EREF Blog

EREF to Hold 2023 Annual Fall Classic in Palm Beach Gardens

Raleigh, NC | July 7, 2023 – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) announced it will hold its 2023 Fall Classic & Networking Event September 27 & 28 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. This annual event gathers waste and sustainability professionals from across the nation for networking, competition, and fun.

With a rich history of industry backing, this year is no exception, featuring GFL Environmental as the tournament’s primary sponsor. All proceeds from the event will support EREF’s charitable mission to advance scientific research and create educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices.

This year’s Fall Classic begins Wednesday, September 27, with a putting contest and networking reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Thursday, September 28, players will gather for breakfast and a shotgun start on the Palmer and Fazio courses. The tournament will conclude with an Awards Luncheon following tournament play.

The first and second place teams from each of the two courses will be awarded trophies. In addition, there will be multiple contests throughout the course, including the opportunity to win $10,000 during the putting contest at the networking reception on Wednesday evening. Click here to view our current sponsors and to register.

PRICING – One (1) Golfer: $1,500 I Foursome: $6,000. Club and shoe rentals are not included. Club rentals are available at an additional $90 and must be purchased through EREF’s website by September 22.

RESERVATIONS – Hotel reservations must be booked by 5:00pm on Tuesday, September 5.

  • Reservations can be made online here or by calling the Reservations Department directly at 1-844-821-0028, daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and reference the name of the group block or the booking ID.
  • Group Block Name: EREF – Golf Tournament – Fall 2023
  • Group Booking ID: 091123EREF

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email events@erefdn.org for more information.

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org

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Media Contact: 
Stephen Aber, Communications Manager 
Phone: (984) 884-7444

EREF Study Shows Average MSW Tip Fee Rose Sharply for 2022

Raleigh, NC | June 6, 2023 – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) released its 7th annual Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfill tip fee report, an essential part of its data-driven efforts toward sustainable materials management. The 2022 report incorporates data from 348 MSW landfills spread across all 50 states.

This comprehensive analysis shows a nationwide surge in tip fees, with an 8 percent rise in the national unweighted average tip fee, growing to $58.47 per ton from $54.03 in the previous year. However, the Southeast region presented an exception with a nominal 2 percent increase in tip fees. Geographically, while the Pacific and Northeast regions have sustained their positions as areas with the highest fees per ton, the Midwest and South-Central regions reported the most substantial percentage increases, 22 and 29 percent, respectively. These two regions also showed the greatest year-on-year growth since EREF’s inception of this research in 2016.

Interested readers can delve into the full details of these methodologies in EREF’s report, Analysis of MSW Landfill Tipping Fees – 2022. This report provides additional 2022 tipping fee data and can be accessed for free. An extended version featuring the complete Tip Fee List is also available at $125.

Both reports can be found by clicking here.

About EREF

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org

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Media Contact:

Stephen Aber, Communications Manager
984.884.7444
saber@erefdn.org

Announcing the 2023 EREF Quantification of Landfill Emissions Summit

Chicago, IL | May 10, 2023 – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is excited to announce the 2023 Quantification of Landfill Emissions Summit, taking place October 24th and 25th in Chicago, IL. This esteemed event brings together engineers, academics, industry professionals, government personnel, and policymakers to address the pressing issue of greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste management facilities.

Call for Abstracts Now Open

EREF invites experts in the field to share their knowledge and contribute to the Summit by submitting abstracts for presentations. Topics of interest include:

  • Assessments of direct emissions measurement technologies, such as satellite, aircraft, drone, fixed sensors, and ground-based techniques
  • Challenges or variables that can significantly impact direct measurements
  • Comparisons of emission modeling/equations to direct measurement
  • Carbon accounting methods used to assess methane emissions
  • The current state of practice of emissions measurement

Presentations should focus on emissions measurement at solid waste management facilities, including landfills, renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities, and compost operations. The Summit aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments, research, and best practices in the field.

