About the Waste Management Research Institute

Independent research excellence advancing sustainable waste management worldwide

Our Mission

The Waste Management Research Institute (WMRI) is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of sustainable waste management through rigorous, independent research. We provide evidence-based insights that inform policy decisions, guide industry practices, and promote environmental stewardship globally.

Core Values

  • Scientific Rigor: All research adheres to the highest standards of scientific methodology and peer review
  • Independence: We maintain complete editorial and research independence from commercial interests
  • Sustainability: Environmental stewardship guides all our research priorities
  • Collaboration: We foster partnerships across academia, industry, and government
  • Transparency: Our methodologies and findings are openly available to advance collective knowledge

History & Foundation

Founded in 2008 by a consortium of environmental scientists and policy researchers, WMRI emerged from the recognition that waste management challenges required dedicated, interdisciplinary research approaches. What began as a small think tank has grown into a globally recognized research institution.

2008
Institute founded with initial focus on municipal waste systems
2012
Expanded to include industrial waste and circular economy research
2016
Launched international policy analysis program
2020
Established microplastics and emerging contaminants division
2023
Opened new laboratory facilities and expanded to 25 research staff

Research Approach

Interdisciplinary Methods

Our research combines environmental science, engineering, economics, and policy analysis to address complex waste management challenges from multiple perspectives.

Data-Driven Analysis

We employ advanced statistical methods, modeling, and data analytics to ensure our findings are robust and actionable for decision-makers.

Field Research

Extensive field studies and pilot projects provide real-world validation of our theoretical models and policy recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement

We actively engage with municipalities, industry, and communities to ensure our research addresses practical challenges and needs.

Areas of Expertise

Municipal Waste Systems

Comprehensive analysis of collection, processing, and disposal systems across urban and rural communities worldwide.

Circular Economy

Research on waste-to-resource conversion, material flow analysis, and sustainable business model development.

Policy Analysis

Evaluation of waste management policies, regulations, and their effectiveness across different jurisdictions.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Life-cycle analysis and environmental impact studies of waste management technologies and practices.

Emerging Contaminants

Research on microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants in waste streams.

Technology Assessment

Evaluation of innovative waste processing technologies and their potential for large-scale implementation.

Partnerships & Collaborations

WMRI collaborates with leading institutions worldwide to advance waste management research and implementation.

Academic Partners

  • Stanford Environmental Program
  • MIT Department of Civil Engineering
  • UC Berkeley Renewable & Appropriate Energy Lab
  • Technical University of Denmark
  • Imperial College London

International Organizations

  • United Nations Environment Programme
  • International Solid Waste Association
  • OECD Environment Directorate
  • World Bank Urban Development
  • Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Government Agencies

  • US Environmental Protection Agency
  • European Environment Agency
  • California Air Resources Board
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • UK Department for Environment

Research Impact

500+

Research studies completed

150+

Peer-reviewed publications

50+

Policy recommendations adopted

25+

Countries studied

Our research has directly influenced waste management policies in over 25 countries and has been cited in major environmental legislation, including the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan and multiple state-level waste reduction initiatives in the United States.

Funding & Independence

WMRI maintains its research independence through diverse funding sources, ensuring no single entity can influence our research agenda or findings.

Government Grants (45%)

Competitive research grants from national science agencies and environmental ministries

Foundation Support (35%)

Support from environmental foundations and philanthropic organizations

International Organizations (15%)

Project funding from UN agencies and multilateral development banks

Publication Revenue (5%)

Revenue from report sales and consulting services