Upcoming events

    • 09 Jun 2026
    • 14 Jul 2026
    • 2 sessions

    Edible Food Recovery (EFR) Technical Council 

    2026 Member Meetings

    Join EFR TC for its monthly members meetings in 2026. Meetings are set to occur each month, on the second Tuesday, from 12-1PM.

    To register, you must be part of EFR's online member community. Click HERE to join EFR and head to the Events tab for registration information.

    The Edible Food Recovery Technical Council's mission is to promote edible food recovery for the purpose of helping with food insecuirty and removing edible resources from the waste or compost stream. To learn more about EFR click here.

    • 17 Jun 2026
    • 19 Aug 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • ZOOM

    Behavior Based Strategies (BBSC) 3 Part Workshop

    Do you regularly whisper under your breath, “Why are we like this?”, after watching someone toss a water bottle into the landfill bin, completely ignore the clear signage, or walk past the compost to dump all their food into the trash? If so, this workshop is for you.

    Together, we’ll explore how social science can strengthen your work by unpacking baffling human behaviors and what drives everyday decisions (hint: it’s probably not that dry informational poster telling people what to do.)

    We’ll be led by Gretchen Engbring (Behavioral Scientist, Stanford) to translate science-backed insights into practical, low-lift strategies you can apply right away and help preserve the hair on your head that you haven’t pulled out yet…oh, and maybe help save the planet too.

    Expect a lively, interactive session with real-world examples, hot takes, a little bit of venting, a lot of hands-on exercises, and the opportunity to win a prize! As a bonus, you can expect to walk away with some concrete, context-specific next steps that you can actually try to help motivate people to reduce waste and sort properly. (Prize: a 30-min consultation with Gretchen!)

    Sign up for the interactive three-part workshop series. Come with a behavior change in mind and ready to roll up your sleeves to put theory into practice.

    Time: June 17th session time is 1-2PM workshop; 2-2:30PM optional discussion

    July 15th and August 19th times will be 9:30-10:30am workshop; 10:30-11am optional discussion

    Dates: June 17, July 15, and August 19

    **Each workshop will build off the previous, so attendees are encouraged to attend all three (though not required). Sessions will be recorded.

    To register, you must be part of BBSC's online member community found on Mobilize.io. Click HERE to join and head to the Events tab for registration information.


    • 23 Jun 2026
    • 27 Oct 2026
    • 3 sessions

    Local Agency Technical Council (LATC) Meeting 

    Please join us for this month’s CRRA Local Agency Technical Council (LATC) Speaker Series meeting on Tuesday, June 23rd at 2:00 p.m for Last Minute SB 1383 LAG Funding Ideas.  

    With the end of the Senate Bill 1383 Local Assistance Grant (LAG) Program term approaching, this discussion will provide local agencies with practical and feasible ideas for expending remaining grant funds within the limited time available. 

    Our featured speakers include Natalie Lessa of ReCREATE Waste Collaborative and Luis Rodrigo Garcia Chavez of San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG). After their presentations and Q&A, there will be a peer-sharing discussion, so be sure to bring your ideas and experiences! 

    SPEAKER BIOS

    Natalie Lessa: Natalie Lessa is a behavior change specialist with a background in public relations and environmental health. She is the Co-Founder of ReCREATE Waste Collaborative where she helps local jurisdictions implement SB 1383 through developing education and outreach programs, waiver assessments, and edible food recovery inspections. Natalie has been a solid waste consultant in California for 11 years, is the Co-Chair of CRRA's Behavior-Based Strategies Council, and an Education and Outreach instructor on GreenEducation.US. Natalie lives in Long Beach with her dog Jazz where she strives to keep our beaches free of plastic debris.Image

    Luis Rodrigo Garcia Chavez: My name is Luis Rodrigo Garcia Chavez, and I am a Management Analyst with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG). I work on the FRESH SGV Program, which focuses on increasing surplus food recovery, supporting compliance with SB 1383 requirements for jurisdictions, and expanding and strengthening the San Gabriel Valley’s food recovery network. A fun fact about me is that I recently completed my first marathon and am planning to train for an ultramarathon!

    To register for this meeting, you must be a part of LATC's online community. Sign up HERE and look for registration information once admitted to the community. 

    • 24 Jun 2026
    • 25 Nov 2026
    • 5 sessions

    Prevention, Reuse, & Repair (PRR) Member Meeting

    Join us for PRR Technical Council (PRR) bi-monthly member meetings! 

