Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has appointed Michael E. White as the interim director of the Waste Reduction and Management Institute (WRMI), part of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). The announcement was made by Dean Paul Shepson, who oversees the institute.

White is currently an adjunct faculty lecturer at SoMAS and a consultant with Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island, LLC, now owned by Waste Management of New York. His legal practice focuses on environmental law, solid waste, municipal law, land use, natural resources, and freight rail transportation. He also leads LI Strategies, Inc., an environmental planning consulting firm.

In his new role, White will guide WRMI in tackling complex waste issues on Long Island. The region struggles with high per capita waste generation and limited disposal capacity while needing to enhance recycling rates.

WRMI aims to mitigate the societal impact of waste through research, education, policy analysis, and recommendations. Its initiatives include promoting waste prevention strategies, educational programs, increased recycling efforts, creative uses for waste materials, and environmentally sound transportation and disposal methods.

“Stony Brook greatly values its role in the Long Island communities it serves," stated Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick. "We are thrilled to welcome Michael White in his new role."

Dean Shepson expressed optimism about White's leadership: “I am delighted that WRMI and Stony Brook will have the expert leadership of Michael White.”

White himself commented on his appointment: “I am excited to take on this role... Key drivers of our crisis are ever-increasing amounts of waste generated."

WRMI recently received a $250,000 Regional Solid Waste Management Planning Grant from New York State through the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This grant supports assessing solid waste management practices on Long Island with goals set until August 2025.

The institute was established by the New York State Legislature in 1985. It plans to reestablish an Advisory Board comprising experts from government sectors and private industry to enhance its impact in waste management and public policy.