Membership to trade associations can be extremely beneficial to help grow your business through educational and networking opportunities, as well as advocacy to try to enact important industry-wide changes and improvements. Unfortunately, there are not many organizations that are specifically geared toward the junk removal industry. That said, there are some that are related to recycling that you may want to consider joining.
(USA, Canada)
The National Waste & Recycling Association is comprised of members from all 50 states and the District of Columbia that run the gamut of representation within the waste and recycling industries - those that collect, process and manage waste and recyclables, operate and manage landfills, manage and service collection vehicles, design & manufacture equipment and supplies, as well as those that provide consulting and engineering services.
The focus of the NWRA is safety, advocacy and education and is considered to be the leading voice of the industry in North America.
NWRA Membership has 5 different categories, each with a separate application that is required. The categories are as follows:
Services - Collection and post-collection businesses (including landfills, materials recovery facilities or composting operations)
Suppliers - Manufacturers of waste, recycling collection and processing equipment & technology
Affiliates - Public sector officials in the United States and Canada who manage waste collection, recycling or disposal operations, or related programs
Sole Proprietor - Individuals who represent or work with companies that specialize in waste removal or recycling
Retired Member - Individuals who managed waste collection, recycling or disposal operations or related programs and are now retired
(North America)
The National Recycling Coalition aims to promote an economy throughout North America that focuses on recycling, reuse, waste prevention, environmental responsibility, redesign, and composting. By helping to provide both accessibility and participation for everyone, the hope is that eventually the conservation of natural resources can be achieved on a regional and national level.
The National Recycling Coalition’s Virtual National Recycling Congress Keynote address for 2022
There are many different membership levels for the NRC. Specific information, including annual dues, can be found at National Recycling Coalition – Together, We Are Recycling.
(USA, Worldwide)
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, based in Washington, DC, utilizes networking, education and advocacy methods to promote safe and environmentally responsible recycling. ISRI offers events, chapter meetings, training, and education that are both in person and online. Their next national convention and expo will be held in Las Vegas in April 2024.
Econcomics of Successful Recycling from the ISRI
Member benefits include some of the following: networking & education, advocacy & lobbying, access to market research, as well as regulatory and legal information. In addition, ISRI provides members with digital and print publications that are specifically geared toward the recycling industry. Additional information about member benefits can be found on their website.