Join the Conversation

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in the 2023 EREF Quantification of Landfill Emissions Summit and contribute to the global conversation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Share your expertise, network with fellow professionals, and help shape the future of landfill emissions management.

Abstract submission deadline is June 11, 2023. Abstracts should follow the template and must be submitted electronically. Click here to download the EREF Summit Call for Abstracts.

Registration and Sponsorships will be available this summer. To learn more, visit our website.

About EREF

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org

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Media Contact:

Stephen Aber, Communications Manager
984.884.7444
saber@erefdn.org

EREF Hosts Record-Breaking Charitable Auction, Proceeds Directly Support Scholarships and Scientific Research

EREF Hosts Record-Breaking Charitable Auction, Proceeds Directly Support Scholarships and Scientific Research

Raleigh, NC (May 26, 2022) – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation announced its 2022 Charitable Auction, held on May 11 at Waste Expo in Las Vegas, NV, is the most successful in Foundation history, with over $3.5 Million raised to support scholarships and scientific research toward sustainable waste management practices.

EREF has funded over $18.5 Million in research grants and scholarships since 1992. Currently, EREF is funding 32 research projects, the most in the Foundation’s history. Forty percent of past and present EREF scholars are employed in the waste industry, with their research directly impacting the solid waste industry.

EREF received $29,550 in Fund-A-Need donations, including $5,000 from the winning team of NWRA FILA & Women’s Council Deal Me In M&A Competition, hosted by Stifel, $10,000 from SCHAEFFER, $5,000 from Sierra Container Group, and other organizations who generously contributed. These funds go directly to scholarships and grants.

Watch highlight video here. 

“EREF is a resource to help open educational pathways for students while advancing scientific research in the solid waste industry. The generosity displayed at our 2022 Charitable auction broke all records in the Foundation’s history, it was truly monumental. EREF appreciates the support of our generous donors and supporters as they help us light the way toward smart, sustainable waste management practices,” said Bryan Staley, Ph.D., P.E., President and CEO of EREF.

“EREF has given me the tools and network I need to pursue my research and work toward a more sustainable tomorrow. I am proud to be an EREF Scholar, and am grateful for the additional brain-power of peers and mentors which make a world of difference to my research,” said Monica l. Rodriguez Morris, MS, EREF Scholar. “The Foundation has provided me with the opportunities to pursue my dream of bridging industry and academia, and ultimately leaving our environment a better place for our families.”

Dr. Bryan Staley receiving the NWRA FILA & Women’s Council donation, hosted by Stifel, at WasteExpo 2022.

 

EREF staff at the 2022 EREF Annual Charitable Auction held at WasteExpo.

To view the full list of auction items and winners, click here.

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org.

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Media Contact:

Stephen Aber
Communications Manager
Email: saber@erefdn.org

EREF Announces Food Waste and Packaging Sustainability Study with AMERIPEN and Michigan State University

Raleigh, NC The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) today announced a new sustainability-driven project, partnered with AMERIPEN (the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment) and Michigan State University, that focuses on the consumer relationship between packaging and food waste.

The objective of this research will be to collect data and gain an understanding of the relationship between packaging and household food waste. It will explore how consumers use packaging in the home before and after food waste measurement. It will analyze the research findings and identify where more information is needed to recommend potential solutions to leverage the value of packaging to decrease household consumer food waste.

“Human behavior is one of the largest factors that impacts waste generation and disposal. Food packaging design and functionality are critical elements that shape consumer perception of how food is managed inside the household. That perception can be a driving factor in subsequent behaviors that influence the amount of food waste generated. It is critical to increase our understanding of the interaction between perception, food packaging and food waste generation so we may better equip consumers and manufacturers alike in our quest to reduce food waste,” said Bryan Staley, PhD, President and CEO of EREF. “EREF is proud to partner with AMERIPEN and Michigan State University to conduct this study and focus on the intersection between food packaging and a more sustainable future for our environment.”

