Understanding Recycling Economics

Learn how to design recycling operations that maximize returns and minimize costs in this NJ Recycling Certification Program course.

Main Content

Recycling symbol and dollar signs written on chalkboard

Course Status Notice – Not Scheduled

We do not have an offering of this course scheduled at this time. Please join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled!

Open to Recycling Certification Series Students Only!

Registration for this course is only open to students who are currently enrolled in the NJ Recycling Certification Series. If you would like to enroll in the program to become a Certified Recycling Professional, please contact Pamela Springard-Mayer at pspring@rutgers.edu or 848-932-7463.

Jump to: Course Details | Overview | Instructor | Reviews | CE Credits | Policies | Contact Us | Related Courses | Join Email List

Course Details

Course Name: Understanding Recycling Economics
Course Code: ER0104YA25
Date of Most Recent Offering: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2025

Date: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2025 UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm EDT UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Location March 4 & 18, 2025: Rutgers Campus, New Brunswick, NJ UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Location March 11 & 25, 2025: Online UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Format: Hybrid course combining online and classroom instruction UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Recycling Series Registration Fee: $260 per person UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

Certificate iconThis class is part of the NJ Recycling Certification Series.

Recycling makes financial sense but only if you design your operations to make it so. That starts with fully understanding your costs and analyzing how those costs change as your program changes. It also means that you must be able to talk the language of accounting, economics, finance, and marketing.

In this four-day class, you’ll work break-even levels, full cost accounting, marginal cost analysis, payback periods, and analyzing waste audits. The class is fast-paced, fun, and interactive. Working in small groups, you will solve problems using current costs and prices to make program decisions. You’ll practice “what if” scenarios, so that no matter how the variables change, you can still find solutions that maximize returns and minimize costs.

Who Should Attend?

If you are completing the NJ Recycling Certification Program in order to become a Certified Recycling Professional, you must take this course.

Meet Your Instructor

Neil Blitz

Bio coming soon!

Student Reviews

Most useful aspect of the course: “Relearning math basics and applying them to running a recycling program or business.”

– Past Participant

[I learned] How to put together a well-written budget with all of the necessary components.”

– Past Participant

“[I learned] How recycling end markets work, where materials may go, and why recycling markets fluctuate.”

– Past Participant

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of Understanding Recycling Economics was approved for 2.4 Rutgers CEUs, as well as the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.

The Understanding Recycling Economics course is approved for 2.4 Rutgers CEUs, as well as the following credits from professional organizations.

State of New Jersey map iconNew Jersey

NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 10 Technical and 10 Management Contact Hours

NJ Certified Recycling Professionals (CRP): 24 Classroom Recertification Credits

Course Requirements and Policies

coronavirus icon COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes

Please visit our policies page for the latest information.

Icon of map marker over folded mapLocation Changes

Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.

Red car iconCampus Parking Policy

All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.

  • A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
  • When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
  • All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.

Policies for March 11 & 25 Online Class Meetings

electronic devices iconTechnology Requirements

This online course will be delivered via Rutgers Canvas learning management system and Zoom.

Equipment you will need to access this training:

  • A laptop or desktop computer is required for this class.
  • Speakers and microphone are not necessary as a call-in option is available.

Once you register with OCPE, you will receive an email from “Rutgers University Canvas” saying, “Click here to finish the registration process,” to create your new account in the Canvas Virtual Platform. If you do not see this message in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder.

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

camera iconPhoto ID Requirement

Each registrant will be asked provide a photo of him/herself holding their government-issued photo ID. This is required by credit boards so that you may receive credits for participating in this online course.

  • You will receive a reminder email prior to the start of the class with further instructions. Wait to receive these instructions before you attempt to upload your ID.
  • The photo must be clear enough that we can read your name and verify that the person pictured on the ID is in fact the person holding it.
  • After an OCPE staff member reviews the picture and verifies your identity, you will have access to participate in the course when it begins.

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $75 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Understanding Recycling Economics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Headshot of Rutgers Program Coordinator Pamela Springard-Mayer

Program Coordinator: Pamela Springard-Mayer
848-932-7463
pspring@rutgers.edu

Rutgers University Shield

Administrative Assistant: Claudine Oleskin
848-932-7204
coleskin@njaes.rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Three smiling recycling center workers standing in front of recycled cardboard

NJ Recycling Certification Series

Two recycling center workers monitoring conveyor belt of recycled cans

NJ Alternate Recycling Certification Series

Workers at a recycling center looking at a tablet

Recycling Practice and Theory

white envelope icon with @ sign representing email

Join Our Email List!