Umbrella Organizations

	Maryland Recycling Network (MRN) represents individuals and organizations from every facet of recycling who join together to promote the 3 “R’s” of recycling – sustainable reduction, reuse and recycling of materials otherwise destined for disposal.
	National Recycling Coalition (NRC) is the lead national organization responsible for promoting recycling throughout the United States. All states are invited to become affiliates of the NRC. Currently there are 20 state members.
	Virginia Recycling Association (VRA), formed in 1990, has become the leading resource of recycling information for its members, the general public, the Virginia General Assembly, local government, business, and industry. Visit their site for conference info.
	Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations (“Maryland Nonprofits”) was established in 1992 as a result of a comprehensive statewide organizing effort in the nonprofit and philanthropic community. Its current membership includes more than 950 nonprofit organizations, including the MRN.
	Waste 360 is a national publication, and now a website, which is very informative and has up-to-date news articles about current recycling, waste reduction and waste prevention throughout the nation. Subscriptions are available from their website.
	America Recycles Day (ARD) is a national all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which sponsors this annual event with the goal of educating and encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. Since its inception in 1997, the ARD campaign has grown substantially in participation and now encourages recycling activities throughout the U.S. and several territories.
	Businesses for the Bay is a voluntary program for businesses, government facilities and other organizations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  Participants pledge to prevent pollution through a variety of measures that reduce or eliminate waste at its source.  In addition to the environmental benefits to the Bay, pollution prevention measures can save organizations money through greater efficiency, effective use of resources, and lower disposal costs.  For a list of member companies and to learn more about the Businesses for the Bay Program, visit their website.
	United States Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more.  There are 1,139 such cities in the country today.  Each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor.  The primary roles of the Conference of Mayors are to: Promote the development of effective national urban/suburban policy; Strengthen federal-city relationships; Ensure that federal policy meets urban needs; Provide mayors with leadership and management tools; and Create a form in which mayors can share ideas and information.
	Municipal Waste Management Association (MWMA) is affiliated with The United States Conference of Mayors. MWMA is dedicated to and driven by the needs of municipal solid waste directors, environmental commissioners and public works professionals. Formed in 1982, MWMA promotes operational efficiencies, facilitates information, fosters innovation and promotes legislative advocacy around Superfund, brownfields redevelopment, clean air, clean water and waste-to-energy regulations.