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WtERT®2025-08-27T03:18:12-04:00

Transforming Waste into Resources for a Climate-Resilient Future

The Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council – WtERT® is the international academic network advancing the recovery of energy and materials from residual, non-recyclable waste. This is the future of Waste-to-X, where waste becomes a resource: powering energy, fuels, chemicals, and new circular solutions.

Founded by the Earth Engineering Center of Columbia University, our aim is to unite top universities and research institutions across continents to advance sustainable waste management. Today, the global leadership of WtERT® is jointly stewarded by Columbia University and the College of Energy Engineering at Zhejiang University.

WtERT® provides trusted, science-based knowledge to governments, international organizations, and industry; grounded in peer-reviewed research and deep technical expertise. We are united by a shared mission: to build a circular, low-carbon economy by applying the best available technologies for post-recycling waste management.

We are a global knowledge hub, advancing innovation at the intersection of academia, policy, and technology: to accelerate climate action and resilience worldwide.

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Our Global Mission at a Glance

Global Research Network

WtERT® connects researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers across 30+ countries to advance Waste-to-Energy + X science and best practices.

Sustainable Waste Solutions

We promote the safe recovery of energy and materials from residual waste, driving circular economy models and reducing methane emissions.

Trusted Knowledge Hub

Our global database of peer-reviewed articles, white papers, and WtE data empowers informed, climate-smart decision-making.

Education & Academic Training

Through courses, workshops, and partnerships with leading universities, WtERT® advances academic and professional education in sustainable waste management.

Explore Our Global Knowledge Hub

Explore cutting-edge research published in Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy, WtERT’s official peer-reviewed journal, co-published by Springer and Zhejiang University Press.
It is the exclusive academic publishing platform of the WtERT global network, advancing sustainable waste management and low-carbon technologies worldwide.

Learning Resources

WtERT’s digital resources provides a variety of content including journals, ebooks and papers on the topics of waste-to-energy. Find more…

Research | Technology | Innovation

Publications

WtERT provides access to thousands of technical papers and journals on the generation of sustainable renewable energy from post recycling waste

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Student Theses

Earth Engineering Center Theses of PhD and Masters students at Columbia University published over the years related to our WTERT organization

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WtERT Conference and Proceedings

Full proceedings of the Bi-Annual WTERT meetings. Materials include presentation slides, posters, and photographs

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Research Working Groups

Share ideas, learn, network, and engage with colleagues from academia and industry at an WtERT research group

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WtERT Academy

WtERT Academy offer a wide range of high-quality teaching, training and extra-curricular activities for engineers, professionals and senior officials from government

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Frequently Asked Questions about Waste-to-Energy

You’ve got questions, we’ve got scientific answers! come check it out

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Latest News, Research, and Publications

Recent updates on sustainable waste management, activities, and publications from WtERT and its global network.

Our Global Network

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Chapters Worldwide
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Academic & Research Institut partners
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Technical papers published
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Community of experts

Welcome to SOFOS: The Most Comprehensive Online Database

Under the auspices of WtERT® and the Earth Engineering Center at Columbia University, SOFOS is a vast repository of wisdom dedicated to advancing sustainable waste management. Named after the Greek word for “wise man,” SOFOS embodies the core values of knowledge sharing and collaboration. Much like the hidden owl nestled within Columbia’s iconic Alma Mater statue—a symbol of wisdom—

Our database contains a wealth of research, including publications, dissertations, conference proceedings, and theses, all aimed at driving innovation in sustainable waste management practices worldwide.

Reinforce Your Knowledge by exploring the SOFOS database. Simply type your search inquiry below to access valuable insights and research:

Circular Economy Pioneers:
Accelerating Waste-to-Energy Solutions for Climate Action and Sustainability

WtERT® Unites Leading Organizations to Champion Waste-to-Energy Innovations for Climate Mitigation and Circular Economy Goals

 

About wtert

WtERT® is a leading nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing the best available technologies for recovering materials and energy from residual non-recyclable waste globally. WtERT® serves as a unique consortium that bridges industry and academia, fostering collaboration among engineers, policymakers, and scientists across 30 countries.

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CONTACT US

Hosted at: Earth Engineering Center
500 West 120th St, #918, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, U.S.A.

Office of the President: 38 Zheda Road, College of Energy Engineering,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P.R. China

✉ info@wtert.org | 🌐 wtert.org

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© WtERT® | The Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council
WtERT® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the United States (EIN: 45-3842166). All rights reserved.
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