Overview
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.

Leading Experts

Industry Collaboration

Benefit to Communities
Special Event
Expert Panel: Perspectives on Recovered Glass and Q&A
Monday, October 27, 2025 4pm to 5pm
Join us as local and regional leaders share how recovered glass moves through – and sometimes falls out of – our recycling system. Discover how Vermont tackles contamination, transportation costs, and the elusive “second life” of post-consumer glass. Hear first-hand how industry innovators are turning yesterday’s bottles into tomorrow’s roads, buildings, and products – and what challenges remain.
Whether you’re curious about sustainable design, circular economy solutions, or simply where your empty jar ends up, this panel will leave you inspired and engaged.

World Class Research Hub
The Center serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research, workshops, and lectures on sustainable waste and materials management, resource solutions, climate leadership, and community engagement.
Director
Associate Professor • Affiliate, Gund Institute for Environment • Director of the Casella Center for Circular Economy and Sustainability
eric.roy@uvm.eduInstructional programs: Environmental Sciences; Sustainability, Ecology, & Policy
Research: Nutrient biogeochemistry & management, Circular bioeconomy, Ecological engineering & design, Life cycle...
Research Staff
Research Coordinator, Nutrient Cycling and Ecological Design Lab • Research Coordinator, Casella Center for Circular Economy and Sustainability
tiffany.chin@uvm.eduResearch Specialist, Casella Center for Circular Economy and Sustainability
madison.kacica@uvm.eduFaculty Affiliates
Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Assistant Professor
Interim Dean, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences • Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Research Associate Professor • Director, Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering • Principal Investigator, The SEE Lab
Professor
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering • Affiliate, Gund Institute for Environment