Friday, September 25, 2026 | Green Valley, Arizona
The Arizona Chapter of SWANA hosted its Annual Meeting on September 25, 2026, at the Caterpillar Tucson Proving Ground in Green Valley, Arizona. Members gathered for a day of industry education, networking, facility tours, chapter updates, and recognition of outstanding contributions to Arizona’s solid waste industry.
Facility Tour & Industry Education
Attendees enjoyed a tour of the Caterpillar facility, followed by a training presentation on Landfill Safety & Equipment Technology. The training also highlighted the importance of road safety, including staying alert, avoiding distractions, observing speed limits, using seat belts, and exercising caution in work zones.
Chapter Updates & 2027 Events
Members received updates on chapter finances, current board nominations, and upcoming events planned for 2027.
Mark your calendars for:
Safety Summit: January 21, 2027
Arizona Road-E-O: March 5-6, 2027
SWANA Golf Fundraiser: April 29, 2027
Celebrating the 2026 AZ SWANA Chapter Award Winners
AZ SWANA is proud to recognize the outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses honored with the 2026 AZ SWANA Chapter Awards.
Presented during the 2026 AZ SWANA Annual Membership Meeting on September 25, 2026, the annual awards celebrate the leadership, innovation, service, and dedication of professionals and organizations helping advance Arizona’s solid waste and resource management industry.
This year’s award recipients represent the many people working behind the scenes and in the field to keep Arizona communities clean, safe, and sustainable.
This year, we are pleased to recognize:
Celebrating Those Who Make a Difference
AZ SWANA extends its congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients and nominees. Their accomplishments demonstrate the important work taking place across Arizona and the continued commitment of our industry to serving our communities and advancing solid waste management.
The AZ SWANA Chapter Awards provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people and organizations who contribute every day to the success of Arizona’s solid waste and resource management industry.
Congratulations to the 2026 AZ SWANA Chapter Award winners! We are proud to recognize your achievements and grateful for your continued contributions to our profession. A special thank you to our Awards Committee and everyone who helps make this program possible.
Announcing the 2026 AZ SWANA Board of Directors!
The Arizona Chapter of SWANA is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors!
We look forward to another great year of leadership, collaboration, and continued growth as we work together to support our members and advance Arizona’s solid waste industry.
Please join us in congratulating our newly elected Board of Directors and thanking them for their commitment to serving the AZ SWANA Chapter!
We look forward to an exciting year ahead!
Zulema Lawrie - Town of Gilbert
Raul Diaz - City of Surprise
Gabriel Ramirez Jr - City of Mesa
Isidro Arias - City of Glendale
Celebrating the 2026 AZ SWANA Scholarship Recipients
The AZ SWANA is proud to announce and celebrate the recipients of the 2026 AZ SWANA Scholarships!
Each year, AZ SWANA provides scholarship opportunities to support students pursuing higher education in fields connected to solid waste, engineering, environmental services, resource management, and related disciplines. The scholarship program reflects AZ SWANA’s commitment to education, professional development, and developing the next generation of environmental and solid waste professionals.
This year, we are pleased to recognize:
Investing in the Future of Our Industry
The AZ SWANA Scholarship Program is an important part of the Chapter’s commitment to supporting education and encouraging students to pursue careers that will help shape the future of Arizona’s solid waste and resource management industry.
Applicants were asked to submit an application, academic transcript, proof of enrollment, resumé, and an essay addressing a current challenge facing the solid waste industry and their future role in addressing it. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet the program’s membership eligibility requirements.
We are proud of this year’s scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing all they accomplish throughout their academic and professional journeys.
Congratulations to the 2026 AZ SWANA Scholarship recipients! We are excited to support your education and future contributions to the solid waste and environmental services industry.
A special thank you to the AZ SWANA Scholarship Committee and everyone who helps make this program possible. Your continued support helps AZ SWANA invest in the future of our profession, one student at a time.
Thank You!
Thank you to Caterpillar for hosting our annual meeting and providing an opportunity for members to learn more about facility operations and equipment technology.
We also appreciate everyone who attended, participated in the member survey, and continues to support the Arizona SWANA Chapter. Your involvement helps strengthen our chapter and advance Arizona's solid waste industry.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our 2027 events!
What’s Next
2027 AZ SWANA Chapter Events
Mark your calendars! The Arizona Chapter of SWANA is planning an exciting lineup of events for 2027, offering opportunities for professional development, networking, friendly competition, and community engagement.
🦺 Safety Summit — January 21, 2027
Start the year with a focus on safety in the solid waste industry. The Safety Summit will bring industry professionals together to share knowledge, best practices, and strategies for creating safer workplaces.
🚛 Arizona Road-E-O — March 5-6, 2027
The annual Arizona Road-E-O returns in spring 2027! Solid waste professionals from across the state will put their driving and equipment skills to the test through a series of challenges and an obstacle course.
⛳ SWANA Golf Fundraiser — April 29, 2027
Join fellow AZ SWANA members and industry partners for a fun day on the course while helping support the AZ Chapter Scholarship Fundraiser. Additional details will be announced soon.
Stay tuned to AZ SWANA for event dates, registration information, and additional details as they become available. We look forward to another great year of education, safety, networking, and connection across Arizona's solid waste industry.