
Since 1994, the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) has been lighting the way to a more sustainable economy. From its inception, EREF has worked to advance scientific research and cultivate educational pathways that foster innovation in sustainable materials management practices.
We鈥檙e committed to providing unbiased, scientifically rigorous reports and analyses on topics related to the solid waste management industry that informs critical policy and industry decisions. A cornerstone of our commitment involves empowering future leaders through our Scholarships Program, nurturing the next generation of innovators. Our Grants Program funds direct research into solutions for today鈥檚 waste management challenges, and our Data Analysis Program provides critical industry analyses on topics like tip fees, workforce statistics, and safety.
In direct response to the industry鈥檚 greatest challenges, EREF has strategically identified three core research priorities. These areas collectively represent some of the most significant issues impacting materials management and the environment today, positioning EREF’s strategic direction at the intersection of sustainability and circularity.
Our first priority addresses Greenhouse Gas Emissions. This area encompasses the precise quantification of emissions, including direct measurement, sophisticated modeling, and comprehensive data and methodology development. We also investigate the impacts and potential reduction strategies associated with various materials management collection and disposal options, while analyzing how these activities relate to broader emissions within manufacturing and remanufacturing processes.
Secondly, we focus on Emerging Contaminants. This research explores the potential impacts of these contaminants on critical materials management operations, such as leachate disposal and treatment, composting facility operations, anaerobic digestion facilities, and digestate management. We meticulously study their environmental fate and transport, along with their health impacts, particularly for those contaminants managed by materials facilities. A crucial outcome of this work is the identification and dissemination of best practices and effective management strategies during materials collection and disposal.
Our third strategic priority is Advancing Materials Circularity & Recycling. This area involves the evaluation of policies designed to influence materials management or circularity, alongside an assessment of the trade-offs between environmental burdens associated with various circular priorities. Furthermore, we seek to comprehensively understand the barriers and benefits experienced across the entire value chain, fostering a more effective and widespread adoption of circular practices.