About Us

Committed to the evolving landscape of environmental sustainability as it relates to materials management

The Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. (NERC)’s vision is a world in which waste is minimized and natural resources are conserved. Our mission is minimize waste, conserve natural resources, and advance a sustainable economy through facilitated collaboration and action.


NERC is a multi-state 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to bridge informational gaps across the public and private sectors, develop educational resources, and advance conversations on critical issues across sustainable materials management. 

A plastic bottle is laying on the beach near the ocean.

History

NERC was founded in 1987 by the Council of State Governments to address the growing concern about the millions of tons of municipal solid waste generated and disposed of annually in the northeast. Its purpose was to garner support for the diversion of recyclable materials from disposal and assist with market development through regional collaboration. NERC emerged from the mutual interest among states to find technology options, cost effective recycling programs, and markets for recyclable materials.


Over its history, NERC has substantively engaged in an impressive array of initiatives, several of which were the "first" national efforts, leading the way for other organizations to engage in the topics. These included electronics recycling, unwanted medication management, recycling business investment forums, economic impact of recycling, and producer responsibility for newsprint.


Today, NERC continues to serve the region through facilitation of interstate cooperation to resolve waste management and recycling issues facing all states in the northeast. NERC continues to embrace our commitment to public-private conversation and engagement.


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