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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 a sustainable 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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GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

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EMERGING CONTAMINANTS

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ADVANCING MATERIALS REUSE & RECYCLING

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

Featured report

2024 Analysis of MSW Landfill Tipping Fees

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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 11, 2026

EREF Announces 2026 Fundraising Events: EREF Auction and Fall Classic & Networking Event 

RALEIGH, NC — The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is proud to announce two major upcoming opportunities for the waste and recycling industry to engage,…

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March 10, 2026

The Smith Gardner Scholarship: Investing in the People Who Will Carry the Work Forward 

There’s a particular way Stacey Smith, President of Smith Gardner, talks about solid waste. He doesn’t frame it as an afterthought of modern life or a problem to be tucked…

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Events

2026 EREF Charitable Auction

Save the Date! More details coming soon.

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2026 Fall Classic & Networking Event

EREF is pleased to announce the return of the EREF Fall Classic & Networking Event, scheduled for September 2–3, 2026, at the Eaglewood Resort &…

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