About Us

The Recycling Education and Research Foundation (RERF) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization associated with Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).

In 1967, the Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel, an ISRI predecessor association, founded a scrap research founda tion that would explore new preparation methods and quality improvement in the recycling industry. In 1991, the Foundation took its first major step to expand its mission beyond research by creating a tax-exempt scholarship account for ISRI regional chapters with scholarship programs.

Today, the Recycling Education and Research Foundation 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 recycling industry.

Our Mission

The Recycling Education and Research Foundation’s core mission is to sponsor projects that promote public awareness, education, research, and the advancement of recycling.

Board of Directors

The Recycling Education and Research Foundation’s board is comprised of 11 individuals representing commodity processors, consumers, and equipment service providers in the industry.