Recycling Education and Research Foundation Looks to 2025

The Recycling Education and Research Foundation (RERF) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization associated with Recycled Materials Association (ReMA). In 1967, the Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel, a ReMA predecessor association, founded a research foundation to explore new preparation methods and quality improvement in the recycled materials industry.

In 1991, the Foundation took its first major step to expand its mission beyond research by creating a tax-exempt scholarship account for ReMA regional chapters with scholarship programs.

Today, RERF has funded valuable industry research and has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to more than 1,200 students across the country. By funding research and providing academic scholarships, the Foundation continues to raise the profile of the recycled materials industry.

According to Christine Gneiding, RERF’s chair and trader at Intrametco, RERF’s biggest themes going into 2025 are education and outreach.

“We partner with ReMA and its members across several different programs, and we are always looking for new initiatives to take on to help promote the education and research that forms the backbone of our industry,” she said. “A big forthcoming project is a Propane Safety and Education Program. Additionally, we are honoring the legacy of longtime ReMA member Peter J. Avagliano with an award in his honor in 2025—details will be shared widely when nominations open.”

While RERF is known for its national scholarships, the foundation is also working with ReMA chapters and regions to develop plans for disaster assistance when natural disasters affect stakeholders. The Foundation is working on some new and exciting workforce development efforts, including recruitment and retention.

“RERF’s work serves as a catalyst for the generosity and philanthropy of the industry, harnessing the wisdom, knowledge, and resources of the industry to promote recycling education and research,” Gneiding said.