The Nebraska Recycling Council is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to build a more sustainable, resource-conscious future for all Nebraskans. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on programs, NRC helps individuals, businesses, and communities reduce waste, recycle more effectively, and rethink how materials are used across the state.
At its core, NRC connects people to practical solutions. From hosting collection events that safely divert hard-to-recycle materials, to advancing statewide policies like safe battery recycling, the organization turns environmental responsibility into accessible, everyday action. Their work not only keeps valuable materials out of landfills, but also protects natural resources, reduces pollution, and strengthens local communities.
With a strong commitment to service and collaboration, the Nebraska Recycling Council partners with municipalities, schools, and industry leaders to create lasting impact. Every dollar invested supports education, infrastructure, and programs that empower Nebraskans to take part in building a cleaner, more resilient future.
Together, we can turn waste into opportunity—ensuring Nebraska remains a place where both people and the environment thrive.
The Nebraska Recycling Council was formed by a merger of the Nebraska State Recycling Association and WasteCap Nebraska on March 31, 2017. NRC is a statewide, member-based organization.
The Nebraska State Recycling Association (NSRA) was originally formed in 1980 to support Nebraska’s nascent recycling industry. NSRA has focused on supporting recycling infrastructure for businesses, communities and nonprofits by providing small grants for recycling equipment, such as bins and containers, balers, trucks and trailers, conveyors, and etc. It also has provided consultation for communities to improve recycling capacity and public awareness, and produced numerous guidance documents.
In 1992 WasteCap Nebraska (known then as INFORM) was formed as cooperative between a group of Lincoln businesses that wanted to leverage better recycling services. Over the years, WasteCap Nebraska focused on providing business waste assessments, recycling best practices for business, public education, and the online, statewide “Nebraska Recycling Guide”. More recently, WasteCap has been working with communities to help organize around zero waste principles and infrastructure.
The mission of the Nebraska Recycling Council is to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska.