Skip to main content

What We Do

National Recycling Coalition

Together, we move
recycling forward.

We connect recycling organizations, communities, businesses, and educators to advance recycling and build a more circular economy.

Circularity Forum speakers, partners, and attendees gather with NRC in St. Louis.
Our coalition in action. Circularity Forum · St. Louis · September 28, 2026See the Forum recap
The coalition at work

Ideas become action.

More news & stories
January272027
Coming together next · Online

NRC Campus Council Summit

Connecting higher education, recycling, and circularity. Join students, campus leaders, and recycling professionals for a day of shared ideas.

Wednesday, January 27, 2027
11:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern
Presented by Race to Zero Waste

Explore the Summit
A place in the coalition

Bring your experience.
Build what’s next.

Recycling moves forward when people share what works. Connect with peers, contribute your perspective, and support the work of a national coalition.

Start with your state.

Already connected to a state recycling organization? Explore NRC’s affiliated organizations and learn about the membership connection.

Find a state organization

Help good ideas go further.

Support education, collaboration, and the people advancing recycling through a sponsorship or contribution.

Partner with NRC   Donate

With support from our community.

Become a sponsor
Bob Gedert ConsultingGreen Education USPearl AccountingRace to Zero WasteRenewable Recycling IncProduct Stewardship InstituteGo2ZeroDonifyUSAZero Waste AssociatesPennsylvania Resource CouncilSCS EngineersBayArea ComplianceThe Battery NetworkCRRAWaste Advantage MagazineStephen M BantilloPROPNetZero360

Stay connected to the coalition.

Get NRC news, events, and opportunities to take part.

Get NRC updates

We are the umbrella for recycling organizations across North America.  You can count on us to provide leadership, connectivity and support.

Learn more and get involved.

  • Members connect to our Affiliated State Recycling Organizations across North America
    Members connect to our Affiliated State Recycling Organizations across North America

    10,000 Members Connected

  • Volunteer hours* that keep NRC and the coalition moving and shaking; National Recycling Congress, Webinars, Networking, Advising and More!
    Volunteer hours* that keep NRC and the coalition moving and shaking; National Recycling Congress, Webinars, Networking, Advising and More!

    Thousands of hours...

The 2026 NRC Virtual Congress brought recycling leaders together to share practical solutions for a more circular economy. Explore highlights from two days of discussion on producer responsibility, plastics, food recovery, community engagement, and the partnerships moving recycling forward.

A full recap of the 35th National Recycling Congress, August 5–6, 2026 — keynotes, the plastics report, EPR in the Heartland, food recovery, sixteen NRC Award winners, and where NRC goes next.

On August 6, 2026, the National Recycling Coalition honored sixteen leaders, programs, and communities at the 35th National Recycling Congress — from campus composting and airport glass loops to Feed the Cart, tribal diversion, and replicable city systems building circularity on the ground.

Featured speaker at the April 29th Campus Council Meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered. 

All FAQs

  • What does your organization do?

    NRC represents and advocates for every sector of the recycling industry across the country, on the local, state and federal levels. We provide our members with the tools and resources they need to convey to their community members, decision makers, and news media the important benefits that recycling provides to our economy and environment. We also develop meaningful partnerships with corporate, government, and nonprofit leaders to bring about important changes in the way we use, manage, and recycle natural resources. For a list of specific programs and services we provide, visit our What We Do section.

  • How can I get involved?

    Become a member, be active on our blog, host or attend a webinar, join a committee, become a Board of Director. Visit our Get Involved section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.

  • If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?

    We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization. Funding is used to support programming, webinars, The Recycling Congress and much more. We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law. Visit our /">Advocacy and Policies page to learn more.

  • Peter Adrian

    "I love volunteering at the NRC. They strive to support all of the state recycling Organizations and their members"

  • Teresa Bradley
    Teresa Bradley

    "The annual Congress held in Cooperstown was great. I was able to meet new people and network with companies that provide services I need"

  • Marta Keane

    "I appreciated the EPR webinar spotlighting the Product Stewardship Institute"

  • Marjie Griek
    Marjie Griek

    "Love the changes I see happening at NRC in 2025! Keep up the good work"

  • Gary Liss

    "I have been a member of NRC for many years and will continue to support the Coalition"

  • Bob Gedert

    "Being a NRC sponsor and member has been great for my business"

Compost, Waste, and Recycling Bins.
MENU CLOSE