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May 2026

Fall Conference 2026: Beyond the Bin

Now accepting Award Nominations

We’re excited to announce that nominations are now open for our annual awards! This is a great opportunity to recognize the individuals, organizations, and initiatives making a meaningful impact in waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability across Nebraska.

Know someone doing outstanding work? Whether it’s a colleague, partner, community leader—or even your own organization—we encourage you to submit a nomination and help us celebrate the efforts driving positive change.

Join us in highlighting the people and projects creating positive change in our communities. Submit your nomination today!

Award Categories & Descriptions

Nomination Form

Join the Nebraska Recycling Council for the 2026 Annual Fall Conference, Beyond the Bin. Our solution-driven conference will focus on the future of recycling, waste reduction, and circular economy practices. This year’s theme highlights strategies that go beyond the recycling bin, featuring community-driven approaches to reduce waste, recover valuable materials, and address special waste and organics management. Attendees will connect with national industry leaders and local practitioners to exchange ideas, explore best practices, and drive meaningful change across Nebraska and the Midwest.

Early bird registration is open - use code EARLYBIRD26 for 20% off your registration!

Celebrate National Learn About Composting Day!

Mark your calendars for May 26 & 28, National Learn About Composting Day, and join Nebraska Extension and partners for engaging backyard composting presentations happening across the state. These events are designed to help residents learn practical ways to reduce food waste and turn everyday scraps into valuable compost for their gardens.

Each session will begin at 6:30 PM and cover the basics of composting, including how to get started, which materials to use, and how composting benefits your soil and the environment. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up to win a free enclosed backyard compost bin.

Nebraska Extension is partnering with the Nebraska Recycling Council, Natural Resource Districts, and Public Libraries to host events in five communities:

Gering – May 28, 6:30 PM (MDT)

Gering Public Library, 1055 P St

Ogallala – May 28, 6:30 PM (MDT)

Kathleeen Lute Public Library, 610 W A St

Kearney – May 26, 6:30 PM (CDT)

Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E 34th St

Norfolk – May 28, 6:30 PM (CDT)

Madison County Extension Office, 1305 S 13th St

Beatrice – May 28, 6:30 PM (CDT)

Gage County Extension Office, 1115 W Scott St

Space is limited at each location, so early registration is encouraged. Join your local session to learn simple, effective ways to make a positive environmental impact right from your backyard.

Legislative Update

By Kimberly Carroll Steward

The 109th Nebraska Legislature adjourned on April 17, 2026, concluding a full 60-day session. Over the course of the session, 547 bills were introduced, with 167 ultimately passed into law. Many additional policy changes were incorporated through amendments, reflecting the increasingly complex and interconnected nature of legislative solutions impacting Nebraska’s communities, economy, and environment.

Looking ahead, the Nebraska Recycling Council is excited to engage with a significantly evolving legislative body. At least thirteen new senators are expected in the 2027 session. Ten senators are term-limited, including Robert Clements, Machaela Cavanaugh, Megan Hunt, Wendy DeBoer, John Arch, Ben Hansen, Mike Moser, Myron Dorn, Tom Brandt, and Dave Murman. Additionally, Christy Armendariz and Jane Raybould have chosen not to seek re-election, and Fred Meyer, who was appointed to fill a vacancy, did not file for election.

At the same time, twelve incumbent senators—including Merv Riepe, Jana Hughes, Barry DeKay, Mike Jacobson, Teresa Ibach, Danielle Conrad, Brian Hardin, Rick Holdcroft, Brad von Gillern, John Fredrickson, George Dungan, and Loren Lippincott are preparing for competitive re-election races.

As we look ahead, the Nebraska Recycling Council remains committed to working alongside our policymakers, partners, and communities to strengthen recycling systems, reduce waste, and support resilient local economies.

We know this will require proactive engagement and clear priorities as Nebraska prepares for the 2027 legislative session. Real progress happens when communities are engaged. We encourage everyone to learn about the issues, ask questions, and share their perspectives with elected officials. We encourage you to find your Senator and reach out!

