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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.
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Course Details
Course Name: Recycling Practice and Theory
Course Code: ER0111YA26
Date: October 3, 9, 16, 23, 30 and November 6, 2025
Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm EDT/EST
Format: Hybrid course combining online and in-person, classroom instruction and in-person site visits
Location October 3 & November 6, 2025: Cook Student Center, 59 Biel Rd, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Location October 9, 2025: Rutgers EcoComplex, 1200 Florence Columbus Rd., Bordentown, NJ 08505 (Directions)
Location October 16, 23 & 30, 2025: Online
*Continental breakfast and lunch included for those attending in person classes
Recycling Series Registration Fee: $345 per person
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
This class is part of the NJ Recycling Certification Series.
Recycling has evolved from something that we do just because it is environmentally sound to something that has substantial economic and sustainability benefits as well. By combining presentations by guest speakers and field visits to solid waste and recycling facilities across the state, this course will show you how recycling can become “asset management” and a vital part of your organization’s operations. You will learn how to perform a waste audit, understand recycling markets, increase participation rates, put efficiency to work for you, and much more!
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
Wayne DeFeo, DeFeo Associates
Wayne DeFeo is the founder of DeFeo Associates, a full service environmental consulting firm. He is an NJDEP Certified Compost Facility Operator, member of the US Composting Council, and brings more than 25 years of experience in the recycling/solid waste field to the classroom. Past students describe him as “funny and engaging” and “very informative” with “great energy and passion for the subject.”
Mark Vangieri
Mark Vangieri is the Administration and Solid Waste Program Manager for the Bergen County Utilities Authority, and he is the Recycling Coordinator for Bergen County, NJ. Mark also held the position of Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator and has worked for the Authority for over 34 years. Mark supervises the department that serves as the designated implementing agency of the Bergen County Solid Waste Management Plan and his responsibilities include planning, developing and coordinating waste management programs for the Bergen County Solid Waste Management District.
Mark is a graduate of Kean University and the New Jersey Recycling Professional Certification Series. He is also a Certified Municipal Solid Waste Systems Manager and Certified Recycling Manager from the Solid Waste Association of North America. Mark has been a board member of the Association of New Jersey Recyclers for over 20 years.
Student Reviews
“It was a great class. It helped me to better understand the economics of recycling and how important education is in order to influence the behavior of residents.”
– Past Participant
“This course was everything and more of what I anticipated. Each and every speaker and instructor was clear and extremely concise in their subject matter. Everyone took time to answer every question and gave in depth explanations. Very professional and an absolute pleasure to be able to attend. Thank you all very much.”
– Past Participant
Most useful aspects of the course: “Understanding recycling as a commodity. Seeing what happens to our garbage once it leaves our houses. Learning different laws that deal with recycling issues.”
– Past Participant
Continuing Education Credits
The Recycling Practice and Theory course is approved for 3.6 Rutgers CEUs (36 contact hours), as well as the following credits from professional organizations.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 10 Technical and 10 Government Contact Hours
NJ Certified Recycling Professionals (CRP): 18 Classroom Recertification Credits
Course Requirements and Policies
COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes
Please visit our policies page for the latest information.
Location Changes
Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.
Campus 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 October 16, 23 & 30, 2025 Online Class Meetings
Technology 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.
- You must have a camera and a microphone to participate in this class.
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.
One week before the start date of class, you will receive an email from Claudine Oleskin with more details on the class.
Email 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
Cancellations and Substitutions
A $100 cancellation fee applies for this course. View our cancellation policy.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about Recycling Practice and Theory, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Coordinator: Pamela Springard-Mayer
848-932-7463
pspring@rutgers.edu
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.
