National RecyclingCongress 2026
From East to West, Circularity is Best
Two days online with your coalition family — State Recycling Organization leaders, Executive Directors, and Affiliates from across the country. Hosted by the National Recycling Coalition.
Register NowMember discounts & group rates available — details at registration
Everything you need to know
- DatesAugust 5–6, 2026
- Hours11 AM – 5 PM EST daily
- FormatVirtual Event
- HostNational Recycling Coalition
- ThemeFrom East to West, Circularity is Best
- RegistrationNow Open — Register
Counting Down
Until the Congress goes live
August 5, 2026 · 11:00 AM Eastern
This Year’s Theme
From East to West, Circularity is Best
A national virtual gathering of the coalition family — getting to know one another and learning what’s happening in recycling across the country.
This year the Congress comes to you in a fully virtual format for easy accessibility. Across two days, the program features keynote and plenary presentations — but the focus is on you: our Affiliates, State Recycling Organization leadership, and Executive Directors.
It’s a time to get to know your coalition family and learn what’s going on across the country — from East to West.
Connect
Get to know your coalition family — SRO leaders, Executive Directors, and Affiliates from coast to coast.
Learn
Hear what’s working nationwide through keynotes, plenaries, and SRO fireside chats.
Collaborate
Build connections across the coalition and the wider recycling community, and bring ideas home.
The Program
What we’ll explore
Across two days, the Congress blends keynotes and plenaries with fireside chats, breakouts, and networking that bring the coalition family together. Here’s what to expect.
Keynotes & Plenaries
Featured keynote and plenary presentations on the big ideas shaping recycling and circularity.
SRO Fireside Chats
Two State Recycling Organizations paired for a 30-minute fireside chat — East/West pairings sharing what’s happening in their regions.
Breakout Rooms
Choose your room each block — CEUs, sponsor sessions, or open networking.
NetZero360 CEUs
Earn continuing-education credits in dedicated CEU breakout sessions.
Featured Presentations
Topical sessions like Food Waste Recovery & Reuse, with moderated discussion.
Networking
Get to know your coalition family and the people doing this work across the country.
See the full two-day schedule, sessions, and speakers on the agenda page.
Why attend
- Take away practical strategies you can put to work right away
- Stay ahead of recycling policy and market developments
- Learn from programs and solutions from across the country
- Get to know your coalition family across the country
- Strengthen the case for recycling in your community
- Bring fresh ideas back to your team and stakeholders
Who should attend
- State Recycling Organization leaders & Executive Directors
- NRC Affiliates and coalition members
- Recycling coordinators and program managers
- State and local government staff
- Nonprofit and association leaders
- Sustainability professionals, educators & advocates
All sessions are listed in Eastern Time out of respect for attendees coast to coast.
Speakers
Featured keynote
Opening keynote Paul Connett — author of The Zero Waste Solution and a longtime international zero-waste advocate — anchors a program built around you, the coalition family. Welcome remarks from Executive Director Charles Kamenides; keynote moderated by NRC Board President Teresa Bradley. More speakers announced as they’re confirmed.
Joining Online
How to attend
The Congress runs entirely online — no travel required. Here’s how to take part.
Register
Complete your registration through the NRC registration page to reserve your spot.
Get your link
You’ll receive your access details by email ahead of the event so you’re ready to join.
Join live
Log in each day from 11 AM–5 PM EST for live sessions, keynotes, and discussion.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Congress?
How do I register?
Are discounts or group rates available?
What time zone are sessions in?
Who should attend?
When will the agenda and speakers be announced?
How can my organization sponsor?
Sponsor the Congress
Put your organization in front of recycling leaders, professionals, and decision-makers from across the country — before and during the virtual Congress. Reach out to explore sponsorship opportunities.
Become a SponsorFrom East to West, Circularity is Best
Register now for the
2026 Congress
Registration is now open — join the national recycling community online. Program and speaker announcements will be posted here as they become available.
Member discounts & group rates available — details at registration or via your NRC member email
Who should attend
- Recycling coordinators and program managers
- State and local government staff
- Nonprofit and association leaders
- Haulers, processors, manufacturers, end-market partners
- Sustainability professionals and consultants
- Educators, advocates, and students
