ABOUT
Who We Are.
The California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA, founded 1974) is California’s statewide recycling association. It is the oldest and one of the largest non-profit recycling organizations in the United States. A 501(C)3 organization, CRRA is dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability in and beyond California through Zero Waste strategies including product stewardship, waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting. CRRA provides its members with resources to advance local, regional and state-wide waste reduction efforts which result in critical environmental and climate protection outcomes. CRRA’s members represent all aspects of California’s reduce-reuse-recycle-compost economy. Our members work for cities, counties, municipal districts, and businesses as well as hauling companies, material processors, non-profit organizations, state agencies, and allied professionals.
Technical Councils.
CRRA members are encouraged to join technical councils to provide input on key policy issues and to develop more services in specific areas of interest. Learn more about them HERE.
Districts and Chapters.
Geographically-based districts encompass all regions of the state. Members of each district elect one director each year to serve a two-year term on the state Board of Directors, for a total of three directors for each district serving at any one time, and a total of nine directors for CRRA as a whole. Each district may also choose to form a local CRRA chapter. Chapters are the heart of CRRA, where members meet regularly to share information and exchange views. Chapters also allow local concerns to be addressed at an effective local level, while dissemination information about statewide needs and problems.
In San Diego, the local chapter started the "Take-the-Wrap" campaign to remove recycling labels from plastic products which are non-recyclable. It has since spawned a national movement to encourage companies to label their products in a more environmentally-correct fashion. Other chapters have organized a variety of recycling campaigns like telephone book and holiday tree recycling. Many chapters have also organized workshops, tours and forums to educate professionals in their area.
Policy Leadership and Representation
CRRA identifies issues facing the industry, develops broad policy consensus and authors policy-setting documents such as the State Recycling Policy and the Recycling Agenda. These documents were used by California legislators to develop laws governing waste reduction, recycling, composting and solid waste management practices throughout the state. Through its Board of Directors, technical councils, committees, chapters, conferences and workshops, CRRA is on the cutting edge of all aspects of the industry.
Supported by this extensive grassroots network, CRRA's Executive Director represents the organization as a voice for recycling in Sacramento. CRRA actively represents members before state agencies and the Legislature on critical issues affecting the industry and also assists them in communicating their concerns to key decision-makers in the Capitol.