EREF and SWANA to Collaborate on Research, Education and Awareness
Silver Spring, MD– The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines the intent to conduct various collaborative efforts, including: data aggregation and similar applied research efforts of mutual interest, joint fundraising activities to champion research efforts, increased collaboration regarding industry education and enhancing the awareness of both organizations.
“SWANA has a long history of serving the waste industry, including strong ties with municipalities, while EREF is one of the primary sources of research and education relating to sustainable waste management practices,” said EREF President and CEO Bryan Staley, Ph.D., P.E. “This MOU provides unique opportunities for both organizations to more effectively serve the industry in a more unified way.”
“The formal collaboration between EREF and SWANA will enhance the scope, credibility and influence of both of our organizations,” said David Biderman, SWANA Executive Director and CEO. “Our missions complement each other and we look forward to a strong working relationship. In particular, I am excited about the opportunity to jointly perform research on safety issues and leachate management.”
The research and data analysis expertise that EREF brings to the relationship have already provided support to SWANA’s Planning & Management Technical Division by informing the discussion on SWANA development of a policy related to calculating diversion/recycling rates. This effort was highlighted in a session entitled “The Elephant in the Room: Calculating a Waste Diversion Rate” at WASTECON® 2016, which included, along with EREF, representatives from the U.S. EPA and Burns & McDonnell. During this presentation, EREF highlighted the latest research from its Data & Policy Program, which used a facility-based approach in each state to investigate and compare policy-derived recycling rates versus recyclable tonnages managed by Municipal Recycling Facilities and aggregator-type facilities.
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About SWANA:
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is an organization of more than 8,500 public and private sector professionals committed to advancing from solid waste management to resource management through their shared emphasis on education, advocacy and research. For more than 50 years, SWANA has been the leading association in the solid waste management field. SWANA serves industry professionals through technical conferences, certifications, publications, and a large offering of technical training courses. For more information, visit SWANA.org .