The Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WtERT®) is a nonprofit academic network dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and practical solutions for sustainable waste management.

As a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, WtERT operates with a commitment to transparency and public benefit. Its governance documents, financial reports, and research outputs are made publicly accessible in support of accountability and open knowledge.
WtERT focuses on the scientific study and evaluation of waste valorisation systems, including thermal, biological, and other resource recovery pathways for residual waste that cannot be effectively reduced, reused, or recycled. Its work is carried out through academic research, international collaboration, and educational activities in partnership with universities and research institutions worldwide.
The organization maintains a neutral, science-based approach and does not advocate for specific technologies or commercial interests. Instead, it supports data-driven analysis, life-cycle assessment, and the exchange of knowledge to inform sustainable waste management practices.
WtERT’s 501(c)(3) status ensures that its activities are aligned with its educational and scientific mission, and that contributions are used in support of research, collaboration, and public dissemination of knowledge. Financial disclosures, including IRS Form 990 filings, are made available to reinforce transparency and trust.
Through its global academic network, WtERT contributes to advancing understanding of waste management systems, resource recovery, and their role within broader environmental and circular economy frameworks.

2. Legal Status and Organizational Information

  • Legal Name: Global WtERT Council Inc.
  • Full Name: Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WtERT®)
  • Legal Status: Registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization in the United States of America, recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number): 45-3842166
  • State of Incorporation: New York
  • Date of incorporation: 2011
  • IRS Determination Letter: Download IRS Determination Letter
    (This letter confirms the IRS’s favorable determination of WtERT’s tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.)
  • Registered Trademark: WtERT® (U.S. Serial Number 97073575, registered on November 22, 2022)
  • Founding Institution: Earth Engineering Center (EEC) at Columbia University
  • Headquarters: 90 Morningside Drive, Apt 3E, New York, NY 10027, United States of America

3. Organizational Structure

WtERT® operates as a global academic network of universities and research institutions, each serving as an Affiliated Institution and contributing to the development of the Council’s mission.
These institutions may host a national presence using the designation “WtERT + Country,” which is anchored within the university campus and supports the development of local academic and professional networks. These designations do not constitute independent legal entities.
Each Affiliated Institution designates a representative (Focal Point), who serves as the primary liaison and participates in the WtERT Council. The Council is composed of these academic representatives and functions as a collaborative body supporting the scientific mission, knowledge exchange, and international coordination of the network. The Council is a non-governing coordination body and does not constitute a board or decision-making authority.
WtERT’s leadership ensures the coherence of its mission, the integrity of its scientific work, and the coordination of its global activities.
The organization is supported by a Scientific and Strategic Steering Group (advisory body) composed of senior experts who provide scientific guidance, strategic advice, and support for international academic collaboration.
Members of this group serve in an advisory and non-governing capacity and do not exercise legal, fiduciary, or decision-making authority over the organization.

Leadership:

  • Founder and Chairman Emeritus: Prof. Nickolas J. Themelis, Columbia University, USA
  • Chairman: Prof. Yan Jianhua, Zhejiang University, China
  • Executive President: Prof. Qunxing Huang, Zhejiang University, China

Global Academic Network:
WtERT’s Affiliated Institutions represent academic institutions across multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, reflecting its international academic presence.

WtERT Council:
The WtERT Council is composed of the designated representatives (Focal Points) of each Institutional Member. These representatives typically serve as Chairs or Co-Chairs of the corresponding “WtERT + Country” academic network hosted within their institution.
The Council functions as a collaborative academic body supporting scientific exchange, international coordination, and the development of the network’s activities. Membership in the Council is derived from institutional participation and is not subject to election.

Scientific and Strategic Steering Group:
The Scientific and Strategic Steering Group is composed of senior experts and trusted individuals who support the Chairman and Executive President in maintaining the scientific integrity, strategic direction, and international coherence of WtERT.
Members of this group serve in a voluntary capacity and are designated based on their expertise and long-standing contribution to the mission of the organization. The Steering Group is an advisory scientific body and does not exercise governance or legal authority over WtERT.

WtERT operates as a non-membership scientific collaboration network. References to “membership” or “Institutional Members” in legacy documentation refer exclusively to participation in the network and do not confer governance, voting, or legal representation rights.

4. Governance Policies

WtERT® maintains a set of governance policies to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, including:

• WtERT By-Laws
• WtERT Charter
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Data Privacy Policy

These documents define the principles and rules guiding the organization’s operations and decision-making processes.

5. Financial Transparency

WtERT® is committed to transparency and accountability in its financial practices.
As a U.S. nonprofit organization, WtERT® files an annual IRS Form 990, which is publicly available and provides information on the organization’s finances, governance, and activities.

6. Brand and Representation

The name WtERT® and its associated logo are protected intellectual property.
Use of the WtERT® name, logo, or identity:

  • Requires prior written authorization from the organization
  • Is strictly prohibited for unauthorized representation, endorsement, or personal or institutional promotion

No individual, chapter, or external organization may claim to represent WtERT® or engage partners on its behalf without formal written authorization.