    Meetings on the 4th Wednesday of the Month (starting in January 2026) from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

    You don't need to be a CRRA member to attend our meetings, but you do need to be a member to get some perks.

    To register, you must be part of PRR's online member community. Click HERE to join PRR and get plugged into this group of amazing professionals and zero waste warriors.


    • 30 Jun 2026
    • 24 Nov 2026
    • 5 sessions

    Zero Waste Campus Council (ZWCC) Member Meeting

    Join us for ZWCC Technical Council's monthly member meetings "Meet Up, Waste Down".

    Meet Up, Waste Down is ZWCC's monthly gathering to share experiences around waste reduction and diversion issues surrounding building and campus environments. 

    Meetings take place on the last Tuesday of the Month from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. 

    You don't need to be a CRRA member to attend ZWCC meetings.

    To register, you must be part of ZWCC's online member community. Click HERE to join ZWCC and get connected to meetings, events and the ZWCC community.


    • 30 Jun 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Oak and Otter Brewing - 181 Tank Farm Road Suite 110 San Luis Obispo, CA
    • 44
    Register

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

    California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) is hosting their second Trashy Yap-py Hour!

    Come yap, talk trash, and sip on a cold drink with industry peers and waste-curious peeps of all ages and experiences.

    Special thanks to Science Discovery of San Luis Obispo for hosting this event.

    When?

    Tuesday, June 30th, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

    Where?

    Oak and Otter Brewing

    181 Tank Farm Road Suite 110

    San Luis Obispo, CA


    Why Attend?

    • Network with like-minded folks
    • Get to know people before the CRRA conference in August
    • Learn more about the waste industry

    RSVP Now
    RSVP is required and limited to 60 people. The event is free to attend and CRRA membership is not required. Must be 21 to attend. Drinks and parking are NOT included with RSVP.

    Where to Park
    Street parking is free and generally easy to find. However, we encourage attendees to carpool or ride share when possible. 

    What if I don't live nearby?
    No worries, more Trashy Yap-py Hours are in the works up and down the state. Stay tuned!

    • 30 Aug 2026
    • 02 Sep 2026
    • Sheraton San Diego Resort - San Diego, CA
    Register

    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 San Diego.

    Important Dates:

    • June 30, 2026 – Early Bird Deadline
    • August 14, 2026 - Last day to purchase online and last day to receive payment by check (check must be received in our offices no later than August 14, 2026)
    • August 30, 2026 - September 2, 2026 – Onsite registration, subject to a $50 on-site processing fee (not including receptions)
    • September 2, 2026 - 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 June 2, 2026 will receive a 100% refund, less a $50 per person processing fee. 
    • Cancellation requests received between June 3 and by August 3, 2026 will receive a 50% refund, less a $50 per person processing fee. 
    • Cancellations requests received after August 3, 2026 will not be refunded. 
    • “No shows” will not be refunded. 
    • Cancellation reimbursement payments will be processed four to six weeks after September 2, 2026. 
    • Substitutions are allowed. If substituting a non-member for a member registration, non-member rate increase will apply.

    EXHIBITOR CANCELLATION POLICY

    • Send written cancellation requests by email to lauren@crra.com. Cancellation requests will not be accepted by phone.  
    • Cancellation requests received by February 28, 2026 will receive a 100% refund, less a $150 processing fee.
    • Cancellation requests received between March 1, 2026 and May 30, 2026 will receive a 50% refund, less a $150 processing fee.
    • No refunds will be given after May 30, 2026.

    PAYMENT INFORMATION

    • Payments by check for Early Bird rates must be received and/or postmarked by June 30, 2026 to receive Early Bird discounted pricing. Registration will not be complete when payments of Early Bird rates are received after June 30, until payment in full at the applicable rate is received.
    • Payments by check must be received in our offices by August 14, 2026 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 August 14, 2026; 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.
    • BE AWARE OF HOTEL SCAMS - CRRA ONLY OFFERS HOTEL ROOMS THROUGH OUR OFFICIAL CONFERENCE WEBSITE FOUND AT www.CRRA.com/conference

    MEALS - Please note: we provide the following meals for registered attendees: breakfast on August 31st, September 1st and 2nd; lunch on September 1st and 2nd only. Food and beverages are also served during our Sunday and Monday evening receptions. 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.


