Zero Waste Sonoma is a proud member of the following organizations. We remain committed to the values of these organizations and are proud to participate in the communities they unite.
Zero Waste Sonoma is a proud member of the following organizations. We remain committed to the values of these organizations and are proud to participate in the communities they unite.
Established in 1994, Build Reuse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on promoting the recovery, reuse, and recycling of building materials in the U.S. The organization also supports social investment and workforce development in deconstruction. Its vision is to create a building industry where used materials are valued, waste is eliminated, and a circular economy supports sustainability and local economic opportunities.
Californians Against Waste (CAW) aims to protect communities by reducing pollution from resource extraction and disposal, advocating for a transition to a circular economy. Founded in 1977, CAW is a leading non-profit focused on policy solutions for pollution and conservation, emphasizing producer responsibility to internalize environmental costs. Their work includes developing policies for waste reduction, lobbying for producer responsibility, and creating programs to enhance recycling and waste management.
The California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) advocates for policies where producers are responsible for managing their products' end-of-life, leading the state in Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Supported by over 26 million Californians and with nearly 150 local resolutions, CPSC collaborates with businesses on product redesign and collection programs. In 2015, it founded the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) to extend its successful initiatives nationwide. CPSC aims to shift California from a linear to a circular economy by promoting producer-financed recovery programs and improving material recovery and reuse.
Careit is an online platform revolutionizing food donation by connecting surplus food producers with local nonprofits. Careit's technology addresses food insecurity by enabling responsible donations and supporting hunger-relief agencies in accessing essential resources. It also provides businesses and governments with tools for impactful data tracking.
Founded in 1974, the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) is the oldest and one of the largest statewide recycling organizations in the U.S. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CRRA focuses on environmental sustainability through Zero Waste strategies, including product stewardship, waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting. It supports its diverse membership with resources to advance waste reduction and environmental protection across California and beyond.
The Container Recycling Institute (CRI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991, aims to make North America a leader in packaging recycling. CRI produces research and education to enhance waste reduction, recovery, and recycling of containers and packaging. It maintains comprehensive databases, studies recycling options and legislation, and offers guidance to governments and communities. CRI's vision is a world where no material is wasted and the environment is protected through collaborative efforts for a sustainable economy.
GO LOCAL is a marketing organization for Sonoma County businesses and organizations. Since its founding in 2010, GO LOCAL has provided shared branding, targeted media, and a Rewards Program to encourage Sonoma County residents to continue to support local businesses.
Founded in 1978, the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) is the oldest non-profit recycling advocacy group in the U.S. With over 12,000 members, including state organizations and nonprofits, NRC offers a unified national voice for recycling and promotes coordinated efforts in materials recovery and sustainable management. Its guiding principle is "Together we are powerful."
Formed in 2015, the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit dedicated to advancing an equitable, circular economy across the U.S. NSAC’s experienced Board and staff excel in crafting policy and implementing solutions for various material management issues, including packaging and textiles. They offer consulting services and are active in lobbying and advocacy for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Product Stewardship. NSAC has been a leading force in circular economy legislation and remains committed to fostering a sustainable, inclusive future.
Established in 1993, the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) is a nonprofit that supports pollution prevention and the safe management of hazardous materials from households and small businesses. It offers members professional development, training, and networking opportunities, and promotes product reformulation, less hazardous materials, and effective waste management practices. NAHMMA also fosters education and policy development to enhance safety and efficiency in hazardous waste management.
The Northern California Recycling Association (NCRA), founded in 1978, is a 501(c)(6) non-profit dedicated to advancing Zero Waste principles and practices. With over 500 members, NCRA fosters collaboration on waste management and sustainability, aiming to end waste through education and advocacy. Their mission extends beyond recycling to include comprehensive waste management, promoting the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials, opposing incineration and landfilling, and supporting policies that minimize waste and environmental impact. They also advocate for the reduction of single-use plastics and food waste, and encourage ethical practices and information sharing in waste management.
Reuse Alliance envisions a society centered on reducing consumption and operating on a reuse-focused economy, where products are designed for durability and long-term use, with recycling and composting as final steps. Founded in New York City in 2001, the organization has grown from a local network into a national non-profit, advocating for reuse through conferences and community-building. It has developed key programs and supported local initiatives, including working with Zero Waste Sonoma to pass the Construction Demolition & Deconstruction (CD&D) model ordinance. Notable achievements include receiving the 2021 CRRA Pavitra Crimmel Reuse Award and leading projects to advance reuse practices and policies.
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is a leading global organization with over 10,000 members focused on advancing resource management through education, advocacy, and research. For over 60 years, SWANA has supported professionals with technical conferences, certifications, and training. With 47 chapters across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, SWANA also represents the U.S. in the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and is a key policy and technical advocate in the field of solid waste management.
The Stewardship Action Foundation (SAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in January 2021, focuses on educating the public about achieving an equitable, circular economy. As an affiliate of the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC), SAF supports NSAC's policy efforts through outreach and education. SAF's initiatives include promoting "truth in labeling" to combat greenwashing and mislabeling, contributing to the passage of California's AB 818 and SB 343, and advocating for similar measures nationally. SAF is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in advancing circular economy practices.
The US Composting Council (USCC) promotes compost manufacturing, utilization, and organics recycling to enhance environmental health and support its members. Founded in 1990 with initial backing from Procter and Gamble, the USCC now boasts over 800 members, including compost manufacturers, researchers, and government employees. The organization is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the industry. Its core values include delivering member value, transparency, continuous learning, teamwork, and fun.