Securing Your Future: A Guide to Waste Management Scholarships

The field of waste management is crucial for environmental sustainability and public health. As the world grapples with increasing waste generation, the need for skilled and knowledgeable professionals in this sector is greater than ever. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to support students pursuing education and research in waste management and related fields. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also recognize and encourage excellence in the industry.

SWANA Scholarship Opportunities

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) offers several scholarship programs aimed at fostering the next generation of waste management professionals.

The Robert P. Stearns/SCS Engineers Scholarship Award

This scholarship is designed for full-time students entering or currently enrolled in graduate school. Eligible fields of study include environmental science, engineering, or other relevant majors related to solid waste management. More details regarding deadlines and application links will be announced in the coming months.

The Harvey W. Gershman Scholarship

Funded by a generous donation from Harvey Gershman, this new scholarship provides $5,000 annually. SWANA manages this scholarship as part of its annual program, encouraging students to pursue careers. More details regarding deadlines and application links will be announced in the coming months.

Grant H. Flint International Scholarship Program

While SWANA will not be offering the Grant H. Flint International Scholarship Program this year at the international level, local chapters are welcome to continue offering this scholarship on the chapter level.

Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) Scholarships

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing solid waste research and education. EREF offers a variety of scholarships to graduate students pursuing excellence in solid waste management research.

Eligibility and Criteria

EREF scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in master’s and doctoral research related to solid waste. Applicants must have a clearly demonstrated interest in solid waste management research. EREF defines solid waste management broadly, including municipal solid waste, construction & demolition waste, industrial waste (e.g., coal ash), and waste-to-energy (WTE) ash.

Recipients are chosen based on their credentials and potential contributions to the solid waste industry and its scientific community. Award amounts consider the cost of tuition at the recipient’s institution and any other funds received.

Scholarship Amounts

Doctoral scholarships are awarded up to $16,000 per year, paid monthly, and can be extended until graduation. Master’s scholarships are awarded up to $10,000 per year and can be extended until graduation.

Named Scholarships within EREF

EREF offers several named scholarships, each honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the waste management industry. These scholarships include:

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Francois Fiessinger Memorial Scholarship Fund: Established in 1997 based on a contribution from Lyonnaise des Eaux, this scholarship recognizes excellence in Ph.D. research. Francois Fiessinger dedicated his career to advancing international research and technology development in waste and water management and was one of the founders of EREF in 1994.
Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) Scholarship: Created by leaders with a long history in the waste and recycling industry, this scholarship honors the legacy of BFI and celebrates those who played a part in its growth and impact. Tom Joseph Fatjo, Jr., a visionary and the founder of Browning-Ferris Industries, is remembered for his charismatic personality, positive attitude, honesty, and integrity.
The Garbageman’s Invitational (GMI) Scholarship: The sponsors of the Garbageman’s Invitational, including Kerry Holmes, Mike Melideo, and Ray Burke, established this scholarship to give back to the industry.
H.H.H. Scholarship: Created by Harry Howisen, this scholarship is inspired by EREF’s atmosphere of collegiality and shared commitment to nurturing the future of resource management.
Debbie Reinhart Scholarship: Created by Debbie Reinhart and her husband Richard, this scholarship encourages women to pursue engineering careers in the waste industry. Debbie Reinhart is a Pegasus Professor Emeritus at the University of Central Florida and is known for her work with bioreactor landfills.
Robert J. Riethmiller Scholarship: Named after Robert J. Riethmiller, Chairman of PTR Baler and Compactor, this scholarship recognizes students pursuing excellence in waste management.
Ruterra Group Doctoral Scholarship: This scholarship is in memory of Joseph (Joe) P. Frola, honoring his consequential role for numerous key leaders in the waste industry.
Scott and Vicki Dols Scholarship: Scott and Vicki Dols have a strong legacy within the waste industry and share a deep commitment to its past and future leaders. They believe EREF scholars are the future of sustainability.
Waste Industries Scholarship Honoring Lonnie C. Poole Jr.: Lonnie C. Poole Jr. was the first in his family to attend college and found success in the business world.

Application Process for EREF Scholarships

EREF has one scholarship application that applies to all of its scholarships. While references are not required, applicants may include up to five if desired. A recommendation form is required, and recommenders must submit their forms through InfoReady. If recommenders have not completed their recommendation, the application is not considered complete, and the applicant should select another recommender.

Additional Waste Management Scholarships

Besides SWANA and EREF, other organizations offer scholarships for students interested in waste management.

The Theodore “Toby” Ryan Memorial Scholarship (DSWA)

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) offers The Theodore “Toby” Ryan Memorial Scholarship, awarding one $2,500 scholarship annually. The scholarship is renewable for a total of four years, provided the student maintains a 3.0 GPA, remains in an approved major at an accredited university or college, and completes a DSWA renewal form.

The scholarship is awarded to a full-time student who plans to major in any area of Environmental Studies or Engineering at an accredited university or college. Applicants must submit a completed essay and an official transcript. The essay question asks students to describe in 500 words or less where they envision a degree in environmental studies or engineering taking them, including any attributes or characteristics from their background that can help contribute to diversity in the field.

Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) Scholarships

The Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) recognizes outstanding students pursuing courses of study and research leading to careers in air quality, waste management, environmental management/policy/law, and sustainability.

McNamee Porter & Seeley/University of Michigan Scholarship

This scholarship prefers students in sanitary engineering, although any civil engineering student may qualify. Applicants must be members of an MSPE Student Chapter, U.S. citizens and residents of Michigan, and enrolled in an ABET-accredited engineering program at a Michigan college or university. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit recommendations from at least two professors.

John C. Seivert Memorial Fund

For students attending St. Cloud Technical College and majoring in waste/water management, this fund provides financial assistance. The college selects the recipient. This scholarship is limited to residents of Minnesota.

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