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.
EREF Blog
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.
Ice River Springs Shows Continued Dedication to Sustainability with Support of 2017 Master’s Scholarship for Sustainability
Raleigh, NC (November 30, 2017) – The Board of Directors of the Environmental Research & Education Foundation are pleased to award the 2017 Ice River Springs Master’s Scholarship for Sustainability to James Souder, a Master’s of Environmental Management candidate at Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
EREF Awards Seven Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships for 2017
Raleigh, NC (November 7, 2017) – The Board of Directors of the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) are pleased to announce the award of seven scholarships to Master’s and Doctoral students across North America pursuing education in solid waste management.
EREF Demonstrates Commitment to the Future of the Waste Industry
Raleigh, NC (September 22, 2017) – On Wednesday and Thursday, September 6 and 7, members of the Future Industry Leaders Alliance (FILA) convened in Raleigh, NC for the annual FILA Leadership Conference. In addition to networking with fellow members, FILA leadership conferences feature educational opportunities, which prepare participants for executive advancement and professional leadership in the waste industry.
After a day of communication training provided by Hidden Brook Communications, attendees spent the next morning at N.C. State University, where they learned about the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), its commitment to advancing the waste industry and the role the next generation of leaders will play in EREF’s research and education.
Keep America Beautiful, Environmental Research & Education Foundation to Collaborate on Food Waste Education in K-12 Schools
Raleigh, NC (September 13, 2017) – Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s iconic community improvement nonprofit organization, and the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance scientific research and education for sustainable solid waste management practices, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines an agreement to join efforts on quantifying food waste in K-12 schools. In addition, the MOU outlines the organizations’ aim to provide tools and resources that help reduce school-based food waste.