Why Contribute?

   After centuries of traditional methods of practice, the management of solid waste began evolving in the 1970s with the rise of environmental awareness.  The pace of change quickened in the 1980s, spurred by public concerns over the "throwaway society" and rapidly disappearing local landfills.  New laws and regulations set higher environmental standards for disposal facilities and encouraged alternatives to disposal.

   The industry that emerged was large and diverse, public and private.  A new generation of landfills and waste-to-energy plants was built, and thousands of community recycling programs were established.  From 1970 to 1992, U.S. waste service revenues grew from some $4 billion to an estimated $30 billion to more than $40 billion today!

   Despite this rapid change, municipal solid waste research was so small as to be immeasurable.  Few formal studies were available to guide decision-makers and no clear path existed by which to bring new technology from the laboratory to the workplace.  The EREF, an IRS 501(c)(3) independent charity, was founded to address these issues.

   In ten years of existence, the EREF forged diverse links with universities and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), established a scholarship program, raised $12 million from U.S. and international contributors, and awarded grants totaling more than $4 million.  A comprehensive grants list can be viewed HERE.

   Do you believe that knowledge is power?  Do you believe that creating a strong base of scientific knowledge and educational opportunity in the areas of municipal solid waste management and environmental protection are critical?  Do you believe that the solid waste service industry has an obligation to prepare for the future?  Join with us in our research efforts to:

• ADVANCE SOLID WASTE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INCLUDING USE OF BIOLOGICALS

• INITIATE EQUIPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING DRIVER TRAINING AND SAFETY

• GRANT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR POST GRADUATE AND/OR PH.D. RESEARCH SCIENTISTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

• DEVELOP ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES AND STRATEGIC PLANNING THAT SET A COURSE FOR THE WASTE SERVICE INDUSTRY'S FUTURE

• BEGIN A SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM THAT WILL PAY A STIPEND AND HELP COLLEGE STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT AND PLAN CAREERS IN WASTE SERVICES

• DEVELOP SEMINARS AND POLICY FORUMS ON NEW TRENDS IN WASTE SERVICES

• SUPPORT INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH INSIGHT INTO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

• SUPPORT PROGRAMS IN INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY

   Good research is a precious asset that is worthy of substantial investments.  For the EREF to be positioned to fulfill its mission of developing environmental solutions for the future, it will require the broad-based partnership of those who believe in what can result from scientific inquiry.

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Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF)
901 N. Pitt Street, Suite 270, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-299-5139  Fax: 703-299-5145