NWRA and SWANA Sign MOU to Boost Safety, Education, and Advocacy in Waste and Recycling Industry

According to reports from WasteExpo 2025 in Las Vegas, the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing collaboration in the waste and recycling industry. The agreement was officially announced during a signing ceremony at the event.

As per the details shared by the organizations, the MOU focuses on key areas including improving safety outcomes, enhancing professional education, and aligning public policy advocacy efforts. Notably, the agreement will allow for the exchange of anonymized safety data between the two organizations, as well as collaboration on safety events and joint policy statements. The MOU also grants SWANA the use of NWRA’s “Slow Down to Get Around” campaign, a safety campaign that reminds motorists to drive more carefully when near waste and recycling collection vehicles.

Michael E. Hoffman, President and CEO of NWRA, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “By aligning our efforts through this agreement, NWRA and SWANA are taking an important step forward in making our industry safer, smarter, and more unified.” The two organizations have agreed to hold quarterly virtual safety meetings and annual in-person safety committee meetings to further their shared safety goals.

Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of SWANA, emphasized the value of the partnership, noting that it reflects a shared vision to elevate safety and training standards across the waste management sector. She added, “We are committed to planning a resilient future by maximizing by the complementary strengths of our two organizations. Together we are advancing safety, innovation, and connections throughout the industry and society.”

In addition to safety and training, the two organizations are committed to aligning on public policy priorities that will affect the future of the waste and recycling industry. Earlier this year, NWRA and SWANA jointly released a policy statement on the safe management of lithium-ion batteries, a growing concern for waste and recycling facilities.

The MOU is effective immediately and will remain in place for one year, with the option for renewal annually. According to SWANA’s official website, both organizations expressed their ongoing commitment to a long-term, resilient future for the waste and recycling industry. 

Source: SWANA