Divisions are responsible for guiding and supporting the numerous technical activities of SWANA. The divisions are charged with providing to the Association and its membership assistance, knowledge, support and guidance on all matters related to municipal solid waste (MSW) management.
Current Technical Divisions
Membership
Become an Industry-leading professional with SWANA! SWANA serves more than 11,000 solid waste professionals throughout North America with:
- Industry-leading conferences
- Certifications
- Publications
- Technical training courses
Whether you work for a public or private organization, are in management or operations, have an interest in all aspects of solid waste or just one – you’ll benefit in many ways by being a SWANA member.