Upcoming events

    • 03 Aug 2025
    • 06 Aug 2025
    • Portola Hotel & Spa - Monterey, CA
    Registration is closed

    Each year, the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) organizes one of the most comprehensive and informative conferences dedicated to resource management issues in California and beyond. CRRA is well known for its training and educational offerings since the early 1970s. The Annual Conference and Trade Show attracts over 800 individuals annually and showcases an estimated 30 sessions each year with over 100 industry experts as presenters.

    3 Days of Networking//Over 100 Presenters//50+ Innovative Exhibitors//Virtual Option Available

    This year's event will be a hybrid, available live as well as online via streaming. All speakers will be presenting live from Monterey.

    Important Dates:

    • June 6, 2025 – Early Bird Deadline
    • July 18, 2025 - Last day to purchase online and last day to receive payment by check (check must be received in our offices no later than July 18, 2025)
    • August 3-6, 2025 – Onsite registration, subject to a $50 on-site processing fee (not including receptions)
    • August 6, 2025 - Optional tours will be offered and will (approximately) occur from 1:30pm-6:00pm. Please keep this in mind when making travel arrangements.


    YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO ACCESS MEMBER RATES

    Join today - become a member and save!

    Members receive a discount on CRRA Annual Conference registration rates, as well as discounts to many other industry events (to receive the discount, you must first join CRRA and then log in to receive member conference rates). Click here for membership details.


    CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY

    • Send written cancellation requests by email to lauren@crra.com. Cancellation requests will not be accepted by phone.  
    • Cancellations requests received by May 6, 2025 will receive a 100% refund, less a $50 per person processing fee. 
    • Cancellation requests received between May 7 and by July 7, 2025 will receive a 50% refund, less a $50 per person processing fee. 
    • Cancellations requests received after July 7, 2025 will not be refunded. 
    • “No shows” will not be refunded. 
    • Cancellation reimbursement payments will be processed four to six weeks after August 6, 2025. 
    • Substitutions are allowed. If substituting a non-member for a member registration, non-member rate increase will apply.

    PAYMENT INFORMATION

    • Payments by check for Early Bird rates must be received and/or postmarked by June 6, 2025 to receive Early Bird discounted pricing. Registration will not be complete when payments of Early Bird rates are received after June 6, until payment in full at the applicable rate is received.
    • Payments by check must be received in our offices by July 18, 2025 to ensure registration will be complete and conference credentials provided at the event.  
    • Registration is not guaranteed and conference credentials may be withheld when payment by check is received after July 18, 2025; payment in full by credit card may be required at time of check-in to obtain conference credentials.
    • Registration is not guaranteed and conference credentials may be withheld until payment in full is provided; payment in full by credit card may be required at time of check-in to obtain conference credentials.

    IMPORTANT

    • Membership dues must be paid in full at time of purchase to receive the membership discount.  
    • Conference credentials will not be provided until registration fees have been received in full (as well as any membership dues, if applicable).
    • All past due monies and balance due from previous CRRA events must be paid in full, to receive Conference credentials.
    • Conference registrations may be transferred or substituted in whole upon written request. Please contact us for details.
    • Conference registration is for one named individual and may not be “shared” between multiple individuals.
    • Full-Conference Rates include all plenary and panel sessions, receptions, and on-site meals.
    • Tours are available on a first-come, first-reserved basis. A wait list will be available.
    • By attending this event you understand that CRRA cannot prevent you from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while attending this conference. You understand that by choosing to attend this conference, you may be exposing yourself to and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Some participants who have certain health risks or who live with people at risk may have to, or choose to, wear masks; CRRA asks that you respect their choice and right to wear a mask in order to protect themselves, their families and their communities. For those who are experiencing cold symptoms prior to the event, please consider COVID-19 testing prior to attending. Anyone who must cancel their in-person plans will be automatically provided virtual conference access.

    MEALS - Please note: we provide the following meals for registered attendees: continental breakfast on August 4th, 5th and 6th; lunch on August 5th and 6th only. Only individuals registered for the conference have access to the dining area.

