Georgia Certified Landfill Operator Training
Next Georgia Certified Landfill Operator Training: JULY 2026
Georgia Landfill Operator CERTIFICATION
Those seeking to be certified as a landfill operator in the State of Georgia must attend a 30-hour training program (over four days) which is offered through the combined efforts of the SWANA-Georgia Chapter, the Department of Natural Resources/Environmental Protection Division (DNR/EPD), and the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Prospective operators must register for the course AND complete an application for certification, which should they should bring on day one of the course.
The next training will be held:
July 20-24, 2026
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CLASS AGENDA
Click below for the certification application.
For More Information:
Contact: Wes Voyles
Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
1197 South Lumpkin Street, Office 169
Athens, Georgia 30602-3603
Telephone: 706-583-0425
[email protected]
For any additional questions, please email [email protected]
Georgia Landfill Operator RECERTIFICATION
It is the responsibility of the individual operator to maintain current certification and/or to seek recertification in a timely manner -- including maintenance of his or her own continuing education records and submission of the proper forms/fees for recertification to the SWANA-Georgia Chapter.
Acceptable methods of satisfying recertification requirements include the following two (2) options:
OPTION A:
The operator must retake the Georgia Landfill Operator Certification Training Course at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. See information to the left on how to register for upcoming course(s). Participants must pay the current course fee upon registering. Retaking the exam will not be required IF the operator’s 5-year certification has not expired. An individual application for recertification (as covered in OPTION B) is not required (nor is the $50 recertification fee) if the Georgia Landfill Operator Certification Course is the means of satisfying recertification.
OPTION B:
The operator must complete 30 or more hours of approved continuing education courses in areas related to landfill operation each 5-year period following his or her original date of certification or recertification. A fee of $50 is to be remitted (by check or online) prior to the issuance of the recertification certificate, along with an application for recertification. This fee is payable to SWANA-Georgia, however, this fee can now be paid online (see section below and click the 'View' button for instructions). Individual applications for recertification, including payment, should be made at least 30 days prior to certification expiration date.
Click below for the recertification application.
Application for Recertification
Online Payment Option for Renewal Fee of Georgia Landfill Operator Certification
Online payments are now being accepted. Click the 'View' button below for instructions.
However, if preferred, checks are still an acceptable form of payment. If not making an online payment, please make checks payable and sent to:
SWANA-Georgia Chapter, ATTN: Chapter Treasurer, 11770 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 205-489, Alpharetta, GA 30009-1968.
CONTINUING EDUCATION Opportunities
Looking to earn some more continuing education hours toward recertification?
Plan to attend the SWANA-Georgia Spring or Fall Conference, both of which usually offer the possibility of earning 8-10 continuing education hours.
Click here for more information.
Additionally, hours earned via attendance at the Georgia Recycling Coalition's conferences can also be applied toward your Georgia Landfill Operator Recertification. (GRC hours can only count toward 10 of your total 30.)
Click here to check out GRC's opportunities.
Finally, check out the link below for additional training opportunities -- in person, and online.
https://swana.org/events
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: GEORGIA CERTIFIED LANDFILL OPERATOR TRAINING
The Georgia SWANA chapter is seeking qualified vendors to fully update their Certified Landfill Operator training course in conjunction with Georgia EPD. The chapter provides state-specific training for landfill operators through their Certified Landfill Operator Training Course. This course was last updated in 2012.
The Georgia SWANA chapter has requested this proposal to update the current course and to address the many changes that have come to the solid waste industry. This will of course help to ensure that chapter members are up to date and working with the most recent technology and industry specific information. It will also help encourage a culture of safety for all participating organizations.
Furthermore, as this proposal applies to landfill operators, owners, managers, supervisors, and foremen, their share in the responsibility increases as their authority increases. For example, if the road or vehicle is unsafe and could contribute to a crash, those in charge have a responsibility to fix it. For managers, it’s not just a matter of “not being negligent”; they must also provide a safe work environment. They must be proactive in keeping others safe. This same duty applies to schoolteachers, office managers, facility owners, and anyone else in a position of authority.
Further, the need to address a lack of standardization and outdated training materials also applies to the operational side of the solid waste industry. Having a standardized and updated course is essential to the effective management of Georgia’s Solid Waste facilities.
A copy of the Request for Proposal can be accessed at the following web address: https://gaswana.starchapter.com/images/downloads/GA_SWANA_Request_for_Proposal_New_CLO_Program_2024-2025.pdf
In the RFP we have set forth the requested approach and the specific tasks to accomplish this work.
RFP Submittal Deadlines:
There will be a mandatory Virtual Pre-Bid meeting held via Microsoft Teams on Monday January 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM EST, to review the RFP. Please notify the Chapter at [email protected] by January 6, 2025 5:00 pm if you plan to attend so an invite can be submitted to your organization contact.
All questions will need to be submitted via email to [email protected] and [email protected] by 5:00 pm on January 24, 2025.
Questions will be answered by January 31, 2025.
All Proposals will need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] and [email protected] by 11:59pm on February 14, 2025.
