The Arlington, Virginia-based Energy Recovery Council (ERC), celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2016. The ERC is a national trade association representing the companies and local governments engaged in the waste-to-energy (WTE) sector. The organization was formed in 1991 as the Institute for Resource Recovery. Shortly thereafter it operated as the Integrated Waste Services Association. In 2008, the organization became known as the Energy Recovery Council.

ERC President Ted Michaels says, “While our name has changed, our mission has always remained true to promoting waste-to-energy technology as an important component of community waste management systems.”

The broad goal of the ERC is to create an environment in which waste to energy can thrive and grow. We accomplish this through a focus on advocacy, public information and engagement, and the development and dissemination of research.

The ERC is exceptionally proud of its track record ensuring a reasonable and sensible regulatory environment for facilities. In addition, waste to energy was made eligible for the federal renewable energy production tax credit in 2004 and has been defined in renewable energy in more than 30 states. We are also very proud of legislation in Maryland in 2011 which elevated waste to energy from a Tier 2 renewable resource to a Tier 1 resource, putting it on par with wind and other renewables. This has had a positive financial impact the price of renewable energy credits earned by Maryland waste to energy facilities, creating more value for the energy produced by the facilities.

“ERC membership is a great way to engage with others in the industry as well as directly participate in the activities which will drive this sector forward,” says Michaels. “Every day, the association works to create market opportunities for energy and material recovery that will make it easier for our members to achieve their goals, whether you are a private company seeking to deliver value to shareholders and investors, or a local government looking to manage waste responsibly while delivering value to the taxpayer.”

ERC has approximately 60 members, roughly half of which are local governments. “Our members consist of owners and operators of waste to energy facilities, energy and resource recovery developers, as well as companies and organizations that provide goods and services to the waste to energy sector,” says Michaels. “Like any successful trade association, our members form the foundation of everything that we do and we are delighted by the long term support of our membership.”