Introduction to Recycling Happening This Fall 2026!

Register here.

The rapid growth of the recycling industry – 550% since 1989 (CalRecycle estimate), means that experienced recyclers need to continually stay up-to-date and also share knowledge with employees, job seekers, municipal staff, elected officials and community advocates.

Since 1995, NCRA has offered Introduction to Recycling (ITR) approximately 37 times. A quintessential exploration of the history of the recycling and Zero Waste movement, ITR offers both newcomers and seasoned professionals a critical overview of current concepts, practices and terminology.

All are welcome – $75 per person – managers, employees, municipal staff, elected officials, community advocates and students. Invite the whole team! Group discounts and Arthur Robinson Boone scholarships available. To apply, please send a note to staff via the contact page.

Gain a critical overview of current concepts, practices and terminology with guest speakers, thought-provoking lectures, exercises and group discussions.

Day 1: MONDAY, October 5, 9pm – 4PM @ Recology SF, San Francisco

The tour will begin with a presentation in
 the Environmental Learning Center about trash, recycling and composting in San Francisco, followed by a walk through the Transfer Station site, and a visit of the Artist in Residence Studio.
 The final stop, at Pier 96, is a tour of Recycle Central where all of the blue bin materials are sorted. To visit Pier 96, you must drive or carpool from Tunnel Road – no Uber or bicycles.

DAY 2: TUESDAY, October 6, 9pm – 4PM via Zoom, with Class lectures and guest speaker presentations.

August 25 ZWAC Show – Nick Ciancio on Miami-Dade County’s New Zero Waste Master Plan

Hot off the press!

NCRA is chatting with Nick Ciancio, project lead for the new Miami-Dade County Zero Waste Master Plan. Nick is currently the Resilience Division Director for the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management. The Zero Waste Master Plan aims to divert 90% of waste from landfills through expanded recycling, organic composting, and biochar pilot programs.

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3rd Annual Advocacy Day Success!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Northern California Recycling Association’s 3rd Annual Advocacy Day our most successful yet!

This year, 35 NCRA members and partners came together at the California State Capitol for 27 scheduled meetings with legislators and their staff to advocate for policies that advance Zero Waste and a circular economy.

We also want to celebrate the success of our CalRecycle Day, the day before, which provided valuable opportunities for connection, learning, and engagement with state agency leaders and staff.

Advocacy Day began with morning training sessions led by our incredible workshop speakers and partners, including Joanne B. of the California Product Stewardship Council and Krystal Mae Raynes of Californians Against Waste, whose expertise helped prepare participants for effective and impactful conversations.

In the afternoon, teams met with lawmakers to discuss NCRA’s Priority Bills. We were especially encouraged by the positive feedback received from Capitol staff and partner organizations, who recognized the professionalism and organization of this growing annual event.

Advocacy Day is a testament to what can happen when passionate professionals, local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and community members work together to create meaningful policy change.

Hats off to our Zero Waste Advocacy / Legislative Committee Chairs Bailey Hall and Gwynn Mackellen for spearheading and planning this event👏.

A heartfelt thank you to our attendees, speakers, volunteers, planning committee members, and partner organizations for making this event possible. Your expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment continue to strengthen Zero Waste in California.

We are already looking ahead to next year. If you have been thinking about getting involved in environmental advocacy, we hope you can join us for Advocacy Day 2027.

Contact our office if you would like to get involved with the Zero Waste Advocacy / Legislative Committee.

Upcoming Annual Meeting July 23, 2026

Join NCRA’s Annual Meeting on July 23rd, online and at the StopWaste office in Oakland from 6-8pm. Meet fellow members, the organization’s Board of Directors, and Staff!

Enjoy networking, activities, updates, and dinner on us!
Members and interested non-members welcome!

Programming:
6-6:30 Dinner & Networking
6:30-6:45 Ice Breaker
6:45-7 NCRA Updates
7-8 Optional Post-Programming Networking (Offsite)

RSVP