SWANA and EREF Formalize Partnership to Expand Waste Sector Research and Training
The Solid Waste Association of North America and the Environmental Research & Education Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation on research, education and industry outreach, the groups announced during the Global Waste Management Symposium in Indian Wells.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration between one of North America’s largest waste industry associations and a research foundation focused on advancing scientific analysis in materials management. Leaders from both organizations said the move is intended to strengthen the link between technical research and day-to-day operational practice across the solid waste sector.
The waste and resource management industry has faced mounting complexity in recent years. Local governments and private operators are navigating tighter environmental regulations, evolving recycling markets, landfill capacity constraints and growing scrutiny over greenhouse gas emissions. Analysts say closer coordination between research institutions and frontline practitioners is increasingly necessary as municipalities confront infrastructure investment decisions and contamination challenges.
Under the MOU, potential joint initiatives include the development of educational materials, expanded research efforts, cross-participation in conferences and coordination on topics of shared strategic interest. A notable provision calls for adding public sector representation to EREF’s Research Council. The municipality will be selected by EREF based on recommendations from SWANA, providing local government insight into future research priorities.
SWANA Chief Executive Officer Amy Lestition Burke said the agreement builds on years of informal collaboration and will support professional development while ensuring municipal perspectives are incorporated into research discussions. Bryan Staley, president and chief executive of EREF, said the partnership is designed to better connect independent data and applied science with industry practitioners and communities.
Observers note that public agencies often rely on research from nonprofit and academic institutions when evaluating emerging technologies such as advanced recycling, organics diversion systems and landfill gas capture improvements. Industry groups argue that structured collaboration can help avoid duplication of effort and accelerate the dissemination of best practices.
By combining SWANA’s membership network with EREF’s research platform, the organizations said they aim to broaden the reach of technical findings and strengthen evidence-based decision-making throughout the sector.
The agreement takes effect immediately, with specific initiatives expected to be outlined in the coming months as both groups identify priority areas.
Source: SWANA
SUNSHINE Spotlight: A new SWANA–EREF pact seeks to tighten the connection between research and real-world waste management practice across North America.
