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.

June 7, 2026 NCRA Summer Family Hiking Adventure: Waste Less, Wander More!

Join the Northern CA Recycling Association’s (NCRA) Membership Engagement and Activities Committee (MEAC) for a day of fresh air, scenic views, and community connection. We’re heading to the beautiful Berkeley Hills for a kid-friendly, stroller-accessible trek that’s perfect for recyclers and Zero Wasters of all ages! 

Ready to temporarily swap the blue bin for the green hills of Tilden Regional Park? We can’t wait to see you there!

Learn more and RSVP here.

️ ️Event Details

  • Sunday, June 7, 2026
  • Start Time: 10:00 AM. We’re kicking off at 10:00 AM to beat the summer heat and secure parking before the crowds arrive! 
  • Total Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours (includes a leisurely lunch at Wildcat Peak, a.k.a. the stone circle). 
  • The Hike: Nimitz Way Trail—a wide, paved, and stroller-friendly trail offering 360-degree views of the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley Hills, Oakland Hills, Tilden Regional Park, San Pablo Reservoir, and Briones Regional Park Hills. 

Location & Parking

The Game Plan

We will hike roughly 1.5 hours out to a scenic overlook (Wildcat Peak, a.k.a. Stone Circle), enjoy a zero-waste picnic lunch, and then head 1.5 hours back. The hike is about 4-5 miles round trip. 

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

What’s Fair: Funding for Food Recovery, 6/25

Recording here.



RSVP