2026 NYC Trash Academy Application

NYC Trash Academy | 2026 Application Form

Program Dates: January 26 - March 18, 2026
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NYC Trash Academy (NYCTA) is a free educational series tailored for New Yorkers and anyone passionate about creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city. The program explores the far-reaching impacts of waste management on our environment, society, and economy.

The 2026 NYCTA program is a highly flexible and interactive course that includes ten on-demand modules and three virtual office hours sessions to dive deeper into the content. Students can view the virtual modules on their own or can join others via virtual Office Hours. Participants will have opportunities to attend our in-person orientation and graduation events to mix and mingle with fellow New Yorkers who care about our city.

The 6th Annual NYC Trash Academy is taught by a diverse panel of waste management experts, featuring seasoned professionals from the NYC Department of Sanitation and NYC Department of Environmental Protection, along with innovative minds from the private sector. Upon completion of the program, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and agency to drive meaningful change in their lives, their communities and the city at large.

The Academy begins January 26th and runs through March 18th. Join our community to talk trash. We'll learn about sustainable solutions for a cleaner and healthier city, and work together to create meaningful change. Reach out to academy@sanitationfoundation.org with any issues or questions.

Application deadline: January 12, 2026

IMPORTANT: Look for a confirmation email from us in the week following your application submission regarding your enrollment and next steps. Please check your junk mail if you do not see an email.

Thank you for your interest.

Check out our website for more information: NYC Trash Academy
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
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Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Application Questions
Why are you interested in participating in the NYC Trash Academy?*
Why are you a good candidate for this program? Please include anything you are interested in learning.
What motivates you MOST to join NYC Trash Academy?*

I want to gain knowledge and resources to share with other community leaders and advocates.I want to learn more and find resources that relate to my career interests.I want to learn more about sustainability, waste reduction, and environmental issues.I want to gain knowledge and resources I can use in my teaching practice or studies.Other
How did you hear about NYC Trash Academy?*

Sanitation Foundation EmailSanitation Foundation Social MediaSanitation Foundation Board Member or EmployeeAlumni of NYCTA (formerly Zero Waste Academy)Friend or Family MemberLocal Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAB)Sanitation Foundation EventOther
Name of ZWA/NYCTA Alumni*
Name of Sanitation Foundation Board Member or Employee*
Demographic Information

We ask for demographic information to help us better understand the communities we serve and to fulfill grant reporting requirements. We appreciate your time in completing these questions.
In which NYC borough do you currently reside?*

BronxBrooklynManhattanQueensStaten IslandOutside of NYC
Do you currently reside in NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing?*

YesNoI do not reside in NYC.
To which gender do you most identify?*

MaleFemaleNon-binaryOther
Age*

Under 18 years old18-24 years old25-34 years old35-44 years old45-54 years old55-64 years old65-74 years old75 years or older
What is your race and/or ethnicity? Select all that apply.*

American Indian or Alaska NativeAsianBlack or African AmericanHispanic or LatinoMiddle Eastern or North AfricanNative Hawaiian or Pacific IslanderWhiteOther
What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed? (If you’re currently enrolled in school, please indicate the highest degree you have received.)*

Less than a high school diplomaHigh school degree or equivalent (e.g. GED)Some college, no degreeAssociate degree (e.g. AA, AS)Bachelor’s degree (e.g. BA, BS)Master’s degree (e.g. MA, MS, MEd)Professional degree (e.g. MD, DDS, DVM)Doctorate (e.g. PhD, EdD)
Please share your job title and the name of the company you currently work for. (Write N/A if unemployed) *
Are you a NYC public school teacher interested in future opportunities to earn Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credits?*

YesNoPossibly
Do you work for a company or organization that would be interested in hosting waste trainings or team building activities with the Sanitation Foundation? If yes, we'll reach out to you.*

YesNoPossibly
What kind of waste training or support would be most useful for your organization?*
Would you like to be subscribed to the Sanitation Foundation's monthly newsletter?*

Yes, subscribe me to this newsletter.
Suggested Donation
The Sanitation Foundation is proud to offer Trash Academy for free. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on donations from individuals like you to subsidize the true expense of the program – approximately $200 per participant. If you are able, please pay it forward. Your donation helps us grow and continue to make NYC a cleaner – and greener – place to live.

Thank you for joining us this year and for your generosity.

The Sanitation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, and is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Federal EIN (Tax ID) # is 81-3523248.

Suggested sliding scale donation: $50 - $1500 (USD)

If you or your company are interested in underwriting NYC Trash Academy, please contact Pam Harris, Sanitation Foundation President, at pam@sanitationfoundation.org

We greatly appreciate your support.

USDSuggested Sliding Scale Donation of $50-$1500

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NYC Trash Academy | 2026 Application Form

Application Questions

Demographic Information

Suggested Donation