    • 30 Aug 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • UC San Diego Climate Action Lab
    • 64
    Register

    Join the Zero Waste Campus Council at UC San Diego for our Meet Up, Waste Down Workshop!

    Join the Zero Waste Campus Council at UC San Diego for our Meet Up, Waste Down Workshop. The workshop will include presentations and interactive discussions on how campuses are implementing their zero waste plans and systems, operational nuts and bolts, SB 1383, SB 54, reusables, organics, TRUE Zero Waste Certification, and other strategies. The workshop will also include a tour of the beautiful UCSD campus and their zero waste program.

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Coral 5
    • 39
    Register

    World Café Session #1: Zero Waste Infrastructure Design - Resource Recovery Parks

    A pre-event survey will be sent to registrants to complete approximately 3 weeks prior to the World Café.

    In 2001, the California Integrated Waste Management Board funded a case commissioned a model study on this topic: “Resource Recovery Parks: A Model for Local Government Recycling and Waste Reduction.” Resource recovery parks address that portion of materials that are largely unaddressed by state and local policy — commercial self-haul and drop box materials. These unregulated material streams are a significant and growing portion of what is landfilled and incinerated in California. For example, only 62 percent of material landfilled from Oakland and only 68 percent of material landfilled from San Francisco in 2022, came from their exclusive collection service providers. California is home to a number of resource recovery parks including those at the Cold Canyon Landfill in San Luis Obispo, ReGen Monterey in Marina, and the "serial" resource recovery park in Berkeley that includes Urban Ore.

    This World Café will strive to identify the barriers and opportunities for establishing resource recovery parks and transfer stations and landfills throughout California. The Global Recycling Council of CRRA is proud to host this World Café. 

    Pre-registration is required. Participants must be registered for the conference in order to register for a World Café session.  

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Tidepool 4
    • 27
    Register

    Zero Waste Campus Council Meet-Up: Introduction to ZWCC Monthly Meet Up, Waste Down

    Join us for an in-person Meet Up, Waste Down where we discuss ways to reduce waste in common scenarios.

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

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Tidepool 2
    • 26
    Register

    K-12 Technical Council Meet-Up: K-12 Reflection Room

    Sharing good news and lessons learned this past school year.  Discuss survey results, roundtable discussions regarding specific topics. Join the K-12 Technical Council Lunch Meet-Up as we bring together teachers, municipal recycling coordinators, and recyclers to share proven, real-world blueprints for school waste reduction and successful programs!

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

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Coral 1&2
    • 24
    Register

    Household Hazardous Waste Technical Council Meet-Up: HHW Nerd Meetup

    Come join the HHW TC for a catered lunch and wonderful conversation about hazardous products in the waste stream, regulatory barriers, current legislative efforts underway, and much more!    

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

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Seaglass
    • 27
    Register

    Construction & Demolition Technical Council Meet-Up: C&D Materials - Maintaining and Recovering Value


    Join us for a lunch and learn focused on construction and demolition materials.  Where do we stand and what's next.  What do we do with 65%, scaling deconstruction and reuse, 3rd Party verification anyone?  Discuss how we move forward to minimize discards and disposal of construction materials.

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

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Tidepool 5
    • 29
    Register

    Global Recycling Council Meet-Up: What's Global About The Global Recycling Council?

    The Global Recycling Council of CRRA (GRC) was formed to Pursue Zero Waste, End Welfare for Wasting, and Promote Jobs from Discards and Design. Since 1997, we have worked statewide, nationally, and internationally on these goals. Come to this session and learn about the work of GRC and how you can get involved. We will also get an update on Federal legislation and Zero Waste collaboration at the Global Zero Waste Forum held in June, and the elevation of Zero Waste at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 31) to be held in November (both events are hosted in Türkiye).

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

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Tidepool 3
    • 25
    Register

    Prevention Reuse & Repair Technical Council Meet-Up: Hangin’ Out with PRR

    Come connect with peers, spark new ideas, and share fresh perspectives on all things Prevention, Reuse, and Repair. This casual gathering is a chance to talk about what’s working in our industry, where we see opportunities to grow, and how we can help move the needle together.

    Join like-minded professionals for meaningful conversation, creative idea-sharing, and maybe even a small “make-and-take” project while we chat. Whether you’re deep in the work or just curious to learn more, we’d love to have you at the table.

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

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Eventide Garden - Sheraton Hotel and Resort San Diego
    • 101
    Register

    Mentorship Circle Networking Event at CRRA 2026

    Meet and greet with fellow young professionals, those new to the industry, and long-timers who are eager to help everyone navigate CRRA and the industry at large.

