Mark Hammond, Executive Director of the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, has been honored with the highest accolade awarded by the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). In recognition of Mr. Hammond’s contributions to the field of municipal solid waste management, he received the Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award on Aug. 22 at SWANA’s WASTECON® in Nashville, TN.
This award is not given every year and recognizes demonstrated meritorious service and activity beyond normal responsibilities.
The nomination letter cites Mr. Hammond’s 44-year career in the solid waste industry, and notes that Mr. Hammond “has made significant contributions in the development of how municipal solid waste is managed in this country and abroad. He has provided leadership at all levels and has touched countless individuals in his roles as mentor and friend.”
Mr. Hammond joined the SWA in 1983. During his tenure, he has been one of the driving forces behind the development and construction of a system that has come to define the phrase, “integrated solid waste management.” Waste-to-energy facilities, a state-of-the-art recycling facility, and a biosolids processing facility powered by landfill gas are just some of the developments that were stewarded by Mr. Hammond. A past president of SWANA and of the SWANA Florida Chapter, Mr. Hammond will be retiring as Executive Director of SWA at the end of this year.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition,” Mr. Hammond said. “It has been my privilege to bring years of experience and continual improvement to my role here at the SWA. My reward is a legacy of a cleaner and greener solid waste system for the residents of Palm Beach County.”
From left to right: Frank Caponi, incoming SWANA International Board President; Mark Hammond, Executive Director of the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County; David Biderman, Executive Director and CEO of SWANA
