Big List of Recycling Organizations Helping America Go Green

American companies going green

Updated September 13, 2023

So much is being done across the country to help spruce up our environment. Recycling has picked up over the past several decades and continues to build traction in every state thanks to recycling initiatives, legislation, and the efforts of nonprofit organizations.

According to the EPA, the national recycling rate has increased from about 10% in 1985 to about 35% in 2012. It has steadily increased year after year due to advancements in recycling technology and the realization that recycling has a major economic impact. Oh…not to mention the huge environmental benefit!

A good way to quickly dispose of heavy or bulky waste in a way that is environmentally responsible is through the use of a dumpster.

Depending on the type of waste processing facilities near you, you may be able to save money (and the environment) by 'clean' loading your dumpster with only one type of debris, such as asphalt roofing shingles, concrete, or drywall.

Learn more about dumpster rentals:

According to Keep America Beautiful (KAB), if all the recyclables in the U.S. waste stream were recycled, it would inject $7 billion of revenue into the U.S. economy. Additionally, the EPA states that for every 5 tons of waste sent to landfills, just one job is created. On the other hand, for every 5 tons of waste recycled or reused, up to 85 jobs are created. Numbers don’t lie—Recycling is great for the economy.

The comprehensive state-by-state directory of recycling organizations listed below includes companies largely responsible for why recycling is thriving in America. It’s because of these organizations that curbside recycling services are on the rise in communities across the country, recycling drop-off points are common around municipalities in every state, and landfills are being closed and replaced with waste-to-energy plants or recycling facilities.

Find your state and see what recycling initiatives are helping to shape your community’s future. You can also find out how to become a member or donate to these statewide recycling organizations.

Alabama

Alabama Environmental Council

The American Environmental Council (AEC) operates the oldest recycling center in Alabama located at 2431 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham. Its Recycle Alabama campaign has helped boost recycling rates in Jefferson County and across the state through education and advertising. The AEC also works to promote the use of renewable energy and to clean up the air and water of Alabama.

Alabama Recycling Coalition

The ARC is a statewide, non-profit organization bringing together industry, governments, NPOs and individuals with an interest in sustainable solid waste management. The ARC has played an integral role in helping to bring 1,400 new recycling-related jobs to the State in 2013 alone. This figure will only increase as recycling initiatives expand throughout the State.

Alaska

Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR)

ALPAR strives to keep Alaska free and clear of pollution and litter. It has partnered with several of the biggest recycling facilities across the state to help promote recycling. The goal is to keep Alaska’s beautiful wilderness as scenic today as it was centuries ago. ALPAR recognizes individuals and organizations who demonstrate outstanding achievements in recycling and/or litter prevention in their community at its annual awards banquet.

Interior Alaska Green Star

Green Star is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Alaskans about recycling and waste reduction. It recently opened the Electronics Recycling Depot in Fairbanks, which was the first of its kind in the area. E-waste is one of the fastest growing segments of waste in need of proper recycling. IAGS honors business and organizations that are helping to promote recycling and sustainability with its Green Star Award Program.

Arizona

Arizona Recycling Coalition

The Arizona Recycling Coalition (AZRC) is the State’s premier recycling advocate. It provides valuable resources for businesses and individuals living in Arizona looking to increase recycling rates. The AZRC offers a recycling award program recognizing leaders in the recycling industry, as well as promotes recycling initiatives statewide and offers links to grant programs related to recycling.

Arkansas

Arkansas Recycling Coalition

Since 1989, the Arkansas Recycling Coalition (ARC) has educated Arkansas-based businesses, nonprofits, government organizations and individuals about how to recycle, where to recycle and how to boost recycling rates. Its annual recycling conference and trade show brings together leaders in the industry to help push recycling efforts forward across the state. The ARC awards program recognizes organizations and individuals making a positive impact on the environment in Arkansas.

Keep Arkansas Beautiful

The Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB) campaign has helped vastly increase recycling rates statewide. In 2012, the state’s recycling rate topped 40%, which is above the national average. KAB has partnered with EcoATM to allow Arkansas schools or community organizations to earn money by recycling cellphones properly. Its website features a wide selection of educational materials to help promote recycling in Arkansas. Help keep Arkansas beautiful by volunteering with KAB.

