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Powering the science of sustainable resource management

Our world faces a growing challenge to address how people create, use, and discard the materials that make our lives. With more than 30 years of experience, EREF is the proven source for unbiased, scientific reports and analysis on sustainable materials management.

Advancing a sustainable economy

Instead of a linear economy—which moves raw materials through manufacturing, distribution, and consumption to create waste—we imagine a circular economy that keeps materials moving through reuse, repair, redistribution, and recycling to preserve natural resources and minimize climate-altering emissions.

How we advance circularity

Our impact is driven by our core research pillars

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GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

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EMERGING CONTAMINANTS

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ADVANCING MATERIALS REUSE & RECYCLING

active projects
scholars funded in 2024
funded in research & scholarships since 1992

Featured report

2024 Analysis of MSW Landfill Tipping Fees

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News

February 25, 2026

EREF and SWANA Sign MOU to Advance Research and Education in Waste and Resource Management

February 24, 2026 – Raleigh, NC The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) signed a Memorandum of…

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February 17, 2026

Environmental Research & Education Foundation Appoints Three Industry Leaders to Board of Directors 

Raleigh, N.C., February 17, 2026 – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) has appointed three new members to its Board of Directors, strengthening the foundation’s leadership with deep expertise across heavy equipment,…

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Events

2026 EREF Charitable Auction

Save the Date! More details coming soon.

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2026 Fall Classic & Networking Event

Save the Date for EREF’s 2026 Fall Classic & Networking Event!

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