National RecyclingCongress 2026
Two days of learning, connection, and collaboration for the national recycling community, hosted online by the National Recycling Coalition.
Register NowEverything you need to know
- DatesAugust 5–6, 2026
- Hours11 AM – 5 PM EST daily
- FormatVirtual Event
- HostNational Recycling Coalition
- TaglineTogether, We Are Recycling
- RegistrationNow Open — Register
Counting Down
Until the Congress goes live
August 5, 2026 · 11:00 AM Eastern
The Coalition
Together, We Are Recycling
A national virtual gathering for the people building the future of recycling and circularity in America.
The National Recycling Congress 2026 will bring recycling professionals, advocates, policymakers, businesses, local governments, nonprofit leaders, educators, and community partners together for timely conversations about the future of recycling and circularity.
As recycling systems continue to evolve, this gathering creates space for practical insight, shared learning, and stronger collaboration across the recycling ecosystem.
Connect
Build relationships with recycling professionals, advocates, and partners from across the country.
Learn
Explore timely conversations on policy, markets, education, and circular economy strategy.
Collaborate
Strengthen partnerships across public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors.
The Program
What we’ll explore
Across two days, the Congress program will dig into the issues shaping recycling and circularity right now — organized around the themes below.
Policy & Advocacy
The laws, rules, and advocacy efforts shaping recycling at the local, state, and national levels.
Markets & Material Recovery
Market development and the systems that turn recovered materials back into value.
Circular Economy & Innovation
Strategies and ideas that move us beyond take-make-waste toward a circular system.
Education & Behavior Change
Outreach and engagement that helps residents and businesses recycle right.
Programs in Practice
Real-world examples and lessons from local and state recycling programs.
Collaboration & Community
Cross-sector partnerships across public, private, nonprofit, and community lines.
The full session schedule and times will be published here as the program is finalized.
Register to be first to knowWhy 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
- Build a national network of peers and partners
- Strengthen the case for recycling in your community
- Bring fresh ideas back to your team and stakeholders
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
All sessions are listed in Eastern Time out of respect for attendees coast to coast.
Speakers
The lineup is taking shape
Convened by the National Recycling Coalition, the Congress brings together leaders, practitioners, and innovators from across the field. Featured keynotes and session speakers will be announced here as the program is 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?
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 SponsorTogether, We Are Recycling
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.
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