California

Northern California Recycling Association

The Northern California Recycling Association (NCRA) promotes recycling initiatives throughout the State of California, but focuses primarily on Northern California. It educates the public and organizations about recycling, offering classes that can help you begin a career in the booming California recycling industry. The NCRA has achieved many accomplishments over the years, including helping to write and pass the Alameda County Measure D Landfill charge, and speak in front of Congress and the Supreme Court of California in regards to environmental issues.

California Resource Recovery Association

The CRRA is the oldest and one of the biggest nonprofit recycling organizations in the country. Its primary goal is to help California achieve zero waste status through recycling, reusing, composting and other green practices. It hosts an annual conference and trade show to help raise awareness about recycling and to further green technologies.

Association of California Recycling Industries

The ACRI is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the rights of California-based recycling facilities. Its goal is to maintain a free market amongst recyclers across the state. The ACRI tackles legislative issues relating to recycling laws, offers workshops to educate the public, and runs a scholarship program for students.

Californians Against Waste

CAW is a nonprofit institution that strives to make recycling available to all Californians. Much of its values and goals were adopted by CalRecycle several years ago and put into the landmark California goal of achieving a 75% recycling rate by 2020. The CAW has also been involved in multiple other legislative actions designed to promote recycling in the state.

Association of California Water Agencies

ACWA’s members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. Its goal is to make water a more sustainable resource in the state through water recycling technology and water reduction. ACWA is involved in legislation and regulatory actions related to water conservation in the State of California.

Colorado

Recycle Colorado

Recycle Colorado actively seeks to support recycling and waste diversion initiatives throughout the State of Colorado. It hosts events, educates the communities, offers recycling grant programs and is backed by some of the biggest waste hauling companies in Colorado (e.g., Waste Management).

Connecticut

Connecticut Recyclers Coalition

The CRC has provided community lectures, legislative support for the recycling industry in CT, and educational materials to businesses and residences since 1989. It has helped shape the way Connecticut handles its waste, including recycling services and waste diversion. Today, recycling in the State is mandatory.

Connecticut Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association

The COWRA is dedicated to preserving Connecticut’s water resources, including proper handling of wastewater and water recycling. It has helped shape the rules and regulations in place today regarding wastewater recycling and sewer water treatment processes.

Delaware

Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances

The DWHS is in charge of Delaware’s waste and recycling programs statewide. It has passed legislation mandating that all commercial businesses recycle (as of 2014), and it has a goal of recycling 50% of all waste generated in the state by 2015. It offers a wide range of educational materials to help the citizens of Delaware increase recycling rates at home and in the workplace.

Florida

Recycle Florida Today

Recycle Florida Today (RFT) takes a proactive approach to boosting recycling rates and overall sustainability in the State of Florida. It keeps the public informed of recycling legislation and laws pertaining to recycling in the State. It also hosts an annual conference to help bring together leaders in the recycling industry in an effort to exchange ideas, improve recycling technology, and to further the State’s progress toward reaching its 75% recycling goal.

Florida Recycling Partnership

The FRP is a coalition of Florida-based recycling and waste hauling companies that have come together to help boost recycling rates in the State. It offers information designed to help people make greener choices in their everyday lives, such as switching to reusable grocery bags, composting at home, and recycling whenever possible. It brings together some of the biggest recyclers in Florida, helping to further advance eco-friendly innovation and technology.

Georgia

The Georgia Recyclers

The mission of The Georgia Recyclers is to provide a voice for Georgia-based recyclers, big and small, to members of Congress in an effort to increase recycling rates statewide. It’s a team of dedicated lobbyists who realize the benefits of recycling and how it can improve Georgia’s environment and its economy. Some of the topics this group tackles includes metal theft, container deposit legislation, storm water regulations, and recycling of all types.

Georgia Recycling Coalition

The GRC has partnered with some of the biggest companies in the state, including Coca-Cola and the Georgia Beverage Association, to promote sustainable living and recycling statewide. Its membership is open to any individual or business interested in cleaning up the State. It offers recycling training seminars, special events, an annual conference, and forms special interest groups to help push legislation related to recycling and sustainability. The GRC website offers a boatload of information to help you start living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Keep Georgia Beautiful

The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation is the first and largest state-based Keep America Beautiful chapter in the country. Its efforts have helped reduce litter statewide by 75% over the past decade. KGB points out that for every dollar donated to its efforts, an average of $11.45 is invested back into the community. The organization works with Georgia residents, local recycling facilities and large corporations to help maintain Georgia’s environment.

