The National Recycling Coalition (NRC) is a 501(c)(3) membership organization of recycling professionals and advocates from every region of the country, in every sector of the waste reduction field. Local recycling coordinators, state and federal regulators, corporate environmental managers, environmental educators and advocates, and waste management professionals are all members of NRC.
Founded in 1978, NRC’s objective is to eliminate waste and promote sustainable economies through advancing sound management practices for raw materials in North America. We host the Annual Congress & Expo each year in a different city to bring our members and others together for several days of outstanding educational and networking opportunities. NRC also works closely with 19 affiliated state and regional recycling organizations around the nation.
What Does the NRC Do?
NRC’s Strategic Plan contains five goals that encapsulate all of our activities:
1. To be recognized as the leading national voice on recycling. We implement this goal by implementing programs such as America Recycles, our national advocacy work on Capitol Hill, and our forthcoming rebranding campaign.
2. To serve as a catalyst for constructive dialogue on sustainable raw material management. This goal includes our Annual Congress & Expo and work with industry leaders, including the Beverage Packaging Environment Council and the Industrial Recycling Council, a group currently forming under the NRC umbrella.
3. To advance members’ understanding of current and emerging recycling issues. We implement this goal by communicating regularly with members and providing new tools and resources, including the national certification program currently under development.
4. To foster new and innovative recycling solutions through strategic partnerships. We will continue to pursue new and innovative relationships like those we’ve established with Time, International Paper, Nike, and Dell.
5. To ensure NRC’s organizational health and viability. We will continue to maximize our current and potential resources to ensure that NRC remains a leading force in the recycling field.
State and Regional Recycling Organizations
Our coalition also includes state and regional recycling organizations that are affiliated with the NRC. These organizations provide you with a local network to address regional issues through public policy advocacy, professional development, and public education.