Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling
In Person | Boxboro Regency Hotel, Boxboro, MA
Monday, March 23rd | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET (agenda below)
Discount: This in-person course will be held the day prior to the MassRecycle Conference. If you are registered for the MassRecycle Conference, you are eligible for a 20% discount on the course. Please contact Sophie Leone at sophie@nerc.org with proof of registration to receive the discount code.
Register for the MassRecycle conference which will be held Tuesday, March 24th at the Boxboro Regency Hotel.
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.
Agenda
- 8:00 - 8:30 AM Networking and Breakfast (provided)
- 8:30 - 12:00 Class and Interactive Breakout Groups
- 12:00 -12:30 Lunch (provided)
- 1:00 - 4:30 Class and Interactive Breakout Groups
- 4:30 - 5:00 Networking
Rates
(Member rates apply to both NERC and MassRecycle members for this course)
| Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate | $400 | $490 |
| Non-Profit, Government, Academia | $350 | $425 |
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.
Course Instructor
Gretchen Carey
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.
Contact Mariane Medeiros, Senior Project Manager, for questions at mariane@nerc.org.