Hawaii

Recycle Hawai’i

The goal of Recycle Hawai’i is to educate citizens about how and why to recycle on the beautiful islands of Hawaii. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that  provides free educational services and recycling guides to the public. It was recently awarded the America’s Recycling Day Proclamation from the Governor for all the work the organization and its members have done to help preserve and protect Hawaii.

Re-use Hawai’i

The mission of Re-use Hawai’i is to reduce the amount of construction and demolition (C&D) debris trucked to landfills. How does it do this? Well, it’s a nonprofit company that also happens to be a team of skilled, licensed demolition specialists that are able to recover about 80% of materials prior to demolition – a process called deconstruction. It resells recovered materials to the public at huge savings in its warehouse located at 200 Keawe Street in Honolulu. Reusing salvageable materials from a typical 2,000 square foot home demolition can save more than 8,000 square feet of landfill space and save 33 trees.

Idaho

Eastern Idaho Environmental Education Association

The EIEEA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the environment in Eastern Idaho, and recognizing organizations and individuals that go above and beyond in the areas of recycling, preserving the environment or sustainability. It educates the community on how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The EIEEA has a variety of projects in the works, including the Green Your Classroom Grant Program to promote eco-friendly living in the classroom, and the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event held annually. The first HHW collection event held in 2007 collected almost 1,200 gallons of used motor oil, 500 automobile batteries, and more.

Illinois

Illinois Recycling Association

The IRA is the only statewide voice for the recycling industry, helping to promote and advance recycling technology at all levels, from the classroom up to large-scale recycling operations. It hosts an annual conference to help citizens and major recycling organizations exchange ideas to help improve recycling rates and efficiency of operations. It also sponsors various events throughout the year, such as river cleanups.

Indiana

Circular Indiana

Circular Indiana supports the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse recycle) and composting in the Hoosier state. It gives citizens and businesses the means to communicate through forums and networking, plus it supplies materials to help develop recycling solutions at all levels, from local to state. The IRC offers numerous programs and hosts many events throughout the year to help educate communities across the state. A few of its happenings include the Lend a Bin program, Home Energy Assessments to help reduce energy costs (small donation required), and an annual conference.

Iowa

Iowa Recycling Association

The IRA is Iowa’s voice for recycling, helping to advocate on behalf of green-minded individuals and businesses statewide. It offers classroom presentations, award recognition, events, networking opportunities and much more. The IRA was a major supporter for Iowa’s Beverage Containers Control Law, or the "Bottle Bill," passed 30 years ago. The law has helped increase recycling rates of beverage containers to 71%, equal to more than 82,000 tons of material per year.

Kansas

Kansas Organization of Recyclers

The KOR’s mission is to support environmental stewardship. It’s a nonprofit organization run by its members, and it strives to educate the community about waste reduction, recycling, composting and sustainability in Kansas. KOR recognizes outstanding achievements by businesses or individuals at its annual conference. It’s been involved in many of the recycling-related legislation passed in Kansas over the years. Call 785-233-3771 for more information.

Southeast Kansas Recycling

The Southeast Kansas Recycling Center is a nonprofit organization that gives local recyclers a place to drop off materials. It also aims to educate the community about recycling and its benefits. The facility is located at 615 S. Joplin in Pittsburg, Kansas. Call for hours: 620-231-8930. The SEK Recycling Re-Use Shop sells donated items at significant discounts in an effort to limit landfill waste. The whole operation is run by dedicated volunteers.

Kentucky

Kentucky Association for Environmental Education

The mission of the KAEE is to educate the people of Kentucky about the environment and how to preserve it. It offers a variety of workshops to help educate students and organizations about the importance of environmental preservation. It also offers awards to individuals and organizations who demonstrate excellence in environmentalism.

Kentucky Recyclers Association

The KRA is the voice for recycling facilities throughout the State of Kentucky. It supports and lobbies for legislation designed to boost recycling rates statewide and reduce waste sent to landfills. It’s currently working on new legislation that will help discourage metal theft in Kentucky, a common problem in the state. The KRA has been a major reason why the amount of waste sent to landfills has decreased from 89% in 1980 to 54% in 2010.

Louisiana

Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council

The CACRC is a nonprofit organization based in Baton Rouge that is dedicated to reducing and reusing e-waste, such as computers, DVD players, video game consoles, digital cameras and much more. All of the reusable items are donated or offered at greatly reduced prices to local schools, low-income families and other nonprofits. A recent collection event held at Furniture Mart in January, 2014 netted 75 pallets of e-waste to be reused or recycled. This helps keep thousands of pounds of e-scrap from landfills and saves the statewide economy hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Louisiana Recycling Coalition

The LRC aims to give the recycling industry in Louisiana a voice at the State Capitol. Its team of lobbyists are dedicated to pushing legislation that will help increase recycling across the state. The LRC is involved in a number of bills pending before the Louisiana legislature, including the Scrap Metal Recycler Law and the metal theft bills.

