Zero Waste Principles and Practices Certification

This program is issued jointly by CRRA and SWANA and is administered as part of the SWANA Certification Program recognized throughout the United States and Canada.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE FALL COURSE - OCTOBER 2-6, 2023, CLICK HERE


For over 40 years CRRA has been a leader in Zero Waste education in California.  Now, joining forces with SWANA, CRRA offers a new professional development course that will certify professionals in Zero Waste Principles and Practices throughout North America.

This course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of rapidly emerging public and private sector Zero Waste programs and the key principles that support these programs. The course also provides tools to help draw together aspects of existing programs and new efforts into community-specific Zero Waste Programs.

The Zero Waste Principles & Practices certification course is a joint undertaking of SWANA and the California Resource Recovery Association. CRRA is dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability in and beyond California through Zero Waste strategies. SWANA, with its work in 45 chapters across the United States and Canada, is committed to educating professionals working in the industry and to moving the industry as a whole from a focus on solid waste management to resource management.

Content and Approach

The Zero Waste Principles & Practices course encompasses a broad overview of Zero Waste principles and practices in 10 modules covering public policy, programs, technology and measurement:

  • Introduction to Zero Waste, including a survey of different definitions and perspectives
  • What’s In Your Waste Stream?
  • Upstream, Midstream and Downstream: understanding Zero Waste strategies as they affect each stage of product lifestyles
  • Collections Options
  • Processing Technology Options
  • Managing Organics
  • Public Venues and Challenging Materials
  • Changing Behavior through Education and Outreach
  • Financing and Funding
  • Contracting and Partnerships

The course provides many opportunities for discussion among instructors and participants. It draws on current materials and examples from outside the published manual and engages students in several in-class exercises.

The Zero Waste Principles and Practices Certification is issued jointly by CRRA and SWANA and is administered as part of the SWANA Certification Program recognized throughout the United States and Canada.

Individuals and employers who will benefit from Zero Waste Principles and Practices Certification:

  • Municipal and tribal recycling and solid waste professionals

  • Recycling and solid waste services providers

  • Consultants and contractors serving the recycling sector

  • Business and municipal sustainability professionals

  • Zero Waste and sustainability community advocates

  • Private and public sector policymakers

  • Private/non-profit business sustainability professionals.

This course focuses on developing community-specific Zero Waste plans for reducing, reusing, and recycling materials found in municipal solid waste (MSW) generated from residential, commercial and institutional sources.

For updates and news on upcoming classes, join our mailing list. 

 


Upcoming events

    • 03 Aug 2025
    • 06 Aug 2025
    • Portola Hotel & Spa - Monterey, CA
    Register

    Each year, the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) organizes one of the most comprehensive and informative conferences dedicated to resource management issues in California and beyond. CRRA is well known for its training and educational offerings since the early 1970s. The Annual Conference and Trade Show attracts over 800 individuals annually and showcases an estimated 30 sessions each year with over 100 industry experts as presenters.

    3 Days of Networking//Over 100 Presenters//50+ Innovative Exhibitors//Virtual Option Available

    This year's event will be a hybrid, available live as well as online via streaming. All speakers will be presenting live from Anaheim.

    Important Dates:

    • June 6, 2025 – Early Bird Deadline
    • July 18, 2025 - Last day to purchase online and last day to receive payment by check (check must be received in our offices no later than July 18, 2025)
    • August 3-6, 2025 – Onsite registration, subject to a $50 on-site processing fee (not including receptions)


    YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO ACCESS MEMBER RATES

    Join today - become a member and save!

    Members receive a discount on CRRA Annual Conference registration rates, as well as discounts to many other industry events (to receive the discount, you must first join CRRA and then log in to receive member conference rates). Click here for membership details.


    CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY

    • Send written cancellation requests by email to lauren@crra.com. Cancellation requests will not be accepted by phone.  
    • Cancellations requests received by May 6, 2025 will receive a 100% refund, less a $50 per person processing fee. 
    • Cancellation requests received between May 7 and by July 7, 2025 will receive a 50% refund, less a $50 per person processing fee. 
    • Cancellations requests received after July 7, 2025 will not be refunded. 
    • “No shows” will not be refunded. 
    • Cancellation reimbursement payments will be processed four to six weeks after August 6, 2025. 
    • Substitutions are allowed. If substituting a non-member for a member registration, non-member rate increase will apply.

    PAYMENT INFORMATION

    • Payments by check for Early Bird rates must be received and/or postmarked by June 6, 2025 to receive Early Bird discounted pricing. Registration will not be complete when payments of Early Bird rates are received after June 6, until payment in full at the applicable rate is received.
    • Payments by check must be received in our offices by July 18, 2025 to ensure registration will be complete and conference credentials provided at the event.  
    • Registration is not guaranteed and conference credentials may be withheld when payment by check is received after July 18, 2025; payment in full by credit card may be required at time of check-in to obtain conference credentials.
    • Registration is not guaranteed and conference credentials may be withheld until payment in full is provided; payment in full by credit card may be required at time of check-in to obtain conference credentials.

    IMPORTANT

    • Membership dues must be paid in full at time of purchase to receive the membership discount.  
    • Conference credentials will not be provided until registration fees have been received in full (as well as any membership dues, if applicable).
    • All past due monies and balance due from previous CRRA events must be paid in full, to receive Conference credentials.
    • Conference registrations may be transferred or substituted in whole upon written request. Please contact us for details.
    • Conference registration is for one named individual and may not be “shared” between multiple individuals.
    • Full-Conference Rates include all plenary and panel sessions, receptions, and on-site meals.
    • Tours are available on a first-come, first-reserved basis. A wait list will be available.
    • By attending this event you understand that CRRA cannot prevent you from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while attending this conference. You understand that by choosing to attend this conference, you may be exposing yourself to and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Some participants who have certain health risks or who live with people at risk may have to, or choose to, wear masks; CRRA asks that you respect their choice and right to wear a mask in order to protect themselves, their families and their communities. For those who are experiencing cold symptoms prior to the event, please consider COVID-19 testing prior to attending. Anyone who must cancel their in-person plans will be automatically provided virtual conference access.

    MEALS - Please note: we provide the following meals for registered attendees: continental breakfast on August 4th, 5th and 6th; lunch on August 5th and 6th only. Only individuals registered for the conference have access to the dining area.

    SPECIAL ACCESS - For questions about accessibility or to request special access accommodations please contact Florence Torres (florence@crra.com). Two weeks advance notice will allow us to provide seamless access.


 California Resource Recovery Association   813 Harbor Blvd #185   West Sacramento, CA 95691  (916) 441-2772

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