National Waste & Recycling Association

08/09/2026

Happy birthday to my old pal, Smokey Bear!🎂🐻

For over 80 years, has reminded us that preventing wildfires starts with all of us. His efforts have helped protect our forests from wildfires, but that same message matters at home too.

Batteries can hide in unexpected places, from singing greeting cards to electric scooters, and when disposed of incorrectly, they can spark dangerous fires that put our communities at risk.

As we celebrate Smokey’s birthday, let’s all do our part, from nature to our neighborhoods, to stop fires before they start. Never throw batteries in the trash or recycling bin: Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In! 🔋💚

08/07/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Conference! 🎉

Join the Virginia Waste Industries Association (VWIA) and NWRA Carolinas Chapter members Oct. 5–7 at The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa in Hot Springs, Virginia. Connect with industry colleagues while exploring the latest trends, challenges and innovations shaping the waste and recycling industry.

🏨 Book your hotel room by Sept. 4 to join our room block.

⛳ The “Pitchers and Putters” Tim Torrez Classic golf tournament will take place Oct. 7 and requires separate registration.

Register for the conference: https://nationalwasterecycling.swoogo.com/MAC2026

08/04/2026

Woodsy Owl is flying into Springfield for the Illinois State Fair to help raise awareness about battery fire safety! 🎡 Bring your old batteries and join us for a battery take-back event on August 21. 🔋🦉

In partnership with Illinois Community Risk Reduction, Illinois State Fire Marshal, and WM we'll be collecting most household batteries, including button cell, AAAA to D, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries from electronics and power tools to help keep them out of the trash and your community safe.

Visiting the fair earlier in the week? Stop by August 14-15 to tour Woodsy Owl’s Airstream, snap a photo with Woodsy, and learn how to safely store and dispose of used batteries before bringing them back for the take-back event.

🗓️ Tour Woodsy’s Airstream: August 14-15th
🗓️ Dispose of Used Batteries: August 21st
🕒 10 am - 6 pm CT
📍 Illinois State Fairgrounds
🔗 https://batterysafetynow.org/illinois-state-fair

The best prize at the fair? Knowing you've helped protect your home and community from battery fires. 💚

Illinois State FairBattery Take-Back Event Woodsy Owl is headed to the Illinois State Fair for a multi-day event series in partnership with the National Waste & Recycling Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service! Stop by for a family-friendly battery safety experience with Woodsy’s Airstream, kids.....

07/30/2026

07/30/2026

🚨 Only Two Days Left to Apply for an NWRA Recycling Award!

The deadline is tomorrow, Friday, July 31, don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application.

The 2026 NWRA Recycling Awards recognize the facilities, partnerships, programs and technologies advancing recycling, sustainability and the circular economy. This is your opportunity to showcase your organization’s accomplishments and gain recognition for the meaningful work your team is doing.

🏆 Review the award categories and apply today:
https://wasterecycling.org/about/awards/recycling-awards/

07/28/2026

🚨 Only a Few Days Left to Apply for an NWRA Recycling Award!

Applications are due this Friday, July 31- don’t wait until the last minute to submit yours!

The 2026 NWRA Recycling Awards recognize the facilities, partnerships, programs and technologies advancing recycling, sustainability and the circular economy. This is your opportunity to showcase your company’s accomplishments and highlight the meaningful work your team is doing across the waste and recycling industry.

🏆 Review the award categories and apply today:
https://wasterecycling.org/about/awards/recycling-awards/

📅 Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026

07/24/2026

One Week Left to Apply for the 2026 Recycling Awards

There's still time to showcase the innovation, leadership, and impact your organization is making across the recycling industry.

Whether you've advanced public education, improved facility operations, developed new technology, or built meaningful community partnerships, there's an award category for your achievements.

🏆 Applications close Friday, July 31. Explore all six award categories and submit your application before the deadline.

Apply Here: https://wasterecycling.org/about/awards/recycling-awards/

07/22/2026

⏰ Don’t forget to book your room!

If you’re attending the 2nd Annual Northeast Invitational Golf Outing, reserve your room at MGM Springfield before the NWRA room block closes on July 25.

A discounted group rate is available, but rooms are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

🏨 Reserve your room: https://book.passkey.com/event/51225897/owner/49687830/home
⛳ Need to register for the outing? https://www.greatgolfeventsinc.com/nwra-nei

07/22/2026

Join Woodsy Owl at Rancho Cordova City Hall on August 1 for Atlas Disposal's first-ever Recycle Day! 🔋🦉

Did you know batteries tossed in the trash or recycling bin can spark dangerous fires that put our communities at risk? Do your part by bringing your old batteries to the take-back event, then stick around to meet Woodsy Owl, snap a photo, pick up some Skip the Bin! swag, and learn simple ways to help prevent battery fires.

We’ll be collecting most household batteries, including button cells, AAAA to D batteries, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries from electronics and power tools.

🗓️ Saturday, August 1
🕒 9 AM – 1 PM PT
📍 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
🔗 https://batterysafetynow.org/atlas-disposal-take-back-event

Clear out that junk drawer and bring your used batteries by. Every battery turned in is one less fire risk in the bin. 💚

Atlas DisposalBattery Take-Back Event 🗓️ Saturday, August 1st 🕐 9 AM - 1 PM PT📍 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670Join us in Rancho Cordova, CA for a free battery take-back event with Atlas Disposal and the U.S. Forest Service’s Woodsy Owl! Bring the whole family to lear...

07/20/2026

What makes an award-winning public education program?

Last year's Excellence in Recycling Public Education Award recognized OC Waste & Recycling's EcoChallenge curriculum for inspiring the next generation of recyclers.

By combining age-appropriate lessons with hands-on learning, the program helps students understand not only what to recycle, but why it matters, building lifelong habits that support a more sustainable future.🌎

Could your organization be featured as next year's winner? Explore all six Recycling Award categories and submit your application by July 31. 🏆

🔗 Apply today: https://wasterecycling.org/about/awards/recycling-awards/