The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) raised聽over聽$4 million during its 2026 Annual Charitable Auction, held during the inaugural 豆包成人版 Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.聽All聽funds raised support EREF鈥檚 mission to聽advance scientific research and create educational pathways that enable innovation in sustainable materials management practices.
The auction brought together hundreds of industry leaders, companies, and supporters who contributed through donated items, sponsorships, bidding, and direct giving. Auction offerings ranged from industry equipment and products to exclusive experiences and executive outings, reflecting the broad support EREF receives from across the waste and recycling聽sector.聽value chain.
鈥淓very dollar raised through the auction represents an investment in the future of our industry,鈥� said聽Dr.聽Bryan Staley, President聽&聽CEO of EREF. 鈥淭he challenges facing waste and recycling are becoming increasingly complex, from PFAS management and landfill emissions to circular economy initiatives and emerging technologies. Continued investment in research and education is essential to聽ensuring聽the industry has the data, expertise, and talent needed to make informed decisions.鈥�
EREF鈥檚聽body of work includes聽research and scholarship programs, industry-focused educational initiatives, and independent university-led research projects. Current areas of research focus include landfill emissions measurement and mitigation, PFAS management, recycling systems, organics management, sustainable materials management, and emerging technologies that can improve environmental and operational performance.聽Since its founding in 1995, EREF has invested聽over $23聽million聽in scientific research and educational programs that help industry leaders better understand complex environmental and operational challenges.
EREF extends its gratitude to the donors, sponsors, bidders, volunteers, and industry聽organizations聽whose generosity made this year鈥檚 event possible.聽View the winning bidders聽.