Center for Sustainable Materials Management

03/19/2026

We're pleased to announce the latest edition of our Foam Container, Void Fill & Protective Packaging Alternative Guide (EPS Guide), developed in partnership with the Institute for Sustainability Engagement - EFC Region 2.

As of January 1, 2026, New York State expanded its polystyrene foam ban to include single-use EPS cold storage containers like coolers and bait containers, expanding upon the 2022 ban on EPS food and beverage containers and loose fill packaging. This updated guide is designed to support businesses and organizations in finding practical alternatives to polystyrene products.

Explore the full guide, check the link in our bio. 🔗

11/05/2025

Recycling is essential infrastructure. But what does it look like in New York State? And what does it cost? 🤔

Developed in partnership with RRS, CSMM has released a new report titled “Current Recycling Systems in NYS: Residential, Commercial, and Facilities Analysis.” Findings from the report identify gaps in the current recycling system that will help move forward New York State's goals for more equitable access to recycling services, waste reduction, and improved data systems to support local governments and partnerships that advance climate and environmental justice. 👈👀

A better recycling system requires partnership between government, business, and residents. Check out the full report to learn how we can build it together.

Visit the link in our bio to download the full report and register for the upcoming informational webinar on December 9th! 🔗

06/24/2025

🚨 Deadline Extended 🚨

Good news, CSMM’s Certify Circularity New York (C2NY) application deadline has been extended to July 1st!

This program supports businesses boost efficiency, reduce waste, and build a more circular future through TRUE Certification—funding, technical assistance, and one TRUE Advisor registration are included.

For more information, check out the link in our bio!🔗

03/25/2025

Still reflecting about our Fall Conference Rethinking Resource Use: Regional Perspectives? So are we! 💭

Take a trip down memory lane with our latest blog post, featuring photos and key highlights from the insightful sessions and collaborations shared back in October.

Head over to the CSMM website, or visit the link in our bio to check it out. 🔗

www.centerforsmm.org/news/photo-recap-of-the-fall-conference-rethinking-resource-use-regional-perspectives

01/15/2025

Watch how the Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE), previously known as the Center for Sustainable Community Solutions (CSCS) and CSMM are collaborating to boost recycling and outreach across New York State. Featuring Melissa Young, Principal Investigator and Director of ISE and other key leaders, this film highlights the impacts of the statewide Recycle Right New York campaign.

In this short film, discover the collaborative efforts of the Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE), formerly known as the Center for Sustainable Com...

12/23/2024

Wishing everyone a happy holiday, from the CSMM team! ✨

12/17/2024

Explore how SUNY Stony Brook’s Department of Technology and Society, in partnership with CSMM, is enhancing recycling efficiency across New York State. This film highlights their waste characterization study, recycling program evaluations, and economic analysis tool development, featuring insights from researchers David Tonjes and Elizabeth Hewitt.

In collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), SUNY Stony Brook’s Department of Technology and Society is conducting comprehen...

11/15/2024

And that's a wrap!🎉

Our 2024 fall conference, "Rethinking Resource Use: Regional Perspectives," was a huge success! Many thanks to our partnership with Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. (NERC) and our collaboration with the Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) at Syracuse University, formerly known as the Syracuse University CSCS / Environmental Finance Center, for making it happen.

We kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Dr. Garry Cooper Jr., CEO and Co-founder of Rheaply. Dr. Cooper shared how their company is employing technology to reduce costs and carbon emissions by keeping reusable materials out of landfills. In a few short months of modernizing the surplus exchange at SUNY-ESF, the college has saved 40,000 dollars and diverted over 6k lbs. of materials. Throughout the three-day conference, CSMM heard from industry leaders on a wide range of topics including recycling markets for hard to recover materials, green procurement guidelines emerging EPR policies and implementation recommendations, outreach and education strategies, and so much more!

Want to learn more? You are welcome to access the presentation slides from all three days of the conference here: https://www.nerc.org/conference-records! 📊✨

10/23/2024

Watch how CSMM at SUNY-ESF is transforming materials management. This film showcases Professor Doug Daley’s work on turning non-recyclable papers into compost, driving sustainability forward.

The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is driving innovation in the recycling market an...

10/17/2024

Our 2024 fall conference is quickly approaching. "Rethinking Resource Use: Regional Perspectives," will be held in partnership with the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) and in collaboration with Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions from October 28th to October 30th, 2024, in Syracuse, NY at SUNY ESF! To learn more about the speakers and agenda visit NERC’s website: https://www.nerc.org/conference-overview 👈

Join us for three days of networking, learning, and rethinking how we manage materials.✨🤝

There is still time to register! Link in bio!🔗

10/02/2024

Watch this short film to see how Alfred University’s Center for Glass Innovation, in partnership with CSMM, is tackling New York’s glass recycling challenges. This short film features Dean Gabrielle Gaustad’s efforts to boost the use of recycled glass cullets, advancing sustainable materials management.

In collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), Alfred University’s Center for Glass Innovation is tackling opportunities and c...