    SPECIAL ACCESS - For questions about accessibility or to request special access accommodations please contact Florence Torres (florence@crra.com). Two weeks advance notice will allow us to provide seamless access.


    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 6:45 AM - 8:15 AM
    • California
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Cannery Row eBike - Networking Tour

    August 5, 2025

    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    Start your day with an invigorating electric bike ride through coastal Monterey. Hosted by VineCycle Tours, your eBike will be waiting and we’ll depart the Portola Hotel at 7 AM for an 8 mile roundtrip spin through Monterey’s historic Cannery Row, named after the 1945 John Steinbeck novel. Today, this former sardine fishing hub is rich in history with spectacular views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We’ll pass by Fisherman’s Wharf, Doc Rickett’s Lab, and the world famous Monterey Aquarium before riding out to Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove for photo opps and the return trip back to the hotel to begin your day energized and ready to network and learn.

    Cost: $40 to be paid to VineCycle upon registration

    Additional registration information and payment to be collected by VineCycle Tours. Registrants will be provided with contact information after registration.

    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”

    • Do wear comfortable clothing (layers recommended).
    • Do wear closed-toe athletic shoes.

    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    In the event of low registration, a tour may be canceled. If this occurs, we will work with you to arrange an alternative tour or provide a refund for the tour cost. However, if a participant cancels for personal reasons, no refunds will be issued.

    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    • Portola Hotel & Spa, Room Bonsai
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Edible Food Recovery Technical Council Meet-Up: Navigating the Uncertainty Together: A dive into the CA Association of Food Banks study

    Join the Edible Food Recovery Technical Council for an engaging discussion on the findings from the recent California Association of Food Banks study. Participants will explore the impacts of SB 1383 on food bank supply chains, operations, and funding. This interactive session offers the chance to ask questions, unpack what the study results mean for local recovery networks, and consider how emerging trends may influence future planning and funding decisions. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding or connect with others working in edible food recovery across California, this guided discussion will offer valuable insights and networking opportunities.

    **Conference registration is required to attend a TC Meet-Up. Lunch will be provided. 

    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Monterey Conference Center, Room Steinbeck 1
    • 7
    Registration is closed

    Green Initiatives for Venues & Events Technical Council Meet-Up: What's Next for GIVE?

    The GIVE Technical Council Executive Committee has been growing, and together with your input, we’re excited to continue supporting zero waste best practices at events and venues in California. From signage and event greeners, to SB1383 food recovery and jurisdictional ordinances for events, the GIVE TC is here to develop and share resources. Discussions will include: 

    • What topics are you eager to tackle in 2025-2026?
    • Local ordinances and enforcement 
    • Shared resources and CalRecycle’s large venues and large events recycling law (Public Resources Code 42648)

    **Conference registration is required to attend a TC Meet-Up. Lunch will be provided. 

    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Monterey Conference Center, Room Steinbeck 2
    • 9
    Registration is closed

    Global Recycling Council Meet-Up: Updates and Insights for the California Zero Waste Plan and the Rural Zero Waste Infrastructure Plan

    The Global Recycling Council of CRRA has long advocated for a change from “materials management,” as envisioned by our groundbreaking (but 35-year-old) law - AB 939, to Zero Waste. Zero Waste focuses first on redesign, reduction and reuse prior to recycling and composting. In 2023, the California legislature approved funding for the California Zero Waste Plan and received federal funding for a Rural Zero Waste Infrastructure Plan. Significant progress has been made on these plans, including needs assessments and stakeholder outreach. At this session, we will explore the current status of the plans (due for publication in 2026) and the insights and observations that CalRecycling and its contractors have gained in undertaking these plans. We will also discuss GRC’s vision for the future.

    **Conference registration is required to attend a TC Meet-Up. Lunch will be provided. 

    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Portola Hotel & Spa, Room Cottonwood
    • 4
    Registration is closed

    Prevention Reuse & Repair Technical Council Meet-Up: Let's Reengage for Reuse!

