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July 2026 Newsletter

Fall Conference 2026: Beyond the Bin

Early Bird Registration for our fall conference is in full swing. Use the code EARLYBIRD26 for 20% off registration before this opportunity comes to an end. Join us to 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 will close at the end of the July, so register today!

Then, secure your spot as a sponsor for our 2026 Fall Conference. It's thanks to our sponsors we are able to come together each year for day full of networking, education, and collaboration to advance sustainable materials management across the state. Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your brand awareness, showcase your commitment to sustainability, and connect with decision-makers and professionals shaping Nebraska's recycling and waste reduction efforts. Sponsorship opportunities range from a $250 "Friend of NRC" to a $3000 "Venue Sponsor."

Contact info@nrcne.org for any questions regarding all things Fall Conference.

NRC 2026 Fall Conference Website

Become a Sponsor

Vendor Table

Backyard Composting Presentations Draw Strong Interest Across Nebraska

By Carina Olivetti

In late May, the Nebraska Recycling Council partnered with Nebraska Extension, North Platte Natural Resource District, and public libraries to host a series of Backyard Composting presentations across the state. The events brought together gardeners, homeowners, and composting enthusiasts to learn practical techniques for reducing and diverting food and yard waste from the landfill while creating valuable compost at home.

Attendance varied by location, but enthusiasm was high everywhere. Taylor Cammack & Dana Freeman in Norfolk welcomed 21 attendees, including many Master Gardeners, who enjoyed discussions comparing backyard and farm-scale composting systems. The tabletop composting demonstration proved to be a favorite feature of the program.

In Kearney, Elizabeth Exstrom presented to a diverse group of nine participants. Elizabeth cleverly reached out to local garden centers that helped promote the event through social media. Interactive demonstrations—with an unexpected worm appearance—sparked plenty of conversation and memorable moments.

David Lott of Ogallala and Nicole Stoner of Beatrice reported strong engagement despite smaller attendance numbers. Participants appreciated the hands-on props, troubleshooting discussions, and opportunities to compare different composting methods. Several attendees shared previous composting experiences and were eager to learn new strategies for success.

The Gering workshop hosted at the local library expanded into a three-hour discussion, complete with composting resources, live vermicomposting, interactive games, and plenty of questions from attendees. Interest was strong enough that Kirstee Moore is already exploring future workshops and potential expansion.

The workshops also included a compost bin giveaway program facilitated by the Nebraska Council, helping participants put their new knowledge into practice at home. Thank you to our Extension partners, host sites, and all who attended to make the Backyard Composting series a success. We hope to continue this program and partnership next year!

Plastic-Free July: Choose to Refuse

By Grace Barton

This July, go plastic-free for Plastic-Free July ^TM! This is a global movement helping people reduce their plastic waste through simple, everyday choices and be part of the solution to plastic pollution (PlasticFreeJuly.org).

If you look around and pay attention to what you use every day, you'll start to notice plastic in everything you do. But refusing plastic, especially single-use plastic, can often be a simple and easy choice. The Plastic Free Foundation developed the global initiative working towards the vision of seeing a world free of plastic waste.

Simple swaps for you this July include:

Reusable shopping bags and loose produce
Reusable coffee cups without the straws
Choosing clothing with natural fibers
Buying bar soap, rather than bottled (even shampoo and conditioner come in bar form!)
Avoid pre-packaged foods by choosing bulk or loose food
Use alternatives to cling wrap, such as a glass storage container or a beeswax wrap

Choosing plastic-free options and recycling correctly can make a big difference at your local recycling center. Many plastics, such as chip bags, plastic wrap, and grocery bags, are film and flexible plastics that are not accepted in most curbside recycling programs. These materials can tangle recycling equipment, causing delays, costly repairs, and contamination that lowers the value of recyclable materials. Reducing your use of these plastics helps improve recycling efficiency and supports a more effective recycling system.

Visit plasticfreejuly.org to learn more ways to go plastic-free, find ways to get involved, take the plastic-free challenge, and get inspired.

Take the pledge

Reflection of Colorado Recycling Summit

By Carina Olivetti

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Colorado Recycling Summit, and I left feeling both inspired and energized. While Colorado faces many of the same materials management challenges that we do in Nebraska, the overall atmosphere felt livelier. There was a strong sense of collaboration, creativity, and joy throughout the event.

One of the biggest takeaways for me came from the keynote speakers, who focused less on career achievement and more on building meaningful relationships, taking care of our mental health, and finding purpose in our work. It was a refreshing reminder that the sustainability movement is ultimately about people as much as it is about programs and policies.

I was also impressed by the attendees' willingness to share ideas, celebrate successes, and support one another. The conference felt welcoming, optimistic, and genuinely fun. It reinforced the importance of fostering connections and community as we work to solve complex environmental challenges.

I returned to Nebraska with new ideas, renewed motivation, and an appreciation for the power of collaboration in advancing sustainable materials management. The prairie dog towns of Westminster, Colorado, were a cute and entertaining side highlight!

NRC Staffing Announcement

By Jadyn Chasek

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from my role as Program Director at the Nebraska Recycling Council.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my team, the Board of Directors, our members, and the many supporters who welcomed me back to the organization with open arms. Although my time here has been brief, it has been everything I hoped it would be, providing me with both personal and professional growth.

One of the most rewarding parts of my experience has been connecting with our members and the broader NRC community. I have also greatly appreciated the opportunity to expand my knowledge through the conferences, webinars, and conversations that have been part of my time here.

As I begin the next chapter of my career, I will be joining Grafton & Associates, P.C. as a Client Services Accountant. While I am excited for this new opportunity, I will always be grateful for my time with the Nebraska Recycling Council and the relationships I've built along the way. I hope to remain connected to the NRC community and wish the organization continued success in the years ahead.

With gratitude,

Jadyn Chasek

Events

NRC Virtual Congress 2026

August 5, 2026 | 9:00 AM

August 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM

Have an event you'd like to promote in our newsletter? We will gladly share NRC members' events. Reach out to membership@nrcne.org to become a member and post your event!