By working together, we can build stronger recycling systems and create lasting solutions that serve communities across the state.

Read the Full Article

Upcoming NRC Webinars

What is happening beyond traditional mechanical recycling? This informative session offers a clear introduction to the processes of chemical and advanced recycling.

We’ll explore how these processes work at a high level, including a number of approaches like pyrolysis, gasification, and depolymerization, and what makes them different from mechanical recycling. Attendees will gain a better understanding of which materials are best suited for chemical recycling and why this technology is gaining attention as a potential solution for hard-to-recycle plastics. We’ll take a balanced look at the opportunities and challenges, from material recovery and circular economy potential to considerations around energy use, cost, and scalability.

Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge, this session will provide practical insights to help you better evaluate the role of chemical recycling in today’s waste and materials management landscape.

Watch this exclusive online webinar featuring Emily Sanchez, Chief Economist at the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and Kimberly Carroll Steward, Executive Director at the Nebraska Recycling Council for an inside look at national economics of recycling in the U.S.

Recycling markets can feel chaotic — but the long-run story is shaped less by the headlines and more by fundamentals: manufacturing demand, construction activity, labor markets, and the global appetite for recycled feedstocks. Emily Sanchez, Chief Economist at the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), will cut through the noise to explain what's actually moving recycled metals, paper, and plastics markets right now, and what to watch in the months ahead.

Emily Sanchez is the Chief Economist at the Recycled Materials Association, where she uses data analytics and economic analysis to make sense of the recycled materials industry, end-use industries, global trade, safety and distribution and logistics issues.

A Virginia native, Emily holds a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Statistics from James Madison University and an M.S. in Applied Statistics and an M.A. in Economics from George Mason University. Emily currently serves as Chair of the Board of the National Economists Club. She has previously served the NEC as President and as Vice President of Programs.

Give to Lincoln Day

May 28th is Give to Lincoln Day, and we are thrilled to be taking part throughout May! Give to Lincoln Day, powered by Lincoln Community Foundation, is a time when Lincoln comes together to support the organizations that enrich our lives and improve our city.

If you or someone you know has been looking for a way to support the Nebraska Recycling Council, this is the perfect opportunity! Donations can be made anytime between May 1st and May 28th. Follow our social media pages for day-of updates on the 28th!

Donation Page

Choosing a Composting Method

By Carina Olivetti

On average, organic materials make up one-third of an individual’s waste stream! Composting at home reduces emissions from hauling food scraps away and creates nutrient-rich soil right where you live and grow. It’s easier to get started than most people expect—and incredibly satisfying. After becoming a pro at food waste prevention, you will still need to find the composting method that works best for you. Whether you have a small outdoor space or plenty of room to work with, there’s a composting method that can fit your lifestyle.

Below is a guide to common backyard composting options, including their benefits and considerations, to help you choose the best system for your home.

Compost Bin (Enclosed)

Enclosed compost bins work well in small to medium yards and keep compost tidy and contained. This method reduces pests and odors. If conditions are right the enclosed bin may have faster decomposition than an open pile.

Open Compost Pile

The open compost pile is the easiest and least expensive method. It can handle large volumes of food scraps, leaves and yard debris. The pile is simple to turn and heats up well for faster decomposition when conditions are good.

Tumbler Compost System

A compost tumbler is a small-scale system best suited for residential use. Because of its limited volume, it typically does not reach the high temperatures needed for thermophilic composting or large-scale decomposition.

Vermiculture (Worm Composting)

Vermiculture uses red wiggler worms to break down food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic matter into a nutrient-rich material called castings.

3-Bin Composting System

A three-bin (or chamber) system is designed to compost small to moderate amounts of food scraps on site—ranging from the waste of a single family to that of dozens of households, depending on system size.

No matter which composting method you choose, you’re taking a meaningful step toward reducing waste and improving the health of your soil. Start with the system that best fits your space, time, and comfort level—and enjoy watching everyday scraps transform into something valuable.

Read the Full Article