Solid
Waste Association
of North America
The Mission
The Organization
SWANA is a non-profit, educational organization serving individuals and communities responsible for the management and operation of municipal solid waste management systems. Dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in the field, SWANA offers its members training programs, technical assistance, and educational opportunities to help meet their ever-growing needs.
The History of SWANA
Founded in 1961, SWANA has become the largest member-based solid waste management association in the world. The majority of SWANA members are public sector officials, while the remainder of the membership includes organizations that provide consulting services, equipment, technologies, and systems in the municipal solid waste management field.
History of the Kansas Sunflower Chapter
The Kansas Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America was formed in Manhattan, Kansas on October 13, 1992. This formation was due in large part through the effort of Claud Shelor. On this date was the first meeting of the SWANA Formation Committee. Initial officers were elected to fill board positions.
The chapter name was chosen in December of 1992 after the board members were selected. Names considered for the chapter included: Good Earth, Buffalo, Sunflower, Kansas, Great Plains, Plains, Let's Talk Trash, and Meadowlark. A vote of overwhelming majority resulted in the selection of the sunflower, thus the Kansas Sunflower Chapter. Later the next year, in August, 1993, the Kansas Sunflower Chapter obtained provisional status.
