Careers Business Ownership Certification Programs for Recycling Professionals Get a Career Boost Through Professional Certification in Recycling Share PINTEREST Email Print Amazon Business Ownership Operations & Success Sustainable Businesses Supply Chain Management Operations & Technology Marketing Market Research Business Law & Taxes Business Insurance Business Finance Accounting Industries Becoming an Owner By Rick LeBlanc Rick LeBlanc Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Consultant and news editor in the supply chain pallet and packaging trade Simon Fraser University Rick LeBlanc wrote about sustainability and supply chain topics for The Balance Small Business. He has been covering the pallet and packaging industries for 25 years. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 06/25/19 If you are aspiring towards a career as a recycling professional, one important consideration is that of achieving a professional certification within the field. The good news is that there are several programs available. Certification Training Programs Currently Available in the U.S. Here is a list of programs currently available in the United States: Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Certification Certification from SWANA is held by several standards as a standard for solid waste sector employees. SWANA offers ten certification disciplines. These certification streams include: Managing Leachate Recirculation and Bioreactor Landfills Household Hazardous Waste & CESQG Collection Operations Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO) Managing MSW Collection Systems Managing Composting Programs Managing Construction & Demolition Materials Managing Integrated Solid Waste Management Systems Managing Recycling Systems Managing Transfer Station Systems Zero Waste Principles & Practices Rutgers University Certified Recycling Professional Program In order to complete the full (21-day) Full Recycling Certification program, an individual must attend the nine required courses in addition to successfully completing all course proficiency assignments. These courses include: The Recycling Coordinator’s Primer (half-day program)New Jersey Recycling Practice and Theory (six-day program)Improving Your Management and Leadership Skills (two-day program)Recycling Non-traditional Materials (one-day program)Understanding Recycling Economics (four-day program)Enhancing Your Public Communication Skills (two-day program)Recycling Public Policy (one-day program)Recycling Collection Techniques (two-day program)Recycling Case Studies (two-day program) After completion of certification, CRPs must complete 12 hours per year of continuing professional education/training on issues relating to solid waste and recycling to maintain their certification. For experienced county or government professionals, New Jersey also offers a shorter program. South Carolina Recycling Professionals Certification Program Offered through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the S.C. Recycling Professionals Certification Program is a "comprehensive professional development program targeting local government recycling coordinators and solid waste directors. " The program aims to offer professionals with the range of information needed to grow and improve in their roles of providing cost competitive and sustainable operations. A list of recycling topics covered is listed in this Forward. Santa Monica College Recycling and Resource Management Program Santa Monica College offers its Recycling and Resource Management (RRM) Program at Santa Monica College, providing formal individual training. It is offered through a twelve unit Certificate in Recycling and Zero Waste. Zero Waste Course and Certification Partnership Offered by SWANA and CRRA The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) offer a Zero Waste Principles and Practices course and certification program throughout the United States and Canada. The course will deliver comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles supporting Zero Waste programs for both the private and public sectors. Oregon State University Recycling 101 Certificate This course is designed for on-line self-paced learning, offered in cooperation with the Association of Oregon Recyclers. It is an eight-part introductory course. The first session is free. Other Programs US Composting Council (Compost Facility Operator As has been briefly outlined above, there are several certificate programs available for incoming as well as veteran workers in the recycling industry. In the future, look for increased harmonization. In the short term, take care to ensure that the program you choose meets the needs of certification in your jurisdiction. Another good idea is to look at job postings online in your area and see what qualifications employers seek. This will help ensure that you are on the right track.