    Let's come together and chat about what we can do in the coming year to support prevention reuse and repair in our work and lives. 

    **Conference registration is required to attend a TC Meet-Up. Lunch will be provided. 

    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Portola Hotel & Spa, Room Ironwood
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Zero Waste Campus Council Meet-Up: Motivating Behavior Change in Interior Zero Waste Collection Programs

    Come hear and share stories of how you can motivate waste reduction and proper sorting behavior in interior collection programs.

    **Conference registration is required to attend a TC Meet-Up. Lunch will be provided. 

    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Portola Hotel & Spa, Club Room
    • 2
    Registration is closed

    Sustainable Business Council Meet-Up: Shift Happens, Too

    Shift Happens, Too is a casual mixer with music, limited free beverages and free lite fare while you converse with movers and shakers in the sustainability industry. Come meet the Executive Committee of SBC and other industry professionals and peers interested in people, planet and prosperity!

    **Conference registration is required to attend a TC Meet-Up. Food and drink is limited to the first 25 registered guests. 

    • 05 Aug 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • California
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    Historic Monterey Walking While Networking Tour

    August 5, 2025

    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    Discover Monterey’s past while enjoying local food and drink! On this tour you will stroll through historic landmarks, learning about the city’s rich history, while savoring refreshing beers at top breweries. Whether you're a history buff or a beer enthusiast, this tour offers the perfect mix of education and fun.

    The tour will start and end at the Portola Hotel. Tentative stops include:

    • Stop 1 - Monterey Mural, 337 Pacific Street
    • Stop 2 - Lara-Soto Adobe, John Steinbeck's home, 460 Pierce Street
    • Stop 3 - Moon Tree, Colton Hall, Old Monterey Jail, 580 Pacific Street
    • Stop 4 - Cooper-Molera Adobe, 506 Munras
    • Brewery Stop - Fieldwork Brewing Co, 560 Munras
    • Stop 5 - Historic Alvarado Street on the way back to Portola
    • Optional Stop 6 - Dust Bowl Brewery in a historic train station, 590 Figueroa Street

    Please note, there is limited space for this tour, reserve your spot now. While there is no fee please note, you will be require to pay for any food or beverages you consume along the tour. Please drink responsibly. 


    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”
    • Do wear comfortable clothing (layers recommended).
    • Do wear comfortable athletic shoes.
    • Participants must be age 21 or older to participate.

    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    • 06 Aug 2025
    • 1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    • California
    • 35

    GreenWaste Z-Best Composting

    Facility Tour - 
    August 6, 2025

    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    The GreenWaste Z-Best Composting Facility (Z-Best) has been composting organics since 1997. Z-Best receives over 450,000 tons of mixed food waste and yard trimmings per year. The organic waste is processed into a high-quality soil amendment compost. The compost is sold to farmers, landscapers, and other organizations throughout Northern California.

    Tour guest will travel by bus to the facility and be guided through the facility. 

    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”

    • Do wear comfortable clothing.
    • Do wear closed-toe shoes.
    • Do fill out a waiver. Waivers will be given out the day of the tour.
    • Don't take pictures, they are not allowed.
    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    In the event of low registration, a tour may be canceled. If this occurs, we will work with you to arrange an alternative tour or provide a refund for the tour cost. However, if a participant cancels for personal reasons, no refunds will be issued.


    • 06 Aug 2025
    • 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM
    • California
    • 35

    SVSWA Facility and Compost Tour
    August 6, 2025

    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    Salinas Valley Recycle's Composting Facility is nestled in the foothills of the fertile Salinas Valley, also known as the "Salad Bowl of the World", and offers a unique opportunity to witness cutting-edge composting and organics diversion practices firsthand. Explore the new state-of-the-art organics sort line, engineered to efficiently remove contaminants, and learn about the innovative Aerated Static Pile airbed system that boosts composting efficiency. Visit the De-packager Facility, where locally packaged produce and other food items are captured for composting. The tour also features a stop at the new education center, providing valuable insights on composting and sustainability with hands-on demonstrations, including a walk through the raised beds and pollinator gardens, showcasing the positive environmental impacts of composting. This experience underscores SVR's dedication to organics and waste diversion, making it a must-see for all CRRA attendees.

