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SOUTH DAKOTA SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION – FINAL RESOLUTIONS
Effective October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025
2024-1 The SDSWMA supports training of landfill operators and operator certification. The SDSWMA encourages the state to continue funding the training program for landfill operators in conjunction with SDSWMA.
2024-2 The SDSWMA urges the funds collected from the solid waste per ton fee and the tire fee to continue to remain for its intended use for solid waste disposal, recycling, and waste tire cleanup activities as specified by statue with a maximum of $0.25 of the collected per ton solid waste fees being dedicated to Waste Management Program Administration.
2024-3 The SDSWMA believes the main emphasis of environmental protection should be information and assistance to local and state entities and education of the general public. Greater communication between the regulators and regulated community will facilitate greater compliance. This will require upfront discussion of future issues and potential changes. The Association urges the state and federal government to fully fund programs and provide technical assistance for planning and implementing programs and regulations established by state and federal laws.
2024-4 The SDSWMA supports the existing Solid Waste Management Grant/Loan Program and underscores the importance of the program for future environmentally sound solid waste management.
2024-5 The SDSWMA supports volume reduction, recycling, and reuse as described in South Dakota Codified Law, Chapter 34A-6. This includes but is not limited to recycling, source reduction, reuse and composting of material which otherwise would be disposed of within landfills throughout South Dakota.
2024-6 SDSWMA supports manufacturer and producer responsibility for product stewardship.
2024-7 SDSWMA supports recycling but not a bottle bill due to the detrimental impact a bottle bill may have on existing recycling infrastructure.
2024-8 SDSWMA supports an appropriation in the Omnibus Bill for waste tire cleanup and disposal.
2024-9 SDSWMA strongly supports a statewide study to determine up-front and end impacts of utilizing any waste (including tires) presently being landfilled, as refuse derived fuel or process engineered fuel. These impacts must include the economic impacts on landfills related to tonnage decreases, long term impacts related to ash disposal and logistics to determine feasible operating locations.
2024-10 The SDSWMA supports the award of grants and loans from the existing Solid Waste Management Grant/Loan Program based solely on the merit of the grant or loan application without regard to the commercial, for-profit, non-profit or public sector nature of the requestor.
2024-11 SDSWMA supports action by SDDANR to update the current solid waste regulations (ARSD74:27), in close cooperation with the SDSWMA prior to public notice.
SDSWMA Scholarship Program
2024 VoTech Focus Scholarship Application
2024 VoTech Focus Q&A About Scholarship
How to Apply
To apply, submit an application letter. The required contents of this application letter are listed below. Application letters must be postmarked no later than January 15 of each year, for the following school year. Further information can be obtained by contacting SDSWMA by phone 605-216-3256 or sending an email to SDSWMA at sdsolidwaste@yahoo.com.
What information must be supplied in the application letter?
An application letter must include:
- Contact Information – please provide a permanent mailing address
- Interests
- Background
- Work history and/or extra-curricular activity
- Description of your financial need
- Goals for the future and career goals
- Applicants must furnish a copy of their most recent grade transcript. This scholarship is not awarded based on grades or overall GPA. We are more interested in your dedication and goals for the future.
- Three letters of reference.
- High School seniors applying for a scholarship must include an acceptance certificate from the post-secondary institution they will be attending.
Submit application letters via email to: sdsolidwaste@yahoo.com or through the mail at the following address by January 15 of each year.
SDSWMA Scholarship Program
1616 Melody Lane
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SDSWMA Scholarship?
An applicant should desire a career in the solid waste industry and/or related fields. Applicants must intend to enroll for the fall semester.
- Preference will be given to South Dakota residents intending to or enrolled at a
South Dakota colleges and vocational schools. - High school seniors are eligible to apply.
- Part-time studies will be considered if applicant can show good cause for other
than full-time studies and that the course of study is directed toward a degree,
certificate or similar identification of graduation. - Students who have received an SDSWMA scholarship in the past are eligible to apply each year
- Children and spouses of Scholarship Committee members are not eligible.
What is considered a course of study that is supportive of the solid waste industry?
SDSWMA membership consists of a broad range of industries relating to and supporting the proper disposal, recycling, hauling, or reuse of solid waste. Currently, our state and industry is suffering from shortages of heavy equipment operators, diesel mechanics, environmental technicians, millwrights, welding, GPS/computer technicians, etc. These are examples of the courses of study that will be considered for scholarships.
What types of coursework or degrees are considered for scholarships?
Vocational trade degrees for Heavy Equipment Operations, Diesel Technology, Millwrights,
Environmental Technicians, Welding, GPS/Computer Technicians, etc.
How are scholarships awarded?
The SDSWMA Board appoints a committee of five SDSWMA members who review all applications. Applications are rated on a point system basis and those applications with the highest points are awarded scholarships. Award letters will be mailed by April 30 and scholarship checks will be mailed out by August 1.
How many scholarships are awarded?
The number and amounts of scholarships vary from year to year. In 2024, a total of $9,000 was awarded between 4 students!
Why should I be interested in the SDSWMA Scholarship Fund?
It is important to impress upon young people the value of a career in the solid waste industries for the protection and enhancement of our natural resources and the environment. One way to do that is to make scholarships available. The fact that the solid waste industry and SDSWMA are willing to provide scholarships certainly makes an impression on students and the academic community. The solid waste industry in South Dakota is serious about fostering education related to our industry.
Can I make a contribution to the Scholarship Fund in memory of a colleague or family member?
Yes. To make a contribution send check and explanation to:
SDSWMA Scholarship Fund
1616 Melody Lane
Aberdeen, SD 57401
All donations and fundraising income (from the previous year) is paid out in scholarships. Your contributions go directly to students.
Further information can be obtained by contacting SDSWMA by phone 605-216-3256, sending an email to SDSWMA at sdsolidwaste@yahoo.com, or via the Contact Us form.
"Material Matters" Newsletter
“Material Matters” is SDSWMA’s semi-annual letter. Subscribe now!
Member Market
Members of SDSWMA are invited to send their “classified ads” to sdsolidwaste@yahoo.com for inclusion on the member market. When you send your advertisement, please include an end date for the posting. Just one more value added benefit of SDSWMA membership!
Paid Ads
| Rates for advertising in Material Matters Newsletter. Includes business logo + link at the top of this page. | |
|---|---|
| Business Card | $100.00/year |
| 1/4 page | $200.00/year |
| 1/2 page | $300.00/year |
| full page | $450.00/year |
SDSWMA
1616 Melody Lane
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Contact Carolyn Trautman, Interim Executive Director, Email or (605) 216-3256.
Spring Newsletter: April 15
Fall Newsletter: October 15