Author: Bonnie Betts

Green Love! Craft while networking with NCRA Members | 1/31/26 @3-5PM

Unleash your creativity and network with like-minded industry professionals! Bring your craft materials to create heartfelt love cards and letters alongside fellow NCRA members and friends, Saturday, January 31, 2026, 3-5 pm! FREE to RSVP!

Please bring your creativity and supplies (cardstock, stickers, scissors, glue, etc.) There will be light snacks and hot cocoa. BYO drinks and desserts to share.  You are welcome to bring food to share, although not obligated. Please bring your own water bottle and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). All are welcome!

San Francisco Presidio – Sports Basement

610 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA

3-5 PM Pacific ✅ Secure Parking 

RSVP

Gwynn Mackellen, 2026-2027

Gwynn Mackellen has been a NCRA board member since 2026 and serves as Co-Chair of our Legislative Committee. She launched NCRA’s Advocacy Day in Sacramento in 2024 with board member Bailey Hall and other volunteers, an annual event which builds our power at the state level, and provides opportunities to create connections with other members and elected officials.

Gwynn got her start in zero waste at the San Francisco Green Festival in 2004, sorting compost, recycle, and trash and then began to volunteer with the San Francisco Department of the Environment, which she continued for ten years. Eventually she decided to make this a career, after working in politics and community development. 

She has lived in California most of her adult life and is a Recycling Program Specialist for City of Oakland; she has also worked part-time as a Supervisor for Race to Zero Waste since 2017. In addition, her experience in the industry has included working for a hauler, consulting, and leading waste reduction projects at Portland International Airport.

Gwynn holds two associate’s degrees, a bachelor’s in Political Science, and a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning.

If you would like to join the Legislative Committee or attend Advocacy Day, you can reach out to her via the Office.

Mary Katherine Glen, 2026

NCRA member since 2021, MK brings cross-sector experience spanning local government and waste hauling in both Canada and California, with hands-on expertise in SB 1383 implementation, contamination reduction, public outreach, and franchise agreement administration. She offers a practical, systems-level perspective on zero waste.

MK has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Governance from the University of Guelph and an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Waste Management from Fleming College. She has developed a strong, on-the-ground understanding of contamination challenges. She is particularly interested in advancing solutions to reduce contamination. 

As a classical violinist, MK is excited to explore how the arts can inspire communities to embrace zero waste, while giving back to NCRA to help ensure the organization remains fiscally strong, inclusive, and supportive for members of all backgrounds.

Connect with MK on LinkedIn

The 30th Annual Recycling Update Call for Speakers is now live!

The 30th Annual Recycling Update Call for Speakers is now live!

How to Apply: Submit your proposal by COBD – Monday, December 5, 2025.

Apply here!

For additional questions, feel free to contact the office.

The Northern California Recycling Association (NCRA) is seeking dynamic speakers for its annual Recycling Update (RU), our fast-paced, high-energy event that showcases what’s new and innovative in the world of waste reduction and Zero Waste. We welcome proposals from those who haven’t yet presented at RU, as well as from experienced speakers eager to share their cutting-edge ideas and insights.

With over 500 attendees, including local government recycling staff, policy makers, consultants, haulers, and processors from across Northern California, RU is an ideal platform to showcase your work in front of a highly engaged audience. This is your chance to highlight the latest programs, policies, and projects shaping the future of our industry.

Presentation Format:

Each speaker is allotted 10 minutes for their presentation, followed by a 2-minute Q&A session.

The event features a single-track format, ensuring that all attendees hear your presentation—no breakouts, no missed opportunities.

Timeliness is crucial. Speakers must be well-prepared and adhere to their time limits.

Key Focus Areas: We encourage proposals that reflect NCRA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, incorporating these values in both the content and design of presentations. Additionally, the selection committee is especially interested in presentations that explore reuse, repair, state and local policies, edible food recovery programs/ enforcement, extender producer responsibility, and recycling markets.