    Want to increase industry knowledge, grow your network, and advance your career? Register as a mentee! Looking to share your experiences and empower the next generation of resource recovery and zero waste leaders? Register as a mentor!

    Here is what you can expect:

    • Your role – mentor or mentee – will be identified on your name tag.
    • Network with people across all levels of career development.
    • Hear from those already involved with Mentorship Circle about their experiences.

    All participants who pre-registered will receive 1 drink ticket. Refreshments sponsored with thanks to R3 Consulting

    All participants must be registered for the conference in order to attend this event.

    We hope to see you there!

    • 31 Aug 2026
    • 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Brewery X Restaurant
    • 49
    Register

    LATC & FRB Meet-Up: Green Scene Social

    Join colleagues, partners, and industry professionals for an evening of networking, conversation, and connection at the Green Scene Social happy hour. Hosted by the CRRA Local Agency and Franchise, Rates, and Business Practices Technical Councils, this casual gathering offers a great opportunity to unwind after a day of sessions while enjoying drinks, light bites, and engaging discussions with peers from across California's resource management and recycling community. An enjoyable evening dedicated to advancing collaboration and sharing ideas that help shape the future of our industry.

    **Conference registration is required to attend a TC Meet-Up. Drinks and light appetizers will be provided. 

    • 01 Sep 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Coral 5
    • 36
    Register

    World Café Session #2: Public Engagement Strategies to Drive Change in Waste Behaviors

    A pre-event survey will be sent to registrants to complete approximately 3 weeks prior to the World Café.

    Behavioral science studies have proven that providing information alone is not enough to drive behavior change; we must find ways to connect and engage with the public in a meaningful way to drive improvements in waste reduction and recycling behavior. Especially with all that is going on in the world - waste may not be at the top of people’s minds, but still very important as it touches all our lives and communities! 

    This World Café-style session aims to open a discussion into the important role that engaging the public plays in achieving ambitious targets for waste reduction. Our moderators will share their experience and expertise with successful strategies for improving public engagement in the following focus areas. CRRA’s Behavior Based Strategies Council (BBSC) is proud to host this World Café. 

    Topic moderators will guide their group through various strategies, inviting attendees to share their insights and experience, and offering suggestions for tangible actions that attendees can implement. 

    The session will wrap with each topic moderator providing a summary of key insights and actionable takeaways from their groups’ discussion. 

    Pre-registration is required. Participants must be registered for the conference in order to register for a World Café session.  

    • 01 Sep 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Seaglass
    • 36
    Register

    Behavior Based Strategies Council Meet-Up: Behavior Change Idea Exchange

    BBSC welcomes you to meet peers and share fresh perspectives about behavior change topics; Let's talk behavior change! Join us to meet peers and share ideas.

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

    • 01 Sep 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Coral 5
    • 32
    Register

    Edible Food Recovery Technical Council Meet-Up: Reimagining SB 1383 Regulations

    Join the EFR TC to reflect on EFR implementation, gather future guidance and alignment around changes needed to make edible food recovery more effective, equitable, and scalable statewide.

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

    • 01 Sep 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Tidepool 2
    • 32
    Register

    California Organics Recycling Council Meet-Up: Curious About Our Statewide Composting Groups?

    Come share a meal together and hear from the Association of Compost Producers, California Alliance for Community Composting, and California Compost Coalition!

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

    • 01 Sep 2026
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Sheraton San Diego, Room Tidepool 3
    • 24
    Register

    Franchise, Rate & Business Practices Technical Council Meet-Up: Refuse, Rates & Risk Roundtable

    Inaugural lunch for the FRB TC, where we'll discuss the most pressing topics relative to Franchise Agreements and Rates and hear from the CRRA membership about what they'd like to see from this new TC moving forward.              

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

    • 02 Sep 2026
    • 1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Chula Vista, CA 91911
    • 21
    Register

    Otay Sustainability Park Tour

    Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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

    Otay Sustainability Park Tour Republic Services’ Otay Sustainability Park is a fully integrated materials management and renewable resource facility. Originally developed to support long-term waste reduction and resource recovery goals, the site has grown into a hub for innovative recycling and sustainability practices. During the tour, attendees will see our 400-ton-per-day composting and food waste recycling operation, the construction and demolition (C&D) recycling center, and active landfill operations. Along the way, they’ll learn how these systems work together to divert materials from disposal, recover valuable resources, and support a more sustainable future for the community.


