What is the NRC?

The National Recycling Coalition (NRC) is a national non-profit advocacy group with members that span all aspects of waste reduction, reuse and recycling in North America. The Coalition represents 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, consumers and waste management professionals are all members of NRC.

Founded in 1978 as an IRS tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization , NRC’s objective is to eliminate waste and promote sustainable economies through advancing sound management practices for raw materials in North America. We host an Annual Congress & Expo each year in a different city to bring our members along with interested parties together for several days of outstanding educational and networking opportunities. Breaking new ground in how Americans think about waste, the Coalition is a strong and clear voice for recycling.

What Does the NRC Do?

NRC is the largest national nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement and improvement of recycling, waste prevention, composting, and reuse. Governed by a diversified Board of Directors, and consistent with its Guiding Principles, NRC achieves its mission several ways: 

• Providing national leadership and building consensus on important recycling issues such as product stewardship, recycling of electronics scrap, and the need to increase beverage container recycling rates.
• Developing meaningful partnerships with corporate, government, and nonprofit leaders to bring about important changes in the way we use, manage, and recycle natural resources.
• Providing our members with the tools and resources they need to convey to their community members, decision makers, and the news media the important benefits that recycling provides to our economy and environment.
• Advocating for recycling programs at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Offering the best professional education and networking opportunities available to the recycling community.

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.