IWA membership is built for independently owned solid waste and recycling operators. You pay according to your size. Everything included.
Takes 2 minutes. No auto-renewal.
Eligibility
You're an independently owned solid waste or recycling operator. You run your own trucks. You handle your own customers, your own routes, your own crews.
Every regulation change you navigate alone. Every safety question you answer without backup. Every vendor deal you negotiate with no leverage. That's what running independent without a community looks like.
If you're independently owned, you're eligible. The only companies we don't serve are publicly traded ones. Private equity-backed companies are considered on a case-by-case basis.
What's Included
Programs designed for independent operators and their crews. DOT compliance, environmental regulations, OSHA standards, and operational best practices. The kind of training that keeps your people safe and your business out of trouble.
IWA partners with the Environmental Research & Education Foundation on driver protection and safety research, including the Cab for All initiative. Your membership supports that work, and you benefit from what it produces.
Equipment demos, vendor showcases, educational sessions, and time with other independent operators. These aren't trade shows built for corporate teams. They're built for people who run their own businesses.
Access to insurance providers, equipment manufacturers, fleet software companies, and financing options through IWA's affiliate partners. These are vendors who chose to be here because they want to serve the independent market.
Other independent haulers who face the same regulations, run the same kinds of routes, and deal with the same challenges you do. Not a networking club. A real community of peers.
All of that starting at $100/year.
No commitment. Cancel anytime.
| Fleet Size | Annual Dues |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 trucks | $100/year (up to 5 attendees) |
| 26–49 trucks | $250/year |
| 50–99 trucks | $500/year |
| Over 100 trucks | $500/year plus $1 per truck in-state |
Company size should never be a barrier to being part of a professional community. Every member gets full access.
Straight Talk
IWA does not coordinate pricing, bids, territories, or customer lists between members. Members compete vigorously and independently in the marketplace. That's written into our Code of Conduct and strictly enforced by the Board.
IWA does not lobby or take political positions. We focus on education, safety, professional development, and community.
Standards
When you join IWA, you agree to maintain your licenses, permits, and insurance. You agree to conduct business honestly. You agree to treat fellow members, customers, and vendors with respect. You agree to compete independently.
That's the standard. If someone doesn't meet it, the Board addresses it.
This is what makes IWA different from a Facebook group or a loose network. There are standards here, and they mean something.
How Joining Works
Fill out the membership application on this page. Name, business info, contact. Takes about 2 minutes.
We review your application and verify your eligibility.
Pay your annual dues and get full access to training, events, resources, and the IWA community.
Common Questions
Complete the membership application on this page. Once your application is reviewed and your annual dues are processed, you're a member.
You own and operate your own solid waste or recycling business. You're not publicly traded. Private equity-backed companies are considered on a case-by-case basis.
North Carolina is where we started, but we will be expanding to neighboring states like Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. We have big plans!
No. Membership is annual. We'll let you know before your renewal date. No surprise charges.
Affiliate membership for vendors and service providers is a separate program starting at $250/year. Learn about affiliate membership
Membership Application
Fill this out and we'll review your application. Someone will reach out within 24 hours to confirm eligibility and get you set up.
No payment today. We'll need to confirm eligibility first. Someone will reach out within 24 hours.
Starting at $100/year. One application. Full access to everything IWA offers.
No auto-renewal. No surprise charges. Cancel anytime.
Have questions first? We're happy to talk.