Maine

Maine Resource Recovery Association

The MRRA aims to promote recycling statewide through education and marketing strategies. Its annual conference and trade show helps bring together recycling industry professionals and individuals to help share ideas and spread the word about the benefits of recycling and reusing materials.

Maryland

Maryland Recycling Network

The MRN advocates on behalf of the Maryland public and recycling industry to help make Maryland a more sustainable, eco-friendly place to live. It provides educational resources to the public and industry professionals, hosts various events meant to promote the 3 “R’s”, and gives citizens a voice when it comes to recycling-related legislation in government.

The Loading Dock

The Loading Dock salvages and recycles building materials. It offers inexpensive building materials to the public, such as lumber, bathroom fixtures, flooring, cabinetry, appliances and more. In 2013, The Loading Dock kept the following out of landfills: 26,000 gallons of paint, 83,000 carpet tiles, and nearly 5,000 doors. It also saved the community approximately $2 million. It accepts tax-deductible donations of all types of construction and renovation materials. It also offers free workshops and has volunteering opportunities. The Loading Dock is located at 2 North Kresson Street, Baltimore, MD 21224.

Massachusetts

Earthworm

Started in the 1970s, Earthworm was one of the pioneering forces behind Massachusetts’ recycling initiatives. It helps businesses overcome the pitfalls of recycling by offering discounted, or even free, recycling services. It also collects e-waste for proper disposal or to be reused.

Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts

HGRM is a not-for-profit organization that accepts donations of household goods, which it then distributes free of charge to people in need. In 2013, HGRM helped 2,500 families in need of household goods following job loss, fire/flood loss, abusive homes, veterans in need, and more. In all, HGRM helped people in 134 communities across Eastern Massachusetts that year.

Michigan

Michigan Recycling Coalition

The MRC is the voice of recycling and composting interests statewide. It offers educational materials on the topics and holds an annual conference to help spread the word through networking and sharing of ideas. It takes a strong stance against issues/legislation that could negatively affect the environment, including open burning, yard waste disposal and e-waste ending up in landfills.

Michigan Recycling Partnership

The MRP is a coalition of Michigan-based businesses that recognizes the value of recyclables and seeks to maximize recycling efforts in the state. Its goal is to increase Michigan’s approximately 20% recycling rate, as it’s the lowest of all other Great Lakes States. Boosting recycling rates to about 31% would bring about 10,000 new jobs to the state.

Automotive Recyclers of Michigan

ARM is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing the practice of reclaiming parts and metal from scrap vehicles rather than disposing of it in landfills. It hosts various events throughout the year to help educate the public and businesses in the salvaging industry, and it also monitors current and pending legislation related to its interests.

Minnesota

Recycling Association of Minnesota

The RAM is the premier resource for recycling information and advocacy in the State of Minnesota. It hosts conferences, provides public education, offers educational materials and supports recycling legislation across the state. It has been the driving force behind major recycling initiatives in Minnesota, including the Message in a Bottle Program, REseat car seat recycling, America Recycles Day in MN, Borrow the Bin recycle bin rental program, Recycle More initiative, and many others.

Mississippi

Mississippi Recycling Coalition

The mission of the MRC is to inform and educate the public, government and its members of recycling and sustainability benefits and goals for the state of Mississippi. The Coalition is currently working on a variety of projects, including funding a scholarship program for students majoring in environmental-related degrees, offering an award program for recycling excellence, educating school-age students about how and why to recycle, and much more.

Keep Mississippi Beautiful

KMB was launched in 1988 in an effort to promote litter prevention statewide. It hosts an annual conference and various events to help get the public involved in recycling efforts as well as educate industry professionals about advances in recycling technology and innovation. KMB received Diamond Level distinction from Keep America Beautiful for the recycling-related work it has done in the State of Mississippi.

Missouri

Missouri Recycling Association (MORA)

MORA is dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability in Missouri by way of waste diversion and recycling initiatives. It offers a vast amount of educational materials designed to promote sustainability in the house, at work, in government and schools.

