What are the options?
National Programs SWANA USCC
State-Based Programs University-Based Recycling Organization-Based State Agency -Based
Accreditation University Recycling Organization State Agency No Accreditation
Training Regular Classes Periodic Classes Conference-based
Means different things to different peopleA single workshop 40 hoursNo university affiliation Full university accreditationNo examination 100+ question exam
True university-accredited professional certification exists in only two states.
What does certification mean in other professions?
Professional education and training Raise the level of
Knowledge Professionalism Credibility
Enhance exchange of Information Insight
Certified through Penn State University Funded by Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) Administered by the Professional
Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) Overseen by a committee
DEP Staff PROP Staff PROP Members Penn State Staff
40 CEU (Continuing Education Units) or 40 total hours of instruction
Core requirements Practice & Theory (Two days/1.4 CEUs) Core Electives (Pick three of eleven)
Other electives (10 – 18 hours) Pass a comprehensive exam
100 questions on basic information 25 questions on your specialty
Organics Processing Marketing Collection Education Management
Designed for operations staff Requires only 25 hours of class time No examination Classes
Two required core courses Two electives based on need & availability
Can be a foundation for full certification
State-based programs with a national standard allow state-specific training
It’s transferrable - Means the same everywhere…
…and provides for universal credibility An incentive for states to establish a
comprehensive program Provides a program template
At least 30 credit hours/30 CEUs Accredited by a post-secondary
institution Include a comprehensive “Recycling 101”
class Passage of a comprehensive written
exam
Biggest concerns or barriers were Lack of funding Didn’t know where to start
Reservations from members or boards was a concern in a few states