Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling

Online Course | Zoom Classroom

Fall Course

  • September 15th, 17th, and 19th (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
  • 1:00 - 3:30 PM EASTERN


Register

Winter Course

  • December 1st, 3rd, and 5th (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
  • 1:00 - 3:30 PM EASTERN


Register

Description

A comprehensive introduction to sustainable materials management and recycling practices, ideal for those new to the field. The course explores the history and evolution of recycling, dynamics of materials markets, and key industry terminology. Covering everything from the circular economy to the fundamentals of commodity markets, this course offers the essential building blocks for a deeper understanding of sustainable materials. Expert instructors will guide participants through individual and group exercises, case studies, and real-world examples, so you will leave equipped with the tools to achieve waste reduction goals. Classes are 2.5 hours each.

Schedule/ Syllabus


Class 1 

  • Module 1: History of Recycling and Sustainable Materials 
  • Module 2: Recycling and Trash Relationship 

Class 2 

  • Module 3: Supply Chain Overview 
  • Module 4: Commodity Market Dynamics 

Class 3 

  • Module 5: Connecting SMM to Mega Trends 
  • Module 6: Best Practices for Recycling and Sustainable Materials Programs 
  • Module 7: Performance Metrics and Goals 

Rates

Member Non-Member
Corporate $275 $350
Non-Profit, Government, Academia $235 $295

Course Instructor


Gretchen Carey

President, MassRecycle

Gretchen Carey has worked in the environmental field for over 15 years as a volunteer, municipal recycling coordinator, and sustainability director. Gretchen provides training and education on recycling for municipalities and organizations while helping to build the organics infrastructure in New England. She is also President of the Board of MassRecycle, the statewide non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable materials management. Gretchen is a LEED Green Associate, a Zero Waste TRUE Advisor, and co-founder of GreenLabs Recycling, the hyperlocal company for plastics recycling.

Contact Mariane Medeiros, Senior Project Manager, for questions at  mariane@nerc.org.