    Please remember:

    -Wear closed toe shoes.

    -Bring a water bottle.
    -Bring sunscreen.

    -The tour is scheduled to arrive back at the hotel by 5pm, however, due to the unpredictability of traffic, please know your return time may be delayed.

    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.


    • 02 Sep 2026
    • 1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    • San Diego, CA 92101
    • 10
    Register

    Petco Park Tour 

    Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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

    Go behind the scenes at Petco Park, one of the nation’s leading sustainable sports venues, and discover why it’s celebrated as one of the greenest ballparks in the country. This exclusive tour takes you into the chiller plant, solar infrastructure, waste‑diversion hubs, and other cutting‑edge initiatives that power the stadium’s award‑winning sustainability program. You’ll experience how the Padres are redefining what an eco‑forward sporting and event venue can be. Don’t miss your chance to explore the ballpark like never before.


    Please remember:

    -Wear closed toe shoes.

    -Bring a water bottle.
    -Bring sunscreen.

    -Must bring photo identification and the waiver provided in your confirmation email.

    -The tour is scheduled to arrive back at the hotel by 5:00pm, however, due to the unpredictability of traffic, please know your return time may be delayed.

    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.


    • 02 Sep 2026
    • 1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    • San Diego, CA 92101
    • 27
    Register

    The Reuse and Repair Collective: A Zero Waste San Diego Project

    Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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

    The Reuse & Repair Collective: A Zero Waste San Diego Project

    Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Zero Waste San Diego Reuse & Repair Collective — a first-of-its-kind community hub dedicated to reuse, repair, sustainability, and hands-on learning. Opened in 2025, this 7,000-square-foot collaborative space was created to help move our communities “beyond the bin” by empowering people to repair, reuse, share, and rethink waste.

    Founded by the team behind the SD Fixit Clinic, which has hosted more than 300 community repair events since 2016, the Collective expands this work into a permanent space where community members can learn practical repair skills, access shared tools, and participate in a growing local reuse economy.

    During the tour, attendees will:

    The tour offers a fun and inspiring look at how communities can come together to extend the life of everyday items while building skills, connection, and environmental stewardship.

    • Explore our dedicated repair and maker spaces, including the sewing room, bike repair room, tool library, and classrooms
    • Learn how community repair programs help reduce waste, conserve resources, and build resilience
    • See examples of repaired and reused items and hear stories from our repair community
    • Learn about volunteer opportunities, workshops, memberships, and upcoming programs
    • Discover how reuse and repair support climate action, affordability, and local circular economy efforts
    • Get an inside look at how we track repair impact and material diversion through our community programs

    Please remember:

    -The tour is scheduled to arrive back at the hotel by 5pm, however, due to the unpredictability of traffic, please know your return time may be delayed.

    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.


    • 02 Sep 2026
    • 1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    • San Diego, CA 92101
    • 35
    Register

    San Diego Airport Tour

    Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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

    Attendees will learn about various waste initiatives at the San Diego Airport including composting, zero waste events, and diversion programs with airlines and concessions. After the presentation, attendees will take an airside tour of the San Diego Airport to view the waste facilities and learn about other environmental programs.

    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.


    • 02 Sep 2026
    • 1:50 PM - 6:00 PM
    • San Diego, CA 92130
    • 44
    Register

    Waste Less, Feed More: A San Diego Impact Tour

    Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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


    Attendees will experience an immersive, two‑part tour showcasing how San Diego’s leading hunger‑relief organizations are fighting food insecurity while advancing sustainability.

    The program begins at the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the largest hunger‑relief organization in the region, serving an average of 400,000 people each month and distributing more than 50 million pounds of food annually. Guests will get a behind‑the‑scenes look at the Food Bank’s operations and infrastructure, including innovative green initiatives such as its in‑house composting and recycling center and partnerships with local animal ranchers that help reduce waste. The tour highlights food recovery efforts through the Fresh Rescue program, food donation sorting processes, and warehouse operations featuring specialized equipment like repack and pallet‑wrapping machines. Attendees will also learn how collaborations with local farms and fishers help provide fresh, nutritious food to the community.

