EREF Blog

Analysis of State Recycling Definitions

In an effort to document the various ways recycling may be defined, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) identified and analyzed recycling definitions used by state agencies. Definitions for “recycle”, “recycling”, and/or similar terms were identified through a search of state codes. Definitions were identified for 49 of 50 states: a definition could not be found for North Dakota.

This article discusses the various ways states define recycling.

Click here for more information (PDF).

EREF Awards Six Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships for 2019

The Board of Directors of the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) are pleased to announce the award of six scholarships to Master’s and Doctoral students across North America pursuing education in solid waste management.

Click here for more information (PDF)

Celebrating 25 Years of EREF

In 2019, EREF celebrates 25 years of funding and disseminating crucial solid waste data and educational initiatives to benefit the waste industry.

The videos below provide an inside look into the creation of EREF, how the Foundation has progressed over the last 25 years and the impact on the industry and individuals’ lives.

Advancing the Industry for 25 Years: How EREF Accomplishes Its Mission

Reflecting on the Creation of EREF

Benefiting from EREF: The Impact on the Industry and Lives

Environmental Research & Education Foundation Celebrates 25 Years of Sustainable Solid Waste Research and Education

This year, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is celebrating 25 years as a resource for solid waste research and education.

For 25 years, EREF’s mission has remained the same: to advance research and education initiatives for sustainable solid waste management practices to benefit the waste industry and communities it serves.

Click here for more information (PDF)

Improving Worker Safety: Understanding Needlesticks at Material Recovery Facilities

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) collaborated to quantify the number of needlesticks that occur at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) with the goal to improve worker safety. This infographic outlines some key findings from this report.

To download your free copy of the Household Needles in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) report, click here.

View the infographic (PDF)

25 Years of the EREF Annual Charitable Auction

Join EREF as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the
Annual Charitable Auction!

Support of this exciting fundraising event goes toward graduate scholarships, research grants, undergraduate internships, internal research and other educational opportunities to advance sustainable solid waste management practices!

To learn more about the Auction or how donate to this charitable event, please click here.

How Much of Our Waste is Actually Recyclable?

Since 1995, the amount of commodity recyclables in the waste stream has fallen 10 points from 53% to 43%.

A recent EREF analysis examined the waste management policies set by state/local agencies, such as recycling and diversion goals. EREF found that states across the U.S. have recycling goals ranging from 10% – 50%.

If every item that was capable of being recycled actually was recycled, could these goals be achieved? This concept, applicable to diversion in general, is known as the theoretical maximum recovery.

What Does an EREF Scholarship Mean to Our Scholars?

EREF’s Scholarship Program awards PhD and Master’s students for excellence in their solid waste education, as well as seeks to instill a continued passion for the solid waste field. Since the program’s inception, EREF has funded 72 graduate students – equating to approximately $1.43 million! The support we have received over the years has allowed us to increase our scholarship spending and fund more students.

Rich Hilliard of Oregon State University and Serena Pozza and Riley Coulthard of Yale University discuss how their EREF Scholarships have impacted them.

To learn more about supporting our Scholarship Program, please click here for a brochure. To find out how to apply for a scholarship, including our next deadline, click here.

Meet Corey Johnson-Erday: Rehrig Pacific Company Named Intern

Rehrig Pacific Company has sponsored a named EREF internship. Corey Johnson-Erday, the recipient of this award, is an intern with EREF’s Data & Policy Program and an undergraduate student at North Carolina State University. Corey’s work with EREF includes the School Cafeteria Discards Assessment Project and the State of Leachate Management and Treatment study.

Hear from Corey on the value of his EREF internship and the impact of the Rehrig Pacific Company named internship.

EREF Annual Charitable Auction at WasteExpo Funds Solid Waste Research and Educational Initiatives

Raleigh, NC (March 27, 2018) – Gear up for the Environmental Research & Education Foundation’s (EREF) Annual Charitable Auction, one of the highlights of WasteExpo, held April 24 – 25, 2018 in Las Vegas. This can’t-miss, two-day event, which has raised $18 million since its inception 24 years ago, consists of the Live and Silent Auctions, as well as a networking reception. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors and participants, last year’s event raised over $1.9 million to support EREF’s mission to fund and direct scientific research and educational initiatives.

Click here for more information (PDF)