National Waste & Recycling Association

06/04/2026

🚨 Last Chance! Scholarship Applications Close Today at 3 p.m. PT 🚨

Today is the last day to submit your application for the 2026–2027 National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF) Scholarship Program.

Eligible NWRA members and their dependents pursuing technical, undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate education are encouraged to apply. Scholarship opportunities include the new Darrell and Andrea Chambliss Family Scholarship, made possible through an endowment established by Waste Connections.

⏰ Deadline: Today, June 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. PT

Apply now before the application window closes: https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/nwrf/

06/03/2026

🎉 Attending the 2026 NWRA Annual Awards Gala? Don't leave when the program ends!

We invite all Gala attendees to stay for our after-party in the International Ballroom as we continue celebrating this year's Hall of Fame inductees and industry award winners.
🍸 Open bars
🍰 Desserts & refreshments
🤝 Networking with industry colleagues
🎊 An opportunity to continue the celebration with friends and peers from across the industry

The awards may conclude, but the celebration is just getting started. We hope you'll join us and help make it a memorable evening!

06/03/2026

🌟 Member Spotlight: Kristie Hooper 🌟

From an unexpected career change during the 2009 economic downturn to becoming a respected leader in the waste and recycling industry, Kristie Hooper has built a career centered on growth, collaboration and service.

As Director of Business Development at LaBella Associates, Alabama Chapter Representative on NWRA's Service Board of Governors, and Fundraising Committee Co-Chair for National Waste & Recycling Association Women's Council, Kristie continues to make an impact across the industry.

Her advice for those entering the field?

💬 "Get involved and be curious."

Read Kristie's full spotlight and learn what excites her most about the future of the industry, the value of building strong professional relationships and why she encourages others to get involved.

🔗 https://wasterecycling.org/nwra-member-spotlight-kristie-hopper/

06/02/2026

⛳ One Last Round at Pinehurst

Join the NWRA Carolinas Chapter July 15–16 for its Summer Chapter Meeting, Reception and 29th Annual Golf Outing at the legendary Pinehurst Resort.

Known as the birthplace of American golf, Pinehurst has hosted countless chapter gatherings over the years. This year's event marks the final time the Carolinas Chapter will come together at this iconic venue, making it an opportunity you won't want to miss.

Attendees will receive the latest legislative and industry updates, connect with fellow members from across the region and enjoy one of the chapter's most anticipated annual traditions.

📅 Summer Chapter Meeting & Reception – July 15
🏌️ 29th Annual Golf Outing – July 16
📍 Pinehurst Resort | Pinehurst, NC

Registration today: https://lnkd.in/dHEh8GB2

🏨 Planning to stay on-site? Reserve your room by June 14 to secure the discounted group rate: https://lnkd.in/eybffJAu

We hope to see you there for this final chapter event at Pinehurst!

06/02/2026

Our members are making an impact! 👏

Over half of the professionals recognized in Waste360's 2026 40 Under 40 are part of the NWRA community.

Their achievements represent the innovation, leadership and dedication that continue to strengthen the waste and recycling industry.

We're proud to celebrate their success and grateful for the contributions they make to our industry every day.

Congratulations again to this outstanding group of leaders!

05/29/2026

Our Battery Take-Back event is returning to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia!

We’re partnering with Washington Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, WSDOT, and Washington State Department of Commerce for an afternoon of battery safety and family-friendly fun! 🔋

Stop by to safely dispose of batteries, snap a photo with Woodsy Owl, tour Woodsy’s Airstream, and pick up some fun swag.

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

🗓️Thursday, June 18th
🕒11am - 4pm PT
📍Washington State Capitol, 416 Sid Snyder Ave
🔗https://batterysafetynow.org/seep-take-back-event

Missed us last time? This is your chance to turn in your old batteries and learn how safe battery disposal helps prevent fires and protects your community! 💚

Washington State Efficiency and Environmental Performance Battery Take-Back Event 🗓️ Thursday, June 18th 🕐 11 AM - 4 PM PT📍 Washington State Capitol416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA, 98504Join us in Olympia, WA for a free battery take-back event with the U.S. Forest Service’s Woodsy Ow...

05/28/2026

⚽ Soccer fans, keep an eye out for Woodsy Owl at Audi Field on June 3rd!

With support from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the NWRA and Woodsy Owl will be at Gate A during this year’s Congressional Soccer Match with battery safety tips, photo ops, and Skip the Bin! giveaways. 🔋🦉

Stop by to say hello, learn easy ways to keep batteries out of the trash and recycling bin, and grab some swag before kickoff.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 3
🕓 4–8 PM ET
📍 Audi Field, Gate A, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
🔗https://batterysafetynow.org/congressional-soccer-match

Help us kick battery fires to the sidelines and keep communities safe. 💚

05/28/2026

Crack open your calendar because the Maryland Chapter’s Annual Crab Feast is back!

Join fellow industry friends on the Eastern Shore for an evening packed with steamed crabs, coastal views, networking, and the kind of conversations that pair perfectly with Old Bay seasoning.

Whether you come for the crab cracking, the connections, or just the excuse to trade business cards for a mallet for a few hours, this is one summer tradition you won’t want to miss.

📍 Harris Crab House, Grasonville, MD
📅 June 23, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Register today: https://nationalwasterecycling.swoogo.com/MDCrabFeast26?i=WvZBM8CG21xbRmpnFCrkANWbAkVihmon! 🦀

05/26/2026

🎓 Great News! Applications for the 2026–2027 National Waste & Recycling Foundation Scholarship Program extended to deadline to June 4!

The scholarship program supports students and professionals pursuing educational pathways that can help shape the future of the waste and recycling industry.

Available opportunities include:
♻️ Darrell & Andrea Chambliss Family Scholarship
♻️ NWRA Women’s Council Scholarship
♻️ Mickey & Ellen Flood Scholarship

Scholarships support future leaders focused on:
✔️ Safety & compliance
✔️ Innovation & technology
✔️ Leadership development
✔️ Workforce growth
📅 Applications close June 4.

Learn more and apply here: https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/nwrf/

05/22/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Waste360 40 Under 40 honorees! 👏♻️

The National Waste & Recycling Association is proud to recognize this year’s outstanding group of emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of the waste and recycling industry. Through innovation, dedication, and a commitment to safety and sustainability, these professionals are making a meaningful impact across our industry and the communities they serve.

NWRA also congratulates this year’s Innovator and Changemaker Award recipients and thanks Waste360 for continuing to spotlight the talented individuals driving our industry forward.