Professional Overview
Michael Van Brunt is a seasoned expert in sustainable waste management and circular economy practices, currently affiliated with Reworld-HQ and the US Circular Economy Coalition (CEC). Based in Montclair, New Jersey, he demonstrates extensive experience in environmental engineering with a particular focus on waste diversion, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and materials recovery.
Current Role and Affiliations
While specific job titles at Reworld-HQ are undisclosed, Michael is prominently engaged in advancing waste diversion training programs and promoting sustainability initiatives that align with circular economy principles. His active participation includes leadership and organizational roles at:
- US Circular Economy Coalition (CEC)
- National Recycling Coalition (Former Board Member, Sep 2014 - Sep 2017)
- Air & Waste Management Association (Associate Editor since Jun 2023)
- Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) (Research Council Member since Sep 2017)
He holds a Professional Engineer license from the NJ State Board of Professional Engineers, an indicator of his technical competence in engineering matters related to environmental and waste management sectors.
Educational Background
- Attended Cornell University (2000-2001)
- Undergraduate education at a university attended from 1993 to 1997 (specific institution redacted)
Research and Publications
Michael Van Brunt has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications addressing critical environmental management topics with a sustainability lens. Notable works include:
- “A Preliminary Study on the Beneficiation and Recovery of Valuable Metals from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash” (Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 2024)
- Demonstrates expertise in assessing physical beneficiation processes and the economic viability of metal recovery from MSW bottom ash, calculating a potential recoverable value of $483/ton for metals such as Ti, Sc, Fe, Cu, and Zn.
- “Landfill Gas Collection Efficiency: Categorization of Data from Existing In-Situ Measurements” (Waste Management, 2024)
- Provides updated landfill gas collection efficiency defaults based on advanced methane plume measurements, with relevance for lifecycle assessment models and GHG reporting.
- “WTE and Sustainable Waste and Materials Management” (Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, 2017)
- Addresses transitioning from linear material use to circular economy models to reduce environmental impacts and enhance sustainable energy and material recovery.
- “Life-cycle Assessment of Waste Management Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using Municipal Waste Combustor Data” (Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2009)
- Comparative evaluation showing municipal waste combustion outperforms landfilling across various landfill gas management scenarios in terms of GHG emissions.
- “Integrated Waste Management as a Climate Change Stabilization Wedge” (Waste Management & Research, 2009)
- Positions integrated waste management strategies within the broader context of climate change mitigation.
His strong publication record reflects deep technical knowledge in waste-to-energy (WTE) systems, GHG lifecycle analysis, landfill emissions, and resource recovery economics.
Professional Activities and Public Engagement
Michael is actively engaged in professional discourse and public awareness within the sustainability and circular economy fields:
- Led and concluded Reworld’s Waste Diversion Training Program, recognizing customer engagement and advancing sustainability outcomes.
- Frequently contributes to LinkedIn discussions on sustainability topics such as waste diversion, circular economy concepts, landfill methane management, and clean energy transitions.
- Holds 1,284 followers on LinkedIn, indicating substantial professional reach and influence.
- Has served as a speaker and panelist at events including the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) Energy & Environmental Forum and international forums with emphasis on sustainability and environmental compliance.
Geographic and Network Context
- Located in Montclair, New Jersey, with work experience extending to other states such as New Jersey (specific counties), Maine, and beyond.
- His network includes high-level contacts within the US Circular Economy Coalition and related environmental organizations.
Technical and Regulatory Expertise
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New Jersey, underscoring capabilities in environmental regulation compliance, engineering design, and technical leadership.
- Regular involvement with GHG emissions modeling, landfill methane regulations, and lifecycle environmental impact assessments.
- Active in adapting advanced measurement technologies and regulatory frameworks to enhance methane capture efficiency and reporting accuracy.
Insights Relevant to Engagement
Michael Van Brunt is positioned at the nexus of technical innovation and policy alignment in sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives. His academic and professional background delivers quantitative and regulatory insights essential for organizations seeking to enhance sustainability metrics, adopt cutting-edge waste processing technologies, or comply with evolving environmental regulations.
His leadership in training programs and coalition memberships demonstrates a commitment to collaborative, customer-driven change, making him a strategic contact for partnerships or solutions related to waste diversion training, environmental compliance consulting, or deployment of sustainable materials management practices.
This report synthesizes verified data on Michael Van Brunt's professional capabilities, affiliations, and contributions relevant to environmental sustainability and circular economy sectors.
