Serves the public through research, outreach, training, and technical assistance programs in solid waste disposal, management and planning.

History

The Cornell Waste Management Institute (CWMI) was established in 1987. CWMI addresses the environmental and social issues associated with waste management by focusing University resources and capabilities on this pressing economic, environmental and political issue. Through research, outreach and teaching activities, CWMI staff and affiliated researchers and educators work to develop technical solutions to waste management problems and to address broader issues of waste generation and composition, waste reduction, risk management, environmental equity and public decision-making. The focus for such work is on multidisciplinary projects that integrate research and outreach.

Research

CWMI promotes research on all aspects of solid waste management. One particularly important function of the Institute is to enable experts from various fields to collaborate on the interdisciplinary problems that characterize waste management.

Among the current areas of research are composting as a component of integrated waste management; assessing the benefits and impacts of agricultural application of sewage sludges, manures and fertilizers; and source reduction.

Outreach

Major goals of the CWMI outreach program are to improve the ability of local officials, businesses and the public to make informed waste management decisions and to enhance the competency of solid waste professionals through increased training opportunities. The Cornell Cooperative Extension network, with offices in every New York State county, provides one useful means of reaching these audiences. Outreach activities are based on research, with a goal of extending up to date, objective, research-based knowledge to a wide range of audiences from state agencies to youth.

The Institute develops and sponsors technical and management workshops and conferences. Staff also produce reports and audio-visual and computer-based training materials. CWMI youth educational materials have received awards from US EPA and others. A publications library with over 5700 reference materials is housed at CWMI and is open to the public. A database of the library materials can be accessed and searched through the CWMI website.

Teaching

CWMI offers short courses and workshops for solid waste professionals, local government officials, Cooperative Extension personnel and the public. These programs are often offered in co-sponsorship with other organizations and are held at Cornell and other locations throughout New York State. Internships enable undergraduate and graduate students to participate in both research and outreach activities. These opportunities provide training for students in multidisciplinary approaches to bringing university resources to bear on solving waste management problems. CWMI does not offer a degree program.