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Powering the science of sustainable resource management

Our world faces a growing challenge to address how people create, use, and discard the materials that make our lives. With more than 30 years of experience, EREF is the proven source for unbiased, scientific reports and analysis on sustainable materials management.

Advancing the circular economy

Instead of a linear economy—which moves raw materials through manufacturing, distribution, and consumption to create waste—we imagine a circular economy that keeps materials moving through reuse, repair, redistribution, and recycling to preserve natural resources and minimize climate-altering emissions.

How we advance circularity

Our impact is driven by our core research pillars

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CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS/GHG EMISSIONS

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EMERGING CONTAMINANTS

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ADVANCING MATERIALS CIRCULARITY & RECYCLING

active projects
scholars funded in 2024
funded in research & scholarships since 1992

Featured report

A Controlled Release Experiment for Investigating Methane Measurement Performance at Landfills

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Our Most Popular Resources

Guides & Reports

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Science Sessions

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Scholarships & Grants

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News

March 24, 2025

EREF Launches New Study on Hospital, Medical, and Infectious Waste Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Raleigh, NC | March 24, 2025] The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) has announced the initiation of an important new research…

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February 19, 2025

EREF’S CAITLIN CONKLIN RECEIVES WASTE360’S 40 UNDER 40 AWARD 

Raleigh, NC | February 19, 2025 – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is proud to announce that Caitlin Conklin, Senior Director of Engagement,…

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Events

2025 Annual Charitable Auction

The EREF Annual Charitable Auction offers companies a special opportunity to showcase their products and demonstrate their dedication to supporting credible scientific research in the…

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2025 Fall Classic & Networking Event

EREF will host its 2025 Fall Classic & Networking Event on September 16 & 17, 2025. The annual event will be held at Cog Hill…

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