Waste management is key to maintaining a healthy environment. Although great strides have been made in recycling, there is much more to do. The environmental health professional helps implement waste reduction programs that reduce resource use in addition to minimizing waste disposal problems. Of particular note in the curriculum is Hazardous Material Management (ENVH 405). Principles of managing hazardous waste and material, disposal, treatment, emergency response and clean-up are all major parts of the course. Non-hazardous waste management is covered primarily in Public Health and Sanitation (ENVH 301).

Professional opportunities are plentiful in managing wastes and emissions. Industry needs to maximize the use of its resources, minimize waste generation, and ensure that all remaining materials are handled properly. Similarly, government agencies need to be sure that industry is meeting the challenge of properly managing their waste materials. Environmental health scientists hold responsibilities governing the spectrum of waste management – from minimizing it as its source to ensure that at final disposal it does not return as an environmental threat.

Below are listed a few resources that can help in learning more about hazardous and solid waste management.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency maintains a Waste and Recycling Page that contains a host of links to valuable information.

The Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) focuses on the needs of State hazardous waste programs; nonhazardous municipal solid waste and industrial waste programs; recycling, waste minimization, and reduction programs; Superfund and State cleanup programs; waste management and cleanup activities at federal facilities, and underground storage tank and leaking underground storage tank programs.

The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) is a non-profit, trade association representing the interests of the North American waste services industry.

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) provides professional conferences, certifications, publications and a large offering of technical training courses.

The Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional organization providing training, information, and networking opportunities. It also publishes the important Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association.