Montana

Recycle Montana

Recycle Montana is the state’s premier resource for learning about waste diversion and recycling information in the State of Montana. It advocates in Congress on behalf of citizens and businesses concerned about maintaining Montana’s beautiful landscape. It hosts many events throughout the year to help support recycling/reusing and spread the word of its many benefits.

Cinnabar Foundation

The Cinnabar Foundation is dedicated to preserving the environment of Montana. It does so through generous grants and sharing conservation stories from people like you. In 2013, 86 grants were handed out to environmental groups and individuals working on projects to help improve or maintain Montana’s scenic beauty.

Nebraska

Nebraska State Recycling Association

The NSRA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to further recycling initiatives throughout Nebraska. It provides technical assistance and grants to the public and recycling facilities across the state. It realizes the importance of recycling and how it creates jobs, boosts the economy and preserves the environment.

Nevada

GREENevada

Growing Resources for Environmental Education in Nevada, or GREENevada, is a collaborative group of organizations focused on educating students and citizens about the beneficial aspects of recycling and sustainability. It offers a grant program, various educational events and many student/teacher resources at its website. GREENevada has offered thousands of dollars in grants to local schools since its founding in 2010.

New Hampshire

Northeast Resource Recovery Association

The NRRA was founded in New Hampshire in 1981 and since then membership has grown to include more than 400 municipalities across the Northeast United States. Its primary focus is on technical and marketing aspects of recycling and waste reduction. The NRRA hosts an annual conference, educates local schools about the importance of recycling and organizes litter cleanup events throughout the state.

U.S. Green Building Council, New Hampshire Chapter

The USGBC New Hampshire Chapter advocates for green building practices throughout New Hampshire. The USGBC offers LEED Certification for homes and businesses that meet certain criteria set by the USGBC. The New Hampshire Chapter hosts various events and educational meetings designed to boost the community’s awareness of green building practices and why it’s important. There are currently more than 200 LEED certified buildings in New Hampshire, and counting.

New Jersey

Association of New Jersey Recyclers

The ANJR is New Jersey’s voice when it comes to recycling and waste diversion. Its members monitor and introduce legislation designed to increase recycling rates and improve the New Jersey environment. The ANJR offers a huge amount of information at its website related to eco-friendly living, and it also hosts numerous events throughout the year to bring together the leaders in the New Jersey recycling industry.

New Mexico

New Mexico Recycling Coalition

The NMRC’s goal is to boost New Mexico’s relatively low 16. 2 % recycling rate (2010). It provides educational resources to citizens and businesses across the state, holds an annual conference to help share ideas and new technology, advocates recycling legislation at the government level, and offers a recognition program to award those who demonstrate excellence in the field of recycling and sustainability. Its efforts have helped boost recycling rates over the past few years, and it estimates that once the state achieves a 34% recycling rate, it would subsequently produce 5,000 new jobs in the recycling industry.

New York

New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse & Recycling

The NYSAR3 is the statewide advisory organization for any type of legislation related to waste reduction, recycling or reuse. It also educates and promotes recycling across the state via annual conferences, award programs, grants and special events.

Build it Green! NYC

Built it Green! NYC is a nonprofit organization that collects salvaged and donated building materials and household goods/appliances for resale at hugely discounted prices. The organization helps deconstruct buildings in a way which allows things like cabinets, appliances and lumber to be reused. It helps save money and reduces the amount of waste trucked off to landfills. About 19,000 lbs of building material waste is trucked to landfills in New York each day. It also collects food scraps for compost.

Recycle-A-Bicycle

RAB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that accepts bicycle donations for resale in an effort to promote living a healthier, greener lifestyle. But, it also does a lot more across the state. It offers a green jobs training program, youth programs and workshops, riding clubs and more. RAB diverts about 45,000 lbs. of bicycle waste away from landfills each year.

North Carolina

Recycling Association of NC

The RANC is a group of North Carolina recyclers dedicated to the metal recycling industry. Its mission is to eliminate metal theft and to maintain the public’s best interest regarding legislation, rules and laws pertaining to metal recycling. The efforts of RANC have led to three major metal recycling laws passed since 2007 – more to come.

Carolina Recycling Association

The CRA is all about conserving natural resources and promoting recycling and waste reduction efforts statewide. It does so by education the public, hosting events and an annual conference, partnering with state recycling advocates, and engaging board members and councils on the topic of recycling and waste diversion. Its efforts have helped divert more than half-a-million tons of waste from landfills (2009).

