On April 18, 1994 at O’Hare Airport, the first formal board meeting of the foundation was held. In attendance were: Lonnie Poole (Waste Industries), Patrick Banfield (Banfield and Associates), Gene Wingerter (National Solid Waste Management Association), Bob Duncan (J.C. Duncan Companies), Izzie Abrams (Dual Removal Systems, Ltd.), Whit Hudson (Hudson Management Company) and Lee Brandsma (Groot Industries).

Our Mission

To fund and direct scientific research and educational initiatives for waste management practices to benefit industry participants and the communities they serve.

Our Vision

The leading institution lighting a clear path, through research and education, translating ideas into action for sustainable waste management practices.

Strategic Objectives

Unbiased, scientific reports and analysis on waste management practices
Scholarships for high potential graduate students and internships for highly qualified undergraduate students
Targeted research to expand industry knowledge and understanding of the waste stream from generation to final disposition
Improved public understanding of solid waste stream and sustainable solid waste management practices
Increasing industry knowledge through educational programs