Research Project: A circular economy keeps materials and products in circulation for as long possible. The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act refers to an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design, enables resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models). It is a change to the model in which resources are mined, made into products, and then become waste. A circular economy reduces material use, redesigns materials and products to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will research reducing plastics pollution, measurement and analysis of recycling data, and how EPA can help promote a circular economy. The participant will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers at EPA, as well as other federal agencies and non-profit and academic institutions. They will collaborate with scientists in environmental and social sciences. This appointment is at EPA Headquarters and is not in a laboratory.
Learning Objectives: The participant may be involved in one or more of the following research areas:
- Compilation and evaluation of statewide measurement data on recycling rates, amounts of various materials recycled, contamination rates, and other relevant metrics.
- Measurement of various materials that comprise municipal solid waste and how they are managed through landfilling, recycling, and other management pathways.
- Quantifying and valuating the business markets and economic conditions for recyclable and recycled materials and commodities in communities throughout the country.
- Analyzing end markets for commonly recycled materials (glass, paper, aluminum) as well as hard-to-recycle materials like electronics and textiles.
- Studying ways to improve recycling infrastructure in various communities including rural, urban, and communities with environmental justice concerns.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program and measuring its resulting outputs and outcomes.
- Advising on the implementation of the National Recycling Strategy.