2025 Toxics Use Reduction Planner Certification Course

Become a certified Toxics Use Reduction Planner to help companies create safer workplaces and products.

About this Event

Since 1990 companies in Massachusetts using large quantities of toxic chemicals have used toxics use reduction (TUR) planning to identify safer, affordable and effective alternatives to their use of toxic chemicals. Certified TUR planners are an essential part of the success of this planning process. Indeed, all plans must be reviewed and signed by a certified planner.

To become a TUR planner, most eligible professionals must attend this Toxics Use Reduction Planner Certification Course and pass an exam administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Learn more about the eligibility requirements for TUR planners at the MassDEP website.

Course Overview

The course begins with a kick-off meeting on Wednesday September 3. Participants then have 6 weeks to complete the online portion of the course at their own pace, which thoroughly covers the theory and regulations associated with TUR planning. After completion of the online portion, participants gather in person at TURI for four day-long classes to put the theory to practice. Participants learn directly from veteran TUR planners and work together on a practicum based on a real manufacturing operation.At the end of the course, eligible participants are ready to take the MassDEP exam to become TUR planners.

Schedule

• Start date: Kickoff Meeting (Zoom): Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. Zoom registration required.
• Online asynchronous course work: Access begins September 3. All coursework must be completed by October 14, 2025.
• In-person classes (held at TURI's training space in Lowell: 126 John St, Suite 14, Boott Mills West): Wednesdays, October 15, 22, 29 and November 12.
• TUR Planner Exam: Early December, TBD

Cost: Limited Practice Planner = $785; General Practice Planner = $2,500. Online-only options also available.

Contact the training team by email at: dHJhaW5pbmcgfCB0dXJpICEgb3Jn for any questions.

Disability Accommodations

We value inclusion and access for all participants and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations for this event. Please contact this event’s organizer to make an accommodation request. (Please note: Requests submitted with less than 72 hours' notice may not be reasonable to provide certain accommodations).

Sept 3


🕑: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Kick-off meeting (Zoom)

Info: Join us to learn how to access the online course materials, learn what the expectations for completion are and get your questions answered. Look for the Zoom link in your registration confirmation email.

Sept 3 - Oct 14

Online asynchronous portion

Info: The online asynchronous portion of the course thoroughly covers the theory and regulations around TUR planning. Access to the online asynchronous coursework begins September 3. All coursework must be completed before the first day of in person class on October 15.

Oct 15


🕑: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Characterizing your process

Info: Discuss pre-planning elements, learn from veteran planner about process characterization best practices, meet your practicum team and begin work on CoatTech case study.

Oct 22


🕑: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Materials accounting

Info: Ensure you have the math skills needed to carefully quantify toxics use and byproduct generation in preparation for evaluating feasibility of TUR options. Hear from veteran planner on best practices. Work with team on practicum

Oct 29


🕑: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Identifying and evaluating TUR options

Info: Practice tools and tips for identifying and evaluating feasibility of TUR options. Tour TURI's performance testing lab. Meet TURI staff. Work with your practicum team.

Nov 12


🕑: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Presenting TUR recommendations

Info: Wrapping up course, including team presentations to expert panel on TUR options recommendations for practicum case example.

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