Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Updated March 10, 2020

NCRA Recycling Update and Zero Waste Week Tours Postponed

As all are aware, the Covid-19 virus is spreading rapidly, and has become a serious global health concern.  We have heard from many of you asking whether we intend to press ahead with the Recycling Update Conference (RU2020) and Zero Waste Week activities at large.

The consensus of expert advice is that it would be unwise to move forward with the events as currently planned at this time.  Many of our speakers and attendees from various government agencies have also been placed on travel restriction, and the absence of so many attendees would have a noticeable effect on the RU2020 event.  

Therefore, we have decided to postpone RU2020 and the other Zero Waste Week Events until September/October.  We will get back to you shortly with the revised dates.

Postponed Zero Waste Week events include: 

·        Recycling Update

·        Zero Waste Youth Convergence

·        Green Drinks @ Spats

·        Urban Ore Welcome Reception

·        Zero Waste USA Training

·        Berkeley Food Network Tour

·        Chou Hall Tour

·        Renewal Mill / O2 Artisans Tour

·        North Bay Tour

·        Livermore Compost Tour

·        Dance to Zero Waste –<Race to Zero Waste (potential virtual option pending)>

The National Zero Waste Conference (NZWC) is no longer meeting in-person and the organizers are researching alternatives.  They are not planning a September/October 2020 NZWC at this time.

As the duration of the Covid-19 epidemic is unknown, the new dates for RU2020 and Zero Waste Week may also be subject to change.  We will keep you apprised of the situation as it unfolds in regards to Zero Waste Week in September/October.  Thank you for your patience and understanding

We encourage those who have already registered for Recycling Update and other Zero Waste Week events to keep your registrations and join us in September/October.    If you need to cancel your registration, please confirm with your team supervisor first; if approved, please then contact ncra@ncrarecycles.org and include REFUND in the subject line.  Juliana will be working on this closely and you will receive a refund within 21 days.  These events fund our non-profit and make possible our Zero Waste advocacy and education programs. We appreciate your support.


For all of you still attending Public events, we suggest you follow CDC protocols. This includes following good hygiene and being vigilant about it, including washing hands often, not touching your face with unwashed hands and using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Also, consider options for a handshake free greetings, such as:  wave, smile, make eye contact, Namaste, fist bump, elbow-bump, footshake, or point one finger to say hello to old and new friends.

Corona virus and the National Zero Waste Conference

Update March 6, 2020

Added resource: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019

Update March 4, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked the American public to prepare for a corona virus outbreak. As NRC is planning to proceed with the Conference, NRC has adopted a Contingency Plan to address different possibilities.

NRC is exploring the potential to provide access via Zoom to Conference presentations to those registered that decide not to attend in person. If the University of California at Berkeley and/or the City of Berkeley decide additional measures must be taken, NRC will follow those directions and advise all attendees ASAP of any new developments.


Cal Berkeley

City of Berkeley

San Francisco


Protect yourself and others

The most important thing you can do is to practice everyday healthy behaviors that prevent the spread of germs.

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
  • Use alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Look for one with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.

These actions don’t just protect you. They help keep our whole community safe, especially our most vulnerable residents, by slowing the spread of the disease.


What to Do If You Are Sick With Coronavirus (COVID-19)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html