Managing Recycling Systems
Virtual Education

Wednesdays and Fridays

September 29 – October 22, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

Learn how to design and develop a sustainable recycling program.

SWANA’s Managing Recycling Systems eCourse focuses on recycling materials found in municipal solid waste generated from residential, commercial, and institutional sources. It equips you with tools and information to successfully plan, develop, market, and manage recycling programs, and addresses collection, processing, application of end-use standards, and protection of human health and the environment. It does not include hazardous wastes, household hazardous wastes, or special wastes.

The course combines self-study with live, instructor-led debriefings that help you ingrain key concepts and apply them to your work. SWANA offers this course as a stand-alone learning experience that can also be used to supplement the learning and experience needed to prepare for certification in this discipline. Please note that passing a certification exam requires amassing knowledge, skills, and abilities over time from a variety of sources; no one course provides all of the knowledge needed to pass a certification exam. Knowledge is typically gained over time from years of experience in the field; online courses, webinars, and podcasts; in-person seminars, events, and workshops; and on-the-job training.

DATES: The course debriefings will be held Wednesdays and Fridays, September 29 – October 22, 2021, from 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET.  Please click on "Course Schedule" above to view full schedule.

OBJECTIVES: As a result of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the elements associated with designing and developing a sustainable recycling program
  • Determine acceptable material quality and requirements for existing and emerging markets
  • Apply quality requirements and regulatory standards of a "Buy Recycled" program
  • Identify program costs and revenues required to develop funding
  • Establish and manage contracts for recycling services
  • Select the appropriate tools for recyclable collection
  • Plan an education and outreach program

CONTENT: The comprehensive Managing Recycling Systems course manual is a must-have job reference tool that covers the following essential topics and includes supplemental images, graphs, and real-world examples to use in recycling program management.

  • Program Planning
  • Recycling Markets
  • Recyclable Materials
  • Processing of Recyclables
  • Contracting
  • Education and Outreach
  • Funding
  • End-User Standards and Quality Requirements
  • Human Health and the Environment

FORMAT: This course is designed as a 100% virtual learning experience that combines self-study and real-time, instructor-led debriefings. In the debriefings, SWANA-certified faculty members guide you through the key concepts of each lesson and teach you how to apply what you're learning to your everyday work life. The 75-minute debriefings will be held twice a week for four weeks beginning in September into October 2021.

MATERIALS: You will receive access to nine new video recordings, the Recycling eCoursebook; and supplemental materials. (The hard-copy coursebook is available at an additional charge.)

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT: Upon completion of the course, SWANA awards participants 30 continuing education credits to apply toward a current SWANA certification.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Ideal for facility owners, operators, manufacturers, managers, supervisors and employees involved in the daily operation of a recycling facility or program and those who aspire to these job roles

CANCELLATION POLICY: Registration for this event is non-refundable.

NEXT STEPS: Check out our Faculty and Course Schedule, then Register using the links in the ribbon above.