    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”

    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    In the event of low registration, a tour may be canceled. If this occurs, we will work with you to arrange an alternative tour or provide a refund for the tour cost. However, if a participant cancels for personal reasons, no refunds will be issued.
    • 06 Aug 2025
    • 1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    • California
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Monterey Bay Aquarium Sustainability Journey: From Waste to Watershed
    August 6, 2025

    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    Discover how one of the world's leading aquariums integrates sustainability throughout its operations during this behind-the-scenes tour. Participants will explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium's innovative approaches to waste management, water recycling systems, and staff engagement. Learn about their policy work addressing local and state-wide initiatives including extended producer responsibility in California. The tour concludes with a hands-on activity creating a meaningful connection between land and sea conservation efforts that aligns perfectly with the conference's "Surf and Turf" theme.

    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”
    • Do wear closed-toe shoes.
    • Do wear comfortable clothing (layers recommended)
    • Do wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for outdoor portion.

    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    In the event of low registration, a tour may be canceled. If this occurs, we will work with you to arrange an alternative tour or provide a refund for the tour cost. However, if a participant cancels for personal reasons, no refunds will be issued.

    • 06 Aug 2025
    • 1:50 PM - 3:00 PM
    • California
    • 12
    Registration is closed

    Monterey Parks Compost Application 

    Walking Tour

    August 6, 2025

    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    Join us on a guided walk from the convention center to explore practical applications of compost and mulch in urban environments. At a nearby sports field, we’ll observe compost applied to turf grass. Then, we’ll head to a waterfront parking lot to demonstrate mulch application, both by hand and with a blower truck, along with an installation of compost filter socks, a key technique for erosion control. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about sustainable landscaping, this tour offers valuable insights into eco-friendly practices in action.

    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”

    • Do wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
    • Do wear a hat and sunscreen.

    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    • 06 Aug 2025
    • 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM
    • California
    • 1
    Registration is closed

    McIntyre Vineyards eBike Tour

    and Biochar Field Trial

    August 6, 2025

    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    This eBike tour will transport you through the McIntyre Estate Vineyard ((31901 Sanchez Rd, Soledad, CA 93960) During the tour, learn about the McIntyre family’s pioneering work in Salinas Valley Agriculture with McIntyre Vineyards’ founder and The Sitos Group co-founder, Steve McIntyre. Steve is highly regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and respected wine grape growers in the area. He currently farms 17,500 acres in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties and owns two Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certified estate vineyards.

    Your eBike host for the tour is VineCycle Tours, founded by Jeff Lindenthal who was formerly the Director of Communications for the Monterey Regional Waste Management District. Jeff and his wife Melissa started the company with a mission to use electric bikes as a vehicle for telling stories while showcasing sustainable farming practices.

    Biochar technology shows great promise in regenerative agriculture, mitigating climate change and improving soil quality, as well as reducing waste and producing energy as a byproduct. But what exactly is biochar, what is it made of and what are the benefits? We will explore all of this during the tour which will conclude with a tasting of McIntyre Vineyards award winning wines paired with small bites.

    This will be a small and intimate tour, allowing only 12 guests. Register soon to lock-in your spot.

    Cost: $150 to be paid to VineCycle Tours upon registration.

    Additional registration information and payment to be collected by VineCycle Tours. Registrants will be provided with contact information after registration.

    Registrants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.

    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”

    • Do wear comfortable clothing.
    • Do wear athletic shoes.
    • Do wear sunscreen.

    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    In the event of low registration, a tour may be canceled. If this occurs, we will work with you to arrange an alternative tour or provide a refund for the tour cost. However, if a participant cancels for personal reasons, no refunds will be issued.


