University at Buffalo (UB)
A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation supported center

John D. Atkinson

PhD

John D. Atkinson.

John D. Atkinson

PhD

John D. Atkinson

PhD

Scott and Coleen Stevens Chair in Engineering Sustainability
Associate Professor
Director, Graduate Studies
Director, Engineering Science MS: Focus on Engineering Sustainability

Research Topics

Waste Management; Recycling; Plastics and Polymers; Environmental Engineering; Sustainability; Porous Materials; Carbon, Aerosol Science and Technology; Hazardous Materials

Biography Publications Teaching Research Awards Latest News

Latest News

  • US House subcommittee advances Pack Act to standardize claims
    9/2/26

    Packaging Insights cited work by UB researchers in a story about federal legislation that would establish national standards for recycling and other environmental claims on product packaging. 

  • We Asked Experts For the Easiest Ways to Shrink Your Home Water Usage
    8/26/26

    TIME magazine sought the expert guidance of John Atkinson in an article about how people can reduce water consumption at home. 

  • Why Recycling Access Is Key to Tackling Plastic Pollution
    8/6/26

    Responsible Us reported on a study by UB researchers that found that access to recycling infrastructure has a significant influence on plastic recycling rates across the United States.

  • What If Your Coffee Grounds Could Power the Future?
    7/16/26

    Food & Wine quoted John Atkinson in an article about new research from Korea suggesting wet coffee grounds could be turned into high-grade biofuel. 

  • FDA authorized Zyn nicotine pouches without knowing what they were made of, says former agency scientist
    7/14/26

    The Examination included the opinion of John Atkinson on whether a nicotine pouch could break down into microplastics. 

  • Recycled Resin Markets: Rising Price of Virgin Resin Improves Competitiveness
    4/28/26

    Plastics Today referenced work by UB researchers, including Monica Miles and John Atkinson, on the geographic disparity in recycling rates due to accessibility to recycling centers. 

  • Recycling Inequities Highlighted in New Study
    4/10/26

    Plastics Today featured work by UB researchers, including Monica Miles and John Atkinson, that examined how recycling is tied to socioeconomic conditions and proximity to recycling facilities.