North Dakota

North Dakota Solid Waste and Recycling Association

The NDSWRA is a nonprofit organization focused on educating and informing the public about recycling issues in North Dakota. It offers educational seminars and training to keep members up to date with the latest recycling technology and waste diversion techniques. It also offers scholarships and grant opportunities at its website.

Ohio

Association of Ohio Recyclers

The AOR dedicates its efforts to improving Ohio’s economy through recycling and waste diversion. It does so by hosting many educational events throughout the year, lobbying for recycling-related legislation, and bringing together leaders in the recycling industry to network and share ideas.

Ohio Association of Litter Prevention and Recycling Professionals

The OALPRP is a membership-based organization in which members are able to share ideas and knowledge about new recycling technology and innovation. Its purpose is to further recycling efforts in the State of Ohio. It hosts various events and conferences in different parts of the state throughout the year. The OALPRP also offers scholarships to students entering the environmental sciences field.

Organics Recycling Association of Ohio

As its name implies, the ORAO is focused on studying and promoting organic composting in Ohio – aka “food recycling”. It provides educational courses to teach people how to compost and about its benefits. It also hosts an annual conference and webinars periodically. Thanks to its efforts, there are now 25 composting facilities located across the state (EPA), and this number is growing year after year. Residential composting is also on the rise.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Recycling Association

The OKRA connects recycling industry professionals, government entities and the public together in an effort to boost recycling efforts statewide. It hosts events, board meetings, an annual conference and workshops to educate the public. It has become the premier platform for Oklahoma’s recycling industry to share ideas and further recycling technology in the state. There are now over 5,000 recycling-related jobs in Oklahoma with an estimated payroll of $300 million, and the OKRA is a big reason for this growth.

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful

KOB is Oklahoma’s branch of the national Keep America Beautiful foundation. It targets grassroots recycling, reusing and composting movements in Oklahoma. It hosts many contests, events and award opportunities throughout the year in an effort to promote and reward excellence in recycling across the state. It also participates in the Great American Cleanup Oklahoma each year, the largest national cleanup day of the year.

Oklahoma Recyclers Association

The Oklahoma Recyclers Association is a group of scrap metal recyclers, big and small, located throughout the State of Oklahoma. Its goal is to promote scrap metal recycling and discourage scrap metal theft. It stays active in the community by participating in various programs, such as the Shop with a Cop program, and it’s always available to help local churches, nonprofits and community events.

Oregon

Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association

The ORRA is the state’s leader when it comes to recycling and sustainability advocacy. It’s constantly trying to improve recycling efficiency, promote community service, improve the environment, and promote new community-based programs to further its goal of sustainability statewide. The ORRA accomplishes its goals through numerous partnerships and networking events hosted throughout the year. It’s both a resource for information and a “green” advocate for the citizens of Oregon.

Association of Oregon Recyclers

The AOR is dedicated to improving recycling efforts and sustainability in Oregon. It holds various conferences and forums to help spread the word and generate ideas to help achieve its goals. The AOR also recognizes organizations and individuals who demonstrate excellence in recycling, composting and sustainability with its Recycler of the Year Award.

Recycling Advocates

Recycling Advocates is a grassroots nonprofit organization launched specifically for the citizens of Oregon concerned with reducing waste and recycling. It provides the public with all the information they need to know about recycling, reusing and waste diversion news going on in Oregon. It also hosts numerous events throughout the state and advocates for sustainability on the city, county and state levels. RA has accomplished many of its initiatives over the years, including helping to eliminate PVC (#3) plastic packaging, increase battery recycling statewide, testified in Congress for the Bottle Bill legislation and E-waste Bill, sponsored an electronics stewardship bill in 2003 and boosted curbside recycling efforts in the Metro area.

Free Geek

Free Geek is a Portland-based nonprofit organization that accepts e-waste donations, fixes it, and donates or resells it at huge discounts to Oregon residents, schools and other organizations. It has given away nearly 16,000 laptops and desktop computers since it was founded in 2000. It also offers free computer classes.

Pennsylvania

Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, PA

The PROP is a nonprofit organization consisting of professional recyclers from across the state. Its mission is to promote recycling and further the technology necessary to improve its efficiency. The goal is to bring together professional recyclers and the public to inform and educate both groups of the benefits of recycling, composting and waste diversion. PROP does it all: Advocates for recycling legislation, hosts workshops and community meetings, holds an annual conference, publishes a recycling newsletter, trains individuals and organizations, and much more.

Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc.

The mission of the PRC is to maintain Pennsylvania’s natural resources today and for the future. For over 70 years the PRC has played a major role in helping to make recycling mandatory in the state, teach citizens about the importance of the 3 “R’s”, further the advancement of recycling technology and much more. Its members and leadership work hard to sponsor new recycling legislation, host events, and be active in the community to help clean-up the environment.

Rhode Island

Resources (Recycling) for R.I. Education

The RRIE has the resources and knowledge to educate students, parents and businesses about the benefits of recycling. This nonprofit organization works with businesses to remove unwanted – but still usable – items that would otherwise be trucked to landfills, and these items are then donated to local schools, charities and other nonprofits. The RRIE currently diverts about 15 tons of waste from landfills every month, and growing.

South Carolina

Carolina Recycling Association

The CRA is focused on conserving the environment and advancing recycling and waste reduction efforts statewide. It offers educational resources, networking conference and events, partners with recycling advocates statewide, and much more. Its efforts have helped South Carolina surpass a 40% recycling rate (2012)

South Carolina Recyclers Association, Inc.

The SCRA represents the state’s recycler in terms of advancing recycling initiatives through legislation, technology and education. Scrap metal theft is one big issue being tackled by the SCRA at the current time. It supports current and pending legislation regarding metal theft and all rules and regulations regarding the advancement of recycling in South Carolina.

South Dakota

South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association

The SDSWMA is a membership-based organization that is focused on solid waste and recycling training and education. It hosts workshops and two conferences each year to promote its goals and missions. It also offers annual awards recognition to individuals or organizations that show excellence in the field of solid waste diversion, recycling or innovation. To promote environmental education, the SDSWMA offers a scholarship to students pursuing environmental related careers.

Tennessee

Tennessee Recycling Coalition

The goal of the TRC is to make recycling the standard method of waste disposal in the State of Tennessee. It’s a nonprofit group composed of individuals, businesses, government institutions, trade associations, schools and other nonprofits. The TRC has played an important role in developing the 2015-2025 Solid Waste Management Plan in Tennessee. The TRC hosts networking events, meetings and conferences throughout the year to promote recycling and spark interest in making Tennessee a more sustainable place to live.

Tennessee Environmental Education Association

The TEEA is a nonprofit organization focused on educating the people of Tennessee about the benefits of recycling and living an eco-friendly lifestyle. It hosts meetings and events throughout the year to promote its goals, and its website provides links to grant opportunities and a seemingly endless amount of useful information.

Texas

State of Texas Alliance for Recycling

STAR is a group of regional recycling organizations and individuals dedicated to increasing Texas recycling rates as high as economically possible. It hosts a variety of educational and informational events throughout the year, including an annual summit. STAR is the state’s largest nonprofit recycling advocate.

Texas Campaign for the Environment

The TCE is a grassroots nonprofit organization with a goal to protect the environment in Texas. It organizes and promotes environmental campaigns designed to boost recycling rates, cleanup litter and lower pollution in the state. TCE stays busy throughout the year trying to accomplish its goals through legislative lobbying and education. In 2013, it was able to reduce coal plant emissions in Central Texas, push a zero waste plan for the City of Dallas, succeeded in halting plans for gas drilling in Dallas, give citizens more control over proposed waste-to-energy facility in Austin rather than giving the public no say, and much more.

Cooperative Teamwork and Recycling Assistance

CTRA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides technical assistance to cities and organizations in Texas interested in starting a recycling program. It’s the liaison between the private recycling provider and the public. It ensures competitive pricing and fair service to all customers. It also promotes and educates the public, and hosts networking events for the private sector, in an effort to advance recycling efforts throughout the State of Texas.

Utah

Recycling Coalition of Utah

The RCU is committed to improving recycling rates in the State of Utah. It’s a group of organizations, private businesses, schools and individuals dedicated to this goal. The RCU promotes recycling awareness, implements Recycling Market Development Zones in municipalities across the state, supports recycling legislation, educates and provides a platform for networking and sharing of ideas.

Utah Recycling Alliance

The URA participates in community recycling and sustainability events across the State of Utah. It also hosts summits, workshops, events, and board meetings regularly. Its mission is to educate the public about the benefits of recycling and how to do it properly.