    • 06 Aug 2025
    • 1:50 PM - 3:30 PM
    • California
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Stanford University - Hopkins Marine Station Tour
    August 6, 2025

    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    Hopkins Marine Station is Stanford’s leading marine research station and has been since 1918. This tour will take you on a journey through time. From its roots as Native American land to its vibrant Chinese fishing community, the Monterey cannery, and its evolution into a Stanford research hub, you'll discover the rich history that shaped this unique place. Dive into our current operations, from thrilling diving and boating activities to groundbreaking research on Great White sharks and whales. It’s a fascinating blend of the past, present, and future of marine science being conducted at Stanford.

    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”

    • Do wear comfortable clothing (layers recommended).
    • Do wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for outdoor portion.
    • Do bring a refillable water bottle.
    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    In the event of low registration, a tour may be canceled. If this occurs, we will work with you to arrange an alternative tour or provide a refund for the tour cost. However, if a participant cancels for personal reasons, no refunds will be issued.


    • 06 Aug 2025
    • 1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    • California
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    ReGen Monterey

    Facility Tour - 
    August 6, 2025


    **YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TOUR. FOR CONFERENCE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

    Discover how waste transforms into resources! Visit the materials recovery facility (MRF), compost site, landfill, gas-to-energy plant, and Last Chance Mercantile reuse store for a behind-the-scenes look at sustainability in action.

    The “Do’s and the Don’ts”

    • Do wear comfortable clothing.
    • Do wear closed-toe shoes.
    This tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis to conference attendees who have registered for the full conference. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist.

    In the event of low registration, a tour may be canceled. If this occurs, we will work with you to arrange an alternative tour or provide a refund for the tour cost. However, if a participant cancels for personal reasons, no refunds will be issued.


    • 06 Oct 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • 10 Oct 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • ONLINE
    • 29
    Register


    ONLINE - OCTOBER 6 - 10, 2025


    CRRA in partnership with SWANA presents the Zero Waste Principles and Practices Certification Program.  

    THIS COURSE WILL BE PRESENTED ONLINE VIA GOTOMEETING.  We will meet four (4) hours a day for five (5) consecutive days.  You must attend during the online hours, recordings will not be available. Following the course, the exam may be taken online through SWANA to complete the certification process.

    For over 40 years CRRA has been a leader in Zero Waste education in California.  Now, joining forces with SWANA, CRRA offers a new professional development course that will certify professionals in Zero Waste Principles and Practices throughout North America.

    This course will provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of rapidly emerging public and private sector Zero Waste programs and the key principles that support these programs. The course also provides tools to help draw together aspects of existing programs and new efforts into community-specific Zero Waste Programs.

    The Zero Waste Principles and Practices Certification is issued jointly by CRRA and SWANA and is administered as part of the SWANA Certification Program recognized throughout the United States and Canada.

    Individuals and employers who will benefit from Zero Waste Principles and Practices Certification:

    • Municipal and tribal recycling and solid waste professionals
    • Recycling and solid waste services providers
    • Consultants and contractors serving the recycling sector
    • Business and municipal sustainability professionals
    • Zero Waste and sustainability community advocates
    • Private and public sector policymakers
    • Private/non-profit business sustainability professionals.

    This course focuses on developing community-specific Zero Waste plans for reducing, reusing, and recycling materials found in municipal solid waste (MSW) generated from residential, commercial and institutional sources.

    CEUs - This program qualifies towards your CEUs if you have already taken the Certification exam.

    *EXAMINATION:  You must take the Exam online within six (6) months of completing the course. Registration for the Exam will be through the SWANA website. The exam is an additional fee. If you do not register for the exam now, you will be required to pay prevailing SWANA rates thereafter (*there are no discounts for CRRA members if purchased after the course).

    ONLINE COURSE RATES:
    $650 - CRRA MEMBERS
    $850 - NON-CRRA MEMBERS

    EXAM RATES:
    $250 - CRRA MEMBERS 
    $400 - NON-CRRA MEMBERS

    **TO ACCESS CRRA MEMBER PRICING, YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN.

 California Resource Recovery Association   813 Harbor Blvd #185   West Sacramento, CA 95691  (916) 441-2772

RETURN TO CRRA.COM

Privacy Policy

 

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software