FAQs
Answers about membership, standards, and certification
Organized by topic and written by the Council's technical teams. Still have questions? Write to support@iwrrec.org, we respond within one working day.
General
General questions
The International Waste Resource Recovery and Energy Council (IWRREC) is an independent global organization that develops technical standards, certification frameworks, research programs, and educational resources for waste management, resource recovery, recycling, circular economy practices, and waste-to-energy. We convene experts from industry, government, and academia to create practical guidance that improves environmental performance worldwide.
Membership
Membership questions
Membership is open to waste management companies, recycling operators, energy developers, municipalities, research institutions, technology providers, NGOs, and government agencies committed to advancing sustainable waste and energy practices. Corporate, institutional, and associate membership tiers provide varying levels of access to standards development, working groups, events, and certification support.
Standards
Standards questions
Our standards follow a transparent, consensus-based process: scope definition by a technical committee, draft preparation with stakeholder input, public comment periods, revision, and final publication. Committees include balanced representation from operators, researchers, regulators, and end users. Major standards are reviewed on a five-year cycle or when significant technology or regulatory changes occur.
Certification
Certification questions
IWRREC operates conformance programs for waste management facilities, resource recovery plants, recycling operations, and waste-to-energy installations. Programs include facility certification, operator competency credentials, environmental performance verification, and supply chain traceability for recovered materials. Each program defines assessment criteria, audit protocols, and renewal requirements.
Research
Research questions
Yes. The Council publishes peer-reviewed research papers, industry outlook reports, policy briefs, case study compendiums, and technical white papers through our Research & Publications library. Members receive complimentary access to premium reports and early releases of standards commentary and market analyses.
Education
Education questions
IWRREC offers continuing education courses, professional certification pathways, webinars, and in-person workshops on waste management standards, circular economy implementation, anaerobic digestion operations, ESG reporting, and facility audit preparation. Programs are designed for engineers, operators, sustainability managers, and policy professionals.
Collaboration
Collaboration questions
We partner with ISO national bodies, UNEP, industry associations, universities, and municipal networks on harmonized standards, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives. IWRREC also hosts annual conferences, regional workshops, and technical symposia that bring together policymakers, investors, and operators to advance best practices.
Commercial
Commercial questions
Contact our membership team to explore the right tier for your organization, or reach out to our certification desk for a pre-assessment consultation. We also welcome participation in open comment periods on draft standards and registration for upcoming training courses and conferences through our website.
Get involved
Didn't find your answer?
Contact the Council directly, membership inquiries go to our membership team, and technical questions to our standards and certification desks.