Waste to Energy

      Director:
      Joe Murdoch, Sr. Vice President, HDR, NY (Term: 4/2013)

      Vice Director:
      Chantal Babensee, Residuals Management Division Manager,
      Metro Vancouver, BC (Term: 05/2012)

      Past Director:
      Robert Hauser, Jr., Director, Pinellas County Utilities, FL

      Technical Division International Board Representative:
      Joe Murdoch, Sr. Vice President, HDR, NY (Term: 4/2013)

      SWANA Manager of Division & Conference Programs:
      Derrick Johnson

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Division Volunteer Opportunities

Welcome!
With 89 waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities currently operating in 27 states, generating the equivalent of 2,500 megawatt-hours of electricity while disposing of more than 29 million tons of trash, WTE is arguably North America’s most efficient form of waste disposal. The goal of SWANA’s Waste-to-Energy Division is to ensure that this technology, and other emerging waste combustion technologies, are recognized for what they are – some of the cleanest and most responsible forms of waste management.

What We Do:
SWANA’s Waste-to-Energy Division provides industry professionals with the information and professional contacts they need to improve their plant operations while encouraging innovation to enhance waste-to-energy’s role as a viable option for solid waste management and an expanded source for clean, reliable and renewable power. The Division accomplishes its goals through a number of key programs and products, including:

North American Waste-to-Energy Conference (NAWTEC):
SWANA, in partnership with the Integrated Waste Services Association (IWSA), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and in cooperation with Columbia University’s Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WTERT), brings you NAWTEC – the North American Waste-to-Energy Conference - the leading conference and trade show featuring the latest developments, technologies and challenges in the waste-to-energy industry.

This 3-day conference and trade show focuses on the latest topics important to improving your waste-to-energy facility’s operation, including ash management & recycling, waste conversion technologies, plant retrofits, and RD&D projects. NAWTEC provides a unique targeted forum to learn and network with other waste-to-energy professionals and to talk with vendors who have the equipment and services you need to improve your waste combustion program.

America’s Own Energy Source: Clean, Reliable, Safe & Economical:
With a strong environmental track performance and the ability to produce clean, reliable and renewable energy, waste-to-energy facilities are serving many communities as a source of power and a solid waste management solution. This brochure highlights the many benefits of waste-to-energy technology and serves as an excellent public education tool. SWANA’s Waste-to-Energy Division partnered with the Integrated Waste Services Association, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the U.S. Conference of Mayors to develop this brochure. Dowload your copy now: America's Own Energy Source: Clean, Reliable, Safe & Economical.

Legislative, Advocacy, and Rulemaking:
SWANA’s Waste-to-Energy Division closely monitors, reviews, and comments on current legislative and rulemaking actions that have an impact on the waste-to-energy industry. Some of the Division’s advocacy initiatives have included:

A lobbying effort that resulted in the inclusion of WTE tax credits in recently approved Federal tax legislation
Promoting substantial and quantifiable reductions in air emissions as reported by the EPA for large-unit WTE plants
Responding to continual attacks by various environmental groups opposed to waste combustion technology as a disposal option
Supporting IWSA on the industry’s position of WTE plant (power generator) ownership of Federal renewable energy credits (RECs)

Division members have access to two quarterly reports and a monthly Legislative Lookout newsletter that updates them on the current regulations and litigation having an impact on the waste-to-energy industry.

Quarterly Newsletter:
The Division’s quarterly e-Newsletter provides Division subscribers with up-to-date industry-related news and unique case studies that may be of interest to members, including information on upcoming SWANA and NAWTEC partner activities.

Awards:
The Waste-to-Energy Division currently evaluates and presents one of SWANA's Excellence Awards at WASTECON every year to recognize outstanding projects and contributions to the Waste-to-Energy Industry.

The ASME Frank Kreith Energy Award was established in 2005 to honor an individual in recognition of significant contributions to a secure energy future through innovations in conservation and/or practice. For more information or to nominate an individual, click here.

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You are welcome to contact Derrick Johnson via e-mail to get more information on the Division and to learn how you can participate!