Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling Course (A NERC Course) : Keep Massachusetts Beautiful

What We Do

We collaborate with volunteers, business partners, and government leaders to take action and make Massachusetts a cleaner, greener place to live, work, and play. Get involved today.

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Explore Our Programs

Our programs leverage the power of volunteers to reduce litter, promote waste reduction and recycling, and beautify Massachusetts communities.
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Company Community Service

Is your business looking for a worthy community service project? We will match you with a local municipality in need of volunteers and ensure it's a successful day for all involved.

Join the Mass Litter Cleanup Crew

Join the Mass Litter Cleanup Crew

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Join a Community Service Event!

Join a Community Service Event

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See What We Do

Partner with us to do beautiful things in your community!

Join NERC on Monday, March 23 for the Foundation of Sustainable Materials and Recycling course!

The course will be held from 8-5 at the Boxboro Regency Hotel in Boxboro, MA. Designed for those new to the field, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to sustainable materials management, covering the history of recycling, materials markets, and key industry terminology.

You’ll learn from Gretchen Carey, a respected educator and 15 year veteran of the waste and sustainability sector, whose teaching style blends practical insight with real world experience. She’ll be joined by MassRecycle Executive Director Abbey Massaro and long time industry expert Chaz Miller, offering participants a rare opportunity to hear directly from leaders shaping policy, practice, and public understanding.

Syllabus:
• History of Recycling and Sustainable Materials
• Recycling and Trash Relationship
• Supply Chain Overview
• Commodity Market Dynamics
• Connecting SMM to Mega Trends
• Best Practices for Recycling and Sustainable Materials Programs
• Performance Metrics and Goals

The course will be held the day before the MassRecycle Conference, and registered MassRecycle Conference attendees are eligible for a 20% discount on the course.