“We are thrilled to be working with two highly respected academic organizations in the fields of packaging and waste to help bring a level of scientific rigor and data integrity to this effort notes Dan Felton, Executive Director at AMERIPEN. “In 2016 ReFED identified packaging as a key instrument in reducing food waste within North America. A Swedish study estimated 25% of household food waste could be reduced by improving the consumer relationship with packaging—either because the consumer removes products from packaging upon arrival home, they fail to properly seal packaging or packaging is inadequately designed to help them reduce waste. By better quantifying the relationship between consumers, packaging and household food waste, we believe we can help inform strategies to reduce wasted food and the subsequent greenhouse gas emission resulting from this loss. The promise of this collaborative provides an opportunity not only to collect much needed scientific data, but also to leverage insights from this data into meaningful action and change.”

“Wasted food is a growing problem. Packaging can contribute to reducing food waste and consequently, to alleviating the environmental and economic impacts of the wasted food. Although a significant amount of food is wasted at the consumer level, little is known about consumers’ perceptions and awareness of packaging in reducing food waste. Furthermore, literature lacks information on how these perceptions and awareness can differ among population segments.  An online survey questionnaire will be designed to collect insight into consumers’ behavior, perceptions, and awareness as well as to quantify food waste. The collected information will fill current gaps of knowledge about the interactions between packaging and household food waste. A better understanding of packaging’s impact on household food waste could lead to packaging changes to mitigate food waste.” said Dr. Eva Almenar, Professor at the School of Packaging and Project Director. Dr. Matt Daum, School of Packaging Director, agrees and adds: “The MSU Team, Drs. Eva Almenar, Monireh Mahmoud, Euihark Lee and MS student Korey Fennell, are excited to partner with EREF and AMERIPEN to conduct this consumer study that may contribute to creating more suitable packaging to reduce food waste. It is important to take a people-centric approach to research before designing technical solutions. Food waste is a complicated and multi-faceted issue, so this consumer study is an important element for long-range solutions.”

What Does the Future Hold for Solid Waste Management and Innovation?

Raleigh, NC (March 10, 2022)What Does the Future Hold for Solid Waste Management and Innovation? 

In the waste management industry, innovation and credible science are needed to drive change and effectively navigate the issues facing solid waste. The Global Waste Management Symposium (GWMS) serves as the #1 forum to exchange ideas and share the current state of operations and emerging science. As a result, GWMS provides significant insight into the future direction of what issues need to be addressed and what innovation may be needed.  

The 2022 GWMS, held in Indian Wells, CA, February 14-17, highlighted major trends in the solid waste industry and delivered a record number of scholars and industry leaders, eager to share their studies with industry peers. These trends help guide the research needed to advance innovation.  

The jam-packed event identified a number of key trends in the industry, which help guide the research needed to advance innovation, including:  

  • Landfill Gas Emissions/Odor 
  • PFAS 
  • Leachate 
  • Waste Stability 
  • Environmental Justice 

Landfill emissions are an area of prime current interest given many landfill owners are being scrutinized for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and that they are being woven into the fabric of corporate ESG goals. While this topic involves many facets, the primary point of discussion revolved around how to model and directly measure landfill emissions. Emissions are also closely linked to odor, which is another key issue the waste industry continuously navigates. How odor is measured, what strategies can be used to mitigate odor, and how to engage surrounding communities proactively were discussed. 

One of the biggest costs in managing a landfill is dealing with leachate, primarily in terms of treatment, or pre-treatment prior to disposal at a POTW of traditional contaminants such as nitrogen/ammonia removal, BOD and particulates. However, emerging contaminants are a significant focus. PFAS as an emerging contaminant is particularly important, since it provides treatment challenges, but is also a potential opportunity for the waste management field, provided end points can be posited as a safe long-term repository for PFAS, and landfills have been recommended by the EPA as a means of disposal. Beyond treatment in leachate, understanding the mass flow of PFAS and transformations that may occur are important, as well as what happens to PFAS in landfill gas.  

Waste disposal into landfills increasingly contains higher volumes of liquids or high moisture content wastes, resulting in unique challenges of how to manage and place these wastes.  If not vigilant or handled carefully, landfills may experience slope stability issues or waste slides.  This shift has resulted in the need to develop updated and novel strategies for managing special wastes. 

Environmental justice is an emerging topic in the solid waste field and the topic was debuted during the 2022 GWMS to a crowded room.  Discussions on this topic included what environmental justice means, how it is being interpreted from a policy standpoint, and what impacts does it have in regarding to siting new facilities, expansions and permit renewals. 

Other waste industry trends involve organics management, anaerobic digestion, waste collection and characterization, liners/covers, coal ash and using life cycle assessment to evaluate environmental burdens.  

Progress, innovation and forward momentum encapsulated GWMS, but the importance of additional science and data around these topics was also highlighted among the academics and industry pros at the conference.   

“At no time in the last 30 years has the industry been faced with so many challenges. How these challenges are solved with good science and technical innovation will define the future of waste management,” said James Little, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Disposal Waste Connections Inc.

“The future of the waste management industry will be built upon credible science and unbiased research. This year’s Global Waste Management Symposium (GWMS) was the culmination of years of dedicated research by scholars and industry professionals, and EREF is proud to be a strategic partner of this endeavor,” said Bryan Staley, President and CEO of EREF. “EREF leads innovation in solid waste research, and we are grateful for the opportunity to gather engineers, scientists and industry leaders at GWMS to discuss the evolving challenges our industry faces and look ahead to the future.” 

“Data helps us understand our own industry, and it can also help other industries understand us. In a world that is increasingly acknowledging that our environmental challenges are connected, data from well-founded science is the most powerful vehicle to build bridges and solve problems. We’re already seeing this with PFAS, and circular economy only increases the value of data from the waste industry,” said Kristin Kinder, Vice President of Research & Waste Stream Sustainability, Wastequip. 

“Sound science is critical to making decisions when innovating in the waste management industry. EREF is integral to executing GWMS, however its larger value is in helping produce the science and data that move sustainable materials management forward,” said Joseph Benco, Director, Engineering at Republic Services Inc. 

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is a strategic partner for GWMS and plays a key role in advancing innovation in the solid waste management industry. EREF’s mission is central to innovation and credible science, and a significant portion of the presentations given at GWMS were by EREF scholars, grantees or were influenced by prior research supported by EREF. The Foundation’s efforts are advancing science in the waste management industry through grants they have funded on the central topics discussed at GWMS. To learn more about EREF’s current research programs, click here

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Media Contact:

Stephen Aber, Communications Manager
Phone: 919.861.6876 ext. 106
Email: saber@erefdn.org

EREF Super Silent Auction Aims to Further the Foundation’s Mission while Cultivating Connections

Click here for a PDF of this release.

Raleigh, NC (November 2, 2021) – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) announces the return of its Super Silent Auction, which will be held online November 3 – 17.

EREF first introduced its Super Silent Auction in 2020 as an opportunity for companies or individuals to cultivate connections with owners, presidents, vice presidents, procurement specialists and more!

The Super Silent Auction will be held virtually through EREF’s online bidding platform beginning November 3 and will close on November 17 in correlation with the end of EREF’s Fall Classic & Networking Event Welcome Reception.

Revenue generated from the Super Silent Auction funds EREF’s mission to advance sustainable solid waste science and education opportunities.

An example of that support at work is recently awarded scholar, Brooke Marten, a PhD student who attends Colorado State University at Bolder. Marten’s PhD work focuses on evaluating waste-derived biochar as an adsorbent and energy source using life cycle assessment methodology.

Brooke recently described her work in a Waste360 article entitled “Evaluating Opportunities for Resource Recovery in Waste Management,” as well as in a brief video.

To support students like Brooke and other science and education opportunities through the Super Silent Auction Outings, visit EREF’s online bidding platform and place a bid!

In order to bid, simply click “REGISTER TO BID” and complete the form as prompted. You will receive a text message and/or email, pending the information you provide, confirming your registration and indicating you are ready to place a bid! Outings have a starting bid of $7,500.

