A waste management education doesn't stop with a college degree in environmental engineering or a similar field. It continues with professional certification, continuing education and networking to continually expand a professional's knowledge base and improve business practices.

Depending on your scope of practice, some waste management training options may be more applicable than others. Find the best waste management education and training resources through professional affiliations.

1. Finish a waste management degree with certification needed for professional employment in waste management.

2. Attend waste management courses for continuing education (CE) credit required for maintaining professional licensure and employment.

3. Go to waste management seminars for additional CE courses and to learn more about industry best practices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend professional waste management schools and certification review sessions

Become a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) or Environmental Professional Intern (EPI) with the Institute of Professional Environmental Professionals (IPEP). The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) sponsors waste management classes for professionals in specific fields and also offers certification test preparation courses, practice tests, certification examination and recertification courses and support.

I recommend: Take advantage of education, waste management QEP and EPI certification prep and testing with the IPEP Environmental Practices Review class. Earn SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) Certification and specialization through SWANA online resources.

Access waste management training online for continuing education credit

Take online waste management courses to add specialization areas to your certifications and earn CE credits to maintain certifications. Employers frequently also require and fund a certain number of CE units each calendar year, so be sure you incorporate the requirements outlined by your professional association and your employer when planning each year's CE classes.

I recommend: Complete online waste management training through the Air and Waste Managment Association. Attend webinars and online events sponsored by the National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM).

Attend professional association seminars on waste management for the latest industry education

Many of the best waste management classes are offered in a peer-to-peer format within the scope of professional conferences and seminars. This type of learning enables current waste management professionals to network with others in the field and learn how different areas of specialization encompass best practices and the latest environmental technology.

I recommend: Take advantage of SWANA's annual Wastecon conference and earn CE credit and even certification by discipline at the Technical Associate, Manager and Inspector levels. Browse multiple industry conference listings using Environmental Expert.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you manage specialty waste, such as medical waste, attend waste collection training held by private companies that have a vested interest in earning your company's waste disposal contract. They'll be eager to help you develop a sound waste collection program -- especially if their company might reap the benefits of a disposal contract.