Vermont

Northeast Recycling Council

The NERC promotes recycling initiatives across all of the Northeastern United States, including Vermont. This 10-state nonprofit organization aims to educate the public and private sectors about sustainability, composting, recycling and reusing. It hosts annual events and conferences to boost awareness and to share ideas to help increase recycling rates. The NERC’s work has helped lead to the development of the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse, the nation’s first national guidelines for pharmacies, amongst many other accomplishments throughout its 27+ year existence.

Composting Association of Vermont

The CAV promotes recycling of organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste. It’s a nonprofit organization that realizes the benefits of composting, including improved soil composition for growing produce and less waste trucked to landfills. The CAV is involved in promoting legislation related to composting in Vermont, as well as increasing waste hauler participation in composting programs.

Virginia

Virginia Recycling Association

The VRA was formed in 1990 in an effort to expand recycling efforts in the State of Virginia. It’s the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and participation in recycling programs. Since its inception it has developed recycling training programs, a school recycling initiative, and hosted an annual conference for networking and sharing ideas. It also recognizes recycling excellence with its award program.

Computer Recycling of Virginia, Inc.

The mission of the CRVA is to offer electronic equipment, such as computers or TVs, free of charge to Virginia schools and nonprofit organizations. The CRVA is a nonprofit organization which accepts most electronic items for donation with the exception of refrigerators or appliances. Over the years it has help divert more than 14,000 tons of e-waste from local landfills, and in the process has donated 20,000 pieces of electronics equipment to area schools and nonprofits.

Washington

Washington State Recycling Association

The WSRA is a 501c(6) nonprofit organization that educates and promotes recycling across the state of Washington. Unlike other nonprofits, the WSRA has a direct influence on recycling legislation in the State, often being the go-to source of information for lawmakers when writing up legislation related to recycling or sustainability. It hosts many events throughout the year, along with an annual conference to share recycling ideas and new advancements in recycling technology.

Washington Refuse and Recycling Association

The WRRA represents the interests of the private solid waste and recycling industries. It’s the largest such trade organization in the State and the longest running solid waste and recycling association in the Western United States. It provides educational resources, legal support, a voice in the state legislature and seminars/meetings throughout the year. WRRA members and their children are eligible for a $2,000 college scholarship to further their education.

Washington Organic Recycling Council

The WORC is dedicated to promoting the benefits of composting. It offers various types of training courses designed for composting professionals to help ensure efficient and effective operations. WORC facilitates communication between the public and private sector by informing the public of the benefits of composting and teaching composting facilities how to run their operations efficiently. Its work helped launch 40 composting facilities that produced over 1 million cubic yards of nutrient-dense compost in 2007.

West Virginia

Recycling Coalition of West Virginia

The Recycling Coalition of West Virginia is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization with an interest in expanding recycling initiatives across West Virginia. Its members range from citizens to large corporations in the solid waste and recycling industry.

West Virginia Recyclers Association, Inc.

The WVRA represents the interests of recyclers in West Virginia. It helps ensure recyclers follow all recycling laws, improves communication between recyclers and other entities, aids law enforcement in deterring metal theft, offers educational resources and provides a voice in Congress.

Wisconsin

Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin

AROW provides proactive leadership related to recycling and waste reduction across the State of Wisconsin. It’s a nonprofit organization that brings together industry professionals and concerned citizens looking to make a difference in their community. It holds an annual conference for its members to network and share ideas, plus it offers awards for recycling excellence. Its Recycle More campaign makes it easy for citizens to get involved and make a difference through recycling, composting and waste reduction.

Clean Wisconsin

The mission of Clean Wisconsin is to ensure every resident in the state has access to clean air and water, litter-free landscapes, and clean energy. It works with local governments to clean up waterways, fight against expansion of nuclear/coal power plants, pushes lawmakers to protect the natural resources of Wisconsin, and much more. Its members are passionate about the environment and are dedicated to preserving its future.

Wyoming

Wyoming Solid Waste and Recycling Association

It’s the goal of the WSWRA to protect the health and well-being of the citizens of Wyoming by educating the community about recycling and helping to advance recycling technology with recyclers statewide. It holds a conference each year open to all members to help open the lines of communication between the public and private sector, including discussing proposed recycling legislation and ways to help maintain and improve the environment.

Wyoming Alliance for Environmental Education

The WAEE aims to educate the public about the importance of recycling and maintaining the health of the environment. It does so through various events and workshops in communities across the state. It works closely with schools to teach kids about how to respect the environment and why it’s important to maintain it. The WAEE is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers. There is no membership fee to join.

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