    The experience continues at Feeding San Diego, the region’s only Feeding America partner food bank. Here, attendees will see how hunger relief and sustainability intersect through large‑scale food rescue efforts that keep good food out of landfills—32.6 million pounds rescued last year alone—while reducing carbon emissions. The tour includes a walk‑through of the 15,000‑square‑foot distribution center, featuring the warehouse, volunteer hub, and the Marketplace, where neighbors can access food with dignity. Participants will gain insight into how Feeding San Diego rescues food from farms, grocery stores, and suppliers to deliver millions of nutritious meals across the region.

    Together, these tours offer a comprehensive look at how both organizations are transforming food recovery, reducing waste, and ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.

    Important Reminders:


     -
    Return traffic is anticipated to be very heavy for this tour. Your return time is scheduled to be at approximately 6 pm, but due to the unpredictability of traffic, you could experience delays.

    -$40 dollar tour fee covers the cost of transportation.

    -Closed-toe shoes required.


    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.


    • 02 Sep 2026
    • 1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    • San Ysidro, CA 92173
    • 53
    Register

    Goodwill Industries of San Diego County, Making Good Happen by maximizing every donation.

    Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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

    Attendees will tour Goodwill San Diego’s San Ysidro Donation Center, Retail Store, Community Employment Center and Outlet Center.

    California Resource and Recovery Association conference attendees will tour our San Ysidro Donation Center, Retail Store, and Community Employment Center to learn about the beginning of the donation lifecycle. They will see what happens when a donation enters the facility, from processing and sorting to placement on the retail floor. As the largest nonprofit workforce development network in America, Goodwill San Diego supports individuals facing barriers to employment through skills training, job placement, career advancement opportunities, and other community-based services. All revenue from our social enterprise funds our free employment programs and services, which can be accessed through one of our six community employment centers. At the end of the tour, attendees will see the full community-based lifecycle and how every donation helps fund services that support their local community.

    Our final stop will be at the San Ysidro Outlet Center which serves as Goodwill San Diego’s primary textile recovery facility. Attendees will learn about the multiple opportunities for end-of-life textiles, from diverse and highly discounted sales to recycling through the salvage market. The outlet features morning auctions and bin sales, with items first sold by the piece and later by the pound. In 2025, Goodwill San Diego rescued over sixty-seven million pounds of materials from our waste stream, with our outlet centers playing a key role in keeping donations in use and out of the landfill.


    Important Reminders:


     -The tour is scheduled to arrive back at the hotel by 5:00pm, however, due to the unpredictability of traffic, please know your return time may be delayed.

    -$40 dollar tour fee covers the cost of transportation.

    -Waiver required (provided in confirmation email)

    -Closed-toe shoes required.

    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.


    • 02 Sep 2026
    • 1:50 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Diego, CA 92101
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    San Diego Zoo Waste Diversion Programs

    September 2, 2026

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


    San Diego Zoo is a world-famous, 100-acre wildlife park that is home to over 12,000 animals representing more than 680 species. It is operated by the non-profit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and is nationally and internationally celebrated as a pioneer in open-air, cageless habitats rather than traditional barred enclosures. The zoo has also led the charge on reuse, repurposing, and recycling through their various programs and efforts. This extensive, 90-minute tour will highlight both public-facing and behind-the-scenes examples. Attendee capacity for the tour is limited due to the sheer size of the Zoo, which makes transport by cart(s) necessary for some portions of the tour.


    Through walking and cart transport, tour attendees will experience:

    • Guest-facing compost containers and messaging
    • Restaurant’s back of house food waste diversion program and repurposing of unique items for green waste diversion
    • Dedicated areas where plant materials are grown for both animal nutrition and habitat enhancements
    • Both the Horticultural green waste sorting and mulching areas
    • Behind-the-scenes at Animal Nutrition Warehouse highlighting food waste diversion in animal kitchens
    • The Recycling and Repurpose Yard for the Zoo
    Throughout the tour, Zoo representatives will share more details and metrics from each of the highlighted programs/efforts.

      Important Reminders:


       -The tour is scheduled to arrive back at the hotel by 4:30pm, however, due to the unpredictability of traffic, please know your return time may be delayed.

      -Waiver required (will be provided in your confirmation email)

      -Closed-toe shoes required. Athletic shoes recommended.

      -Bring sunblock and a water bottle.

      -No pictures of inside of the facility will be allowed on this tour.

      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 Oct 2026
      • 8:00 AM
      • 09 Oct 2026
      • 12:00 PM
      • ONLINE
      • 28
      Register


      ONLINE - OCTOBER 5 - 9, 2026


      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.