The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is excited to announce that the Foundation’s first ever Canada-based Silent Auction will be held October 24 and 25 at the Canadian Waste & Recycling Expo (CWRE) in Toronto, Ontario. This event, in partnership with the Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA), is the first open fundraising effort in support of EREF with proceeds from the Auction supporting solid waste research needs in Canada. The OWMA has played a key role in EREF’s expansion into Canada.
EREF Blog
Environmental Research & Education Foundation Issues Targeted Request for Pre-proposals Focused on Recycling
The Environmental Research & Education (EREF) Board of Directors has identified a high priority research topic in the area of residential recycling and has issued a request for pre-proposals on the topic to support the long-term needs and strategic direction of the solid waste field.
New Study Quantifies Needlestick Injury Rates for Material Recovery Facility Workers
Results found in a groundbreaking new report from the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), in collaboration with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), indicate a needlestick injury rate at material recovery facilities (MRFs) of 2.7 per 100 workers. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) 2016 data, MRF injuries (including non-needlestick related) occur at a rate of 6 per 100 workers, suggesting 45 percent of MRF injuries could be attributed to needlesticks.
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 Expands Its Presence in Canada
In early 2017, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) and the Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA) convened in Ontario, Canada with the goal of strengthening the funding of Canadian-based research and scholarships in support of sustainable materials management. The purpose of the meeting was to explore the work EREF is undertaking in the United States, and discuss the development of a Canadian research platform that would meet the needs of the country’s waste management sector.
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.
EREF and NWRA Unveil Resource for Elevated Temperature Landfill Information and Research
Raleigh, NC (March 15, 2018) – In an effort to inform discussions regarding elevated temperature landfills, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) and the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) have partnered to create a microsite presenting some of the most recent research on the topic.
Marty Bryant, Patrick Dovigi and Tara Hemmer Elected to EREF Board of Directors
Raleigh, NC (February 22, 2018) – The Board of Directors of the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is pleased to announce the election of 3 new members:
- Marty Bryant, Chief Executive Officer at Wastequip, LLC.
- Patrick Dovigi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at GFL Environmental Inc.
- Tara Hemmer, Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Environmental Compliance at Waste Management, Inc.
EREF Awards Four Grants for Solid Waste Research
Raleigh, NC (December 19, 2017) – The Board of Directors of the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) are pleased to announce the award of 4 new research grants in the summer of 2017. Research conducted through these grants aligns with EREF’s mission to advance sustainable solid waste management practices.