Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling Course
Table of Contents
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.
Syllabus
- Module 1: History of Recycling and Sustainable Materials
- Module 2: Recycling and Trash Relationship
- Module 3: Supply Chain Overview
- Module 4: Commodity Market Dynamics
- Module 5: Connecting SMM to Mega Trends
- Module 6: Best Practices for Recycling and Sustainable Materials Programs
- Module 7: Performance Metrics and Goals
Upcoming Courses
Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling: March (In-Person)
Instructor: Gretchen Carey, MassRecycle
Boxboro Regency Hotel | Boxboro, MA
Monday, March 23rd | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling, Spring II: May/June (Virtual)
Instructor: Jim Frey, RRS
Class 1: Wednesday, May 27th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 2: Monday, June 1st | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 3: Wednesday, June 3rd | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 4: Monday, June 8th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling, Fall I: September (Virtual)
Instructor: Gretchen Carey, MassRecycle
Class 1: Tuesday, Sept. 8th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 2: Thursday, Sept. 10th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 3: Tuesday, Sept. 15th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 4: Thursday, Sept. 17th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling, Fall II: Oct/ Nov (Virtual)
Instructor: Jim Frey, RRS
Class 1: Thursday, Oct. 29th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 2: Monday, Nov. 2nd | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 3: Thursday, Nov. 5th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Class 4: Monday, Nov. 9th | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET
Virtual Registration
| Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate | $340 | $435 |
| Non-Profit, Government, Academia | $295 | $365 |
In-Person Registration
| Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate | $400 | $490 |
| Non-Profit, Government, Academia | $350 | $425 |
Discounts and Cancellation Policy
- Discount:
Register 2+ employees, for the same course, for
10% off enrollment. Reach out to Sophie at
sophie@nerc.org for the discount code.
- Discount: Emerging Professionals accepted into the 2026 program and attending the Rethink Resource Use Conference this October in Princeton, NJ will receive a
35% discount on the course. Please reach out to Mariane at
mariane@nerc.org for more information.
- Cancellation Policy: Refunds will be subject to a $25 processing fee up to one week before the course begins, at which point only credit for a future course of equal value will be provided.
Please note: Discounts are not stackable.
Course Instructors
Gretchen Carey
Founder and Sustainability Advisor, GCarey Sustainability
Gretchen Carey is a 15-year veteran of the waste world, focusing on sustainability and education. She recently spent 7 years as the President of MassRecycle, the statewide non-profit organization dedicated to waste reduction, and held this volunteer role while working as the Sustainability Manager for New England for Republic Services. Gretchen is a frequent figure in the media, has guest-lectured at ten New England colleges and universities, and has co-hosted over 50 podcast episodes on the MassRecycle podcast. She co-founded GreenLabs Recycling, the hyperlocal company for recycling clean laboratory plastic in the Greater Boston area. In late 2025, Gretchen started her own consulting business, G. Carey Sustainability, educating on state regulatory waste ban compliance and offering guidance towards Zero Waste. She is a LEED Green Associate and TRUE Zero Waste Advisor.
Jim Frey
Co-Founder, RRS
Jim Frey co-founded RRS in 1986 and serves as executive chair to its Board of Directors. Jim brings to RRS over 41 years of experience and innovation providing technical and strategic consulting in developing sustainable systems for a waste-free future. His expertise in strategic planning, business economics and public policy support action-oriented decision making in all levels of the public and private sector agencies he supports. Jim’s role in RRS projects is targeted at high value-added client-centered consultancies where his strategic project development skills are directed at understanding client needs, requirements, resources, goals and objectives and then focusing RRS and client resources on cost-effective problem-solving action strategies. In this way, Jim is able to best apply his expertise in project scoping, resource allocation, client liaison, cost/benefit analysis, risk assessment, system planning, project justification, approval and procurement. His work is backed by a team of engineering, management, and communication specialists at RRS that can help you position your organization for a sustainable future. His current focus is the development of green supply chain infrastructure in both public and private sectors through corporate sustainability initiatives, zero waste strategies, and public/private partnerships. Jim holds an MBA with High Distinction from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, supports his community through extensive non-profit leadership work, and enjoys camping, sailing, and vacationing with his family.
