Professional Development Courses

Northeast Recycling Council offers continued learning for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the recycling and sustainable materials landscape. These courses are developed in partnership with Resource Recycling and Resource Recycling Systems (RRS). Taught by live instructors, these courses are tailored to ensure quality content and maximization of teacher-student interaction. Participants can ask questions in real time, engage in individual and group exercises, network, and leave with valuable resources and connections.


Courses

Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling

Upcoming Offering: Mid-May / Early June 2025 (Registration Opening Soon)

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.

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

Sustainable Materials and Recycling Policy

Upcoming Offering: September / October 2025 (Registration Opening Soon)

This course offers a deeper dive into the policies and frameworks that govern recycling and sustainable materials management in the U.S. Participants will examine key policy drivers and how these regulations shape recycling initiatives, compliance requirements, and sustainable practices. Through live sessions and case studies, participants will explore best practices for implementing new legislation and how to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability regulations. This course offers valuable insights for policy advocates, environmental professionals, and business leaders. Classes are 2.5 hours each.

Syllabus



Class 1 

  • Module 1: History of Recycling Policy 
  • Module 2: Main Trends of Past Policies 

Class 2 

  • Module 3: History of DRS in the U.S. 
  • Module 4: EPR Past & Present ((Packaging & Paper Products (PPP) and Other Materials)) 

Class 3 

  • Module 5: Additional Packaging Policies 
  • Module 6: Education and Outreach Best Practices with Policy Changes 

Rates

Member Non-Member
Corporate $295 $375
Non-Profit, Government, Academia $255 $325

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


Share by: