Maryland governor recognizes SWANA, solid waste professionals for response to COVID-19

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) announced June 3 it has received a letter from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan thanking “SWANA and our nation’s waste management professionals for their tireless efforts throughout the ongoing public health crisis.” Gov. Hogan is the chair of the National Governors Association (NGA).

In his letter, Hogan observes that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, “dedicated waste collectors, recyclers, drivers, engineers, technicians” and other professionals have worked hard “to ensure our neighborhoods remain safe and healthy.” He goes on to note that the widespread prevalence of stay-at-home orders in states throughout the country has “created additional stress on waste management systems,” which is evidenced by increases in residential volumes.

Data collected by SWANA indicates residential waste tonnage increased by 15 to 25 percent nationwide during the pandemic, although it is currently decreasing from the peak as states and cities have started to reopen.

The letter also recognizes SWANA “for advocating on behalf of your industry and providing critical information and resources to workers, lawmakers and the media regarding the impact of COVID-19 on waste management and recycling.”

“We are very proud to receive this letter recognizing the amazing job that the solid waste industry has done managing solid waste and recyclables during the pandemic, and the specific recognition of SWANA,” SWANA Executive Director and CEO David Biderman says. “We will continue to play a leading role providing timely and useful information and resources to employers, employees, federal government officials, the media and others.”