Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
The Casella Center for Circular Economy and Sustainability is a research hub at UVM dedicated to advancing the circular economy and developing solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

About

Transitioning to a more circular economy where materials are recycled to reduce pollution and create further value is central to human prosperity and environmental responsibility. However, this transition presents several challenges that require innovative solutions.

The Casella Center for Circular Economy and Sustainability brings together leading scientists, engineers and waste management sector experts to address these challenges. It builds on three decades of collaboration between UVM and Casella Waste Systems, Inc. on research to reduce the environmental impact of waste. These efforts include decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from waste management systems, assessing and mitigating emerging contaminants that can pose obstacles to circularity, and life cycle assessments to clarify environmental costs and benefits. 

UVM Research Raju Badireddy in a lab wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves working with a test tube

Leading Experts

Drawing on expertise from UVM faculty, students, and industry partners, the Center addresses challenges as they emerge in real-time in the waste management sector.
A Casella truck on UVM's campus parked near Billings Lecture Hall

Industry Collaboration

Creating stronger partnerships between industry and academia, the Center is built on collaborative relationships and expands UVM's circular economy research to find solutions that benefit the public and environment.
A group of students standing in the ecodesign space in the Rubenstein School

Benefit to Communities

Addressing the urgent need for practical solutions that work for people and planet, the Center's focus is to create more sustainable means for managing the materials that support everyday life.
Pile of dirt or compost that is steaming Storm drain Eric Roy and Kate Porterfield standing in a greenhouse

Mission

To accelerate sustainable innovation across material and waste systems through collaborative research, industry partnerships, and real-world implementation.

Mission part 2

We bring together researchers, students, industry leaders, and community partners to rethink how materials are used, reused, transformed, and valued across sectors. From circularity strategies and pollution control to policy design and systems modeling, we apply rigorous scholarship to unlock practical, scalable solutions. 

Why Now?

Today's sustainability transition demands bold systems thinking, grounded in real-world insight. We're here to help lead such efforts, building on three decades of partnership between UVM and Casella Waste Systems, Inc. and deep collaborations with industry, government, and academia.