About the National Waste & Recycling Association
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) is the leading voice of the private-sector waste and recycling industry.
Since its founding in 1962, NWRA has represented the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage solid, industrial, hazardous, medical, and construction and demolition debris waste, and represent equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other professional service providers. NWRA is dedicated to building a stronger, safer, and more innovative industry.
Our Story & Purpose
Shaping the Future of Waste and Recycling
Behind every safe collection route, innovative recycling program, and industry breakthrough is a community working together. At NWRA, we bring people, ideas, and action together to strengthen the waste and recycling industry.
Discover the people we represent, the work we lead, and the mission that drives us forward.
Our Mission
To provide effective state and federal advocacy, education, research, and safety expertise to promote the waste and recycling industries, serve as their voice, and create an economically sustainable climate where members grow, prosper, and protect the environment.
Vision
To create a sustainable and prosperous environment for the waste and recycling industry through advocacy, education, and safety programs.
Who We Are
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector of the waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage solid, industrial/hazardous, medical, and construction/demolition debris waste. Members also include equipment manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and other professional service providers.
Founded in 1962 as the National Council of Refuse Disposal Trade Associations, the Association went through name changes and mergers before becoming the National Waste & Recycling Association in 2013.
What We Do
Advocacy
NWRA is committed to advocating at the local, state, and federal levels on rulemaking, regulations, and legislation. Priority issues include packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), battery EPR, bottle bills, and solid waste updates.
Safety
NWRA is committed to being one of the Top 10 safest industries within five years. We focus on education, training, and standards and serve as the Z245 Secretariat for ANSI. We also host the Focus on Safety series and provide training for fleets of 100 trucks and smaller.
Engagement
We are committed to an expanded endorsed partner program and revitalized communications strategy focused on telling our story, battery EPR, and recycling. We are also implementing a national PSA to drive awareness and conducting targeted research to support advocacy initiatives.
National Waste & Recycling Association
Meet Our Board of Trustees: Officers
National Waste & Recycling Association
Meet Our Suppliers Board of Governors: Officers
National Waste & Recycling Association
Meet Our Services Board of Governors: Officers
EXPLORE MORE OF NWRA
Celebrating the Faces of Our Industry
NWRA is more than an association — we’re a community. From the dedicated staff who keep our mission moving forward every day, to the industry pioneers recognized in our Hall of Fame, we honor the people who drive innovation, safety, and progress in waste and recycling.
Meet the NWRA Staff
Discover the team working behind the scenes to support members, champion advocacy, and deliver programs that shape the future of our industry.
NWRA Hall of Fame
Explore the Hall of Fame and celebrate the leaders, innovators, and trailblazers whose contributions have left a lasting impact on waste and recycling.