Current Source Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, & EPP Projects & Initiatives
Click on the following links to learn more about specific projects:
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
NERC is in the process of working on and has completed several efforts to support and expand diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recycling and solid waste communities. They include:
DEI Connect - In May 2022, the DEI Connect listserv was developed. It is the first online forum in the US to support and promote diversity, equity and inclusion for the recycling and solid waste industries.
DE&I Committee - In April 2022, NERC's Board of Directors’ made the decision for NERC to create a DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) Committee. The Committee’s focus is on developing NERC’s DE&I mission statement, strategizing to increase diversity of NERC’s Board, and supporting state agency diversity and staff retention.
Spring '22 Conference Session Recording: Making DE&I Part of Your Operations
Training Series: NERC, in collaboration with West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, and other partners, offered a 4-part, national – virtual – training series on diversity, equity, and inclusion for the recycling and solid waste communities in FY22. The Training recordings, presentations and recommended resources can be found in the DE&I Training Archive.
Next Generation Scholarship Fund
The NERC Fall 2020 Conference featured a plenary session on racial justice in the recycling industry. This conversation opened the door to NERC’s engagement in the complex and challenging topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). NERC believes that by embracing and supporting DE&I, we will most effectively achieve our mission to minimize waste, conserve natural resources, and advance a sustainable economy through facilitated collaboration and action.
NERC has launched the Next Generation Scholarship Fund to support DE&I and to introduce scholars to the topics of sustainable materials management featured at NERC’s Conferences. Scholarships will be awarded to select students interested in attending NERC’s Conferences and learning about the recycling industry.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of NERC’s Next Generation Scholarship Fund, please contact Mary Ann Remolador, Assistant Director.
Conferences: The NERC Board has committed to including at least one topic addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all future conferences.
For more information about NERC's DE&I initiatives, contact Mary Ann Remolador, Assistant Director.