Thank you to our donors! Items up for bid:

  • Golf and Lunch with Ed Johnson – donated by Casella Waste Systems
  • Facility Tour and Dinner with Brendon Pantano and Dennis Pantano – donated by Coastal Waste & Recycling
  • Flyfishing in Walden, CO with Tom Miller and Tod Holmes – donated by Eagle River Capital
  • Dinner in Houston, TX with Dan Brazil – donated by FCC Environmental Services
  • Duck Hunting Experience with Josh Thompson – donated by GFL Environmental
  • Golf and Dinner with Tim Stuart – donated by Republic Services
  • Golf and Lunch with Darrell Chambliss – donated by Waste Connections
  • Golf with John Morris – donated by Waste Management
  • Facility Tour and Dinner with WIN Waste Innovations Executives – donated by WIN Waste Innovations
  • Golf and Dinner with the Antonacci’s – donated by USA Hauling & Recycling

Questions? Email events@erefdn.org.

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org.

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Media Contact:

Catherine Ardoin, Communications Manager

Phone: 919.861.6876 ext. 109

Email: cardoin@erefdn.org

EREF’S Science Sessions Return with a Focus on the Treatment of PFAS

Click here for a PDF of this release.

Raleigh, NC (October 26, 2021) – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is excited to announce the return of its popular solid waste education series entitled EREF Science Sessions, which will begin in October.

The virtual education series, which was first presented in the beginning of the year, covered a variety of topics related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Kicking off on Thursday, October 28, these sessions will focus again on PFAS, but will highlight the latest information and science around new technologies and techniques for treating the chemicals.

Topics include:

  • Sequestering PFAS using polymer chemistry
  • Using boron nitride to degrade PFAS with ultraviolet light
  • Treating PFAS using plasma

EREF is excited to bring in guest moderator, Craig Benson, PhD, PE, NAE, who will moderate EREF’s first two Science Sessions this fall.

During the first, entitled Storage Wars: Sequestering PFAS using Polymer Chemistry, presenter Todd DeJournett, PhD, PE, Senior Engineer with Geosyntec, will discuss the use of commercially-available polymer flocculants to improve PFAS removal in landfill leachate management operations.

DeJournett will cover the following:

  • The conceptual model for this method and its value proposition
  • Some of the technical challenges associated with this method
  • Results available so far and the researchers’ next steps

This session takes place on Thursday, October 28, from 1 – 2 pm EDT. Click here to register.

EREF will hold 2 additional Science Sessions in November and December. Additional details to come.

  • How To (Accidentally) Destroy a Forever Compound
    November 4 | Speaker Michael Wong, PhD, Professor, Rice University
  • Future Tech: Treating PFAS using AC and DC
    December 9 | Speakers Thomas Holsen, PhD, Jean S. Newell Distinguished Professor of Engineering, and Yang Yang, PhD, Assistant Professor, Clarkson University

The cost for each session is $25 per person. Visit the EREF website to learn more and register.

Looking for a value-driven way to build your brand awareness? Become a Science Sessions sponsor! Sponsors receive a select amount of attendee spots with their sponsorship. Send an e-mail to events@erefdn.org to sponsor or learn more.

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org

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Media Contact:

Catherine Ardoin, Communications Manager
Phone: 919.861.6876 ext. 109
Email: cardoin@erefdn.org

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation and US Composting Council Partner to Conduct Composting State of Practice

Click here for a PDF of this release.

Raleigh, NC (October 19, 2021) – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) and US Composting Council (USCC) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement in which they will work together to advance the science and knowledge surrounding composting.

A form of composting has existed since early civilizations and has advanced to become a highly sophisticated process. As more than 40 states have set waste reduction or zero waste goals and companies pursue compostable products as part of their ESG strategies, composting has become an integral part of the waste management system.

Nonetheless, knowledge gaps surrounding this disposal method remain, including how widely available access is, total processing capacity in the U.S. and current challenges.

EREF, in partnership with the U.S. Composting Council, have initiated a study to evaluate the state of practice of composting in the U.S. Key elements of the effort are to determine accessibility to commercial composting, quantify the number of composting facilities, aggregate the economic data and better understand various attributes of composting operations (e.g. technologies used, tonnage processed, etc.).

The project is expected to be completed in 2022 and a report will be released.

“We are excited to partner with EREF’s expert team to perform this long-awaited study of the composting industry in the U.S.,” said Frank Franciosi Executive Director of the U.S. Composting Council. “The data collected in this important study, will help advance the composting industry as a major contributor in the new circular economy.”

“This partnership is an exciting step in advancing the science and education of composting,” said Bryan Staley, EREF President and CEO. “We look forward to working with the USCC as both organizations share a drive to improve the environment and increase sustainable science.”

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org.

 

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Media Contact:

Catherine Ardoin, Communications Manager

Phone: 919.861.6876 ext. 109

Email: cardoin@erefdn.org

EREF Invests in New Development, Data & Policy and Sustainable Materials Management Staff

Click here for a PDF of this release.

Raleigh, NC (September 28, 2021) – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) proudly announces the hiring of three new staff. These new staff come at the inception of a new 5-year plan, which focuses on sustainable materials management, furthering Data & Policy research and building/reinforcing relationships within the waste industry and the packaging and materials management industries.

Please give a warm welcome to the new team members:

  • Kyle Kusterer, Vice President of Development
  • Callyn Gonzales, Sustainability Manager
  • Gabriel Vegh-Gaynor, Project Coordinator

Kyle Kusterer

Kyle Kusterer serves as EREF’s Vice President of Development. In this position, he works to build and support relationships with EREF’s current and future donor base to increase the Foundation’s scope of impact through funding its Research, Data & Policy, Scholarship and Sustainability initiatives. Kusterer connects both individuals and corporations interested in exploring philanthropic opportunities that will make a positive impact on the trajectory of EREF’s mission, enabling innovation in sustainable waste management practices. Focusing on both current use funding as well as building the Foundation’s endowment will ensure real-time solutions are subsidized and the future of the circular economy is funded.

A graduate of Appalachian State, Kusterer comes to the role with over a decade of experience fundraising for a regional nonprofit and a Research I University. Throughout his career, he has been a fundraiser in higher education and non-profit spaces where he has had the unique opportunity to collaborate with community leaders, board members, foundations and corporations to achieve a collective impact.

Callyn Gonzales

Callyn Gonzalez is EREF’s new Sustainability Manager. She holds a Masters of the Environment Degree from University of Colorado Boulder with a specialization in sustainable food systems. Since the completion of her Masters, her career has focused on circular economy practices and packaging waste in the consumer packaged goods industry. She has spent years working in corporate zero waste strategy and sustainable packaging development, and hopes to use her experience in the upstream space to maximize the impact of EREF’s Sustainability Program.

Gabriel Vegh-Gaynor

Gabriel comes to EREF with a background in public policy, international affairs and market research. He is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and holds a degree in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to his current role as Project Coordinator on the Data & Policy team at EREF, Gabriel worked as an analyst for a market research firm in Washington, D.C. where he contributed to projects in the renewable energy and emerging technology sectors. He is excited to get to know the solid waste industry and to understand the needs of its stakeholders and consumers. Gabriel will be supporting EREF’s research and analysis efforts, and is working on projects related to the state of leachate treatment practices, compost and recycling programs in the U.S., waste truck fleet characteristics and more.

“I expect EREF’s next 5 years to be transformative. Our broadened mission will allow us to tap into new markets and industries, providing them with research that can shape the way materials are sourced, products are created and ultimately discarded,” said Bryan Staley, EREF President and CEO. “We are happy to have Kyle, Callyn and Gabe on the team and excited to see their impact in furthering EREF’s new mission and strategic direction.”

For further details about EREF’s five-year plan, its mission and its staff, please visit erefdn.org.

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that advances scientific research and creates educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable waste management practices. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org.

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Media Contact:

Catherine Ardoin, Communications Manager

Phone: 919.861.6876 ext. 109

Email: cardoin@erefdn.org