WSRA 2026 Conference

Topic Overview:

The WSRA-WORC Conference will have nearly 20 unique breakouts representing nearly 40 different sessions. Some of the key subject areas being covered include:

• NextCycle
• Solid Waste Policy
• Reuse and Reuse Networking
• Extended Producer Responsibility Programs
• Furniture Circularity
• Waste in Schools
• Organics Implementation, Operations, Diversion, and Impacts
• Recycling Reform Act
• And More!

Recycler of the Year

Washington State Recycling Association’s (WSRA) honors individuals, businesses, and organizations leading the way in waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. Winners, selected by committee, are recognized at our annual conference. 

 

Make a Nomination

View Our Hall of Fame

Recycler of the Year-

The WSRA recognizes people, businesses, programs, and organizations that demonstrate innovation and leadership in the field of waste reduction, recycling and reuse in Washington State.  Recycler of the Year recipients are selected by committee and are showcased at the organization’s annual conference. The 2026 conference will be May 4th – 7th at Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, WA. Award winners will receive a free one-day conference registration and a free ticket to the evening gala on May 4th. They are invited to speak to the entire conference that morning and then are celebrated at the conference gala in the evening on the last night of the conference.

Nominations

Guest rooms are $149 per night plus taxes and fees
Note: The rate is above the State OFM rate and government employees should follow their organization process for exceptions.

Introducing WSRA’s 2026 Conference Location:

Tulalip Resort and Casino, owned and operated by the Tulalip Tribes of Washington!

To advance equity in the waste and recycling industry, WSRA is taking a significant step by partnering with the Tulalip Tribes of Washington for our 2026 Conference, which will be held at Tulalip Resort Casino. This decision reflects our commitment to the Equity Statement adopted by the WSRA Board of Directors in 2023, which emphasizes the importance of supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

By choosing to invest in a venue owned and operated by the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, we’re making a strategic shift to redirect substantial resources into the hands of those historically marginalized and oppressed. This move is not merely a financial transaction but a radical reallocation of power and support to communities that have been systematically disadvantaged.

WSRA’s leadership is enthusiastic about this initiative and is committed to continuously seeking out and embracing additional opportunities to uphold and expand our equity efforts.

WSRA Student Guest Scholarship

These scholarships are available to higher education students at universities, trade schools, etc. This conference is an outstanding opportunity for future leaders to network with waste reduction professionals, expand their knowledge of the recycling and waste reduction industry and prepare themselves for a career in a rewarding and innovative field. The scholarship covers the cost of hotel accommodations during the conference, educational sessions and networking opportunities, connection with a professional in the industry, and WSRA membership dues for the remainder of 2025.

Apply Soon

WSRA Student Guest Scholarship:

These scholarships are available to higher education students at universities, trade schools, etc. This conference is an outstanding opportunity for future leaders to network with waste reduction professionals, expand their knowledge of the recycling and waste reduction industry and prepare themselves for a career in a rewarding and innovative field. The scholarship covers the cost of hotel accommodations during the conference, educational sessions and networking opportunities, connection with a professional in the industry, and WSRA membership dues for the remainder of 2025.

Student Guest Application

WSRA Community Support Grant:

The Washington State Recycling Association’s (WSRA) goal is to create an organization where all members feel a sense of belonging and their perspectives are valued. This year the WSRA is providing free conference registration to a limited number of applicants with the goal of reducing financial barriers for professionals at any point in their career. Any details you can provide in your application will help ensure our limited funding best serves our community.

Application is here

WSRA Student Guest Scholarship

These scholarships are available to higher education students at universities, trade schools, etc. This conference is an outstanding opportunity for future leaders to network with waste reduction professionals, expand their knowledge of the recycling and waste reduction industry and prepare themselves for a career in a rewarding and innovative field. The scholarship covers the cost of hotel accommodations during the conference, educational sessions and networking opportunities, connection with a professional in the industry, and WSRA membership dues for the remainder of 2025.

Apply Soon

WSRA Student Guest Scholarship:

These scholarships are available to higher education students at universities, trade schools, etc. This conference is an outstanding opportunity for future leaders to network with waste reduction professionals, expand their knowledge of the recycling and waste reduction industry and prepare themselves for a career in a rewarding and innovative field. The scholarship covers the cost of hotel accommodations during the conference, educational sessions and networking opportunities, connection with a professional in the industry, and WSRA membership dues for the remainder of 2025.

Student Guest Application

WSRA Community Support Grant:

The Washington State Recycling Association’s (WSRA) goal is to create an organization where all members feel a sense of belonging and their perspectives are valued. This year the WSRA is providing free conference registration to a limited number of applicants with the goal of reducing financial barriers for professionals at any point in their career. Any details you can provide in your application will help ensure our limited funding best serves our community.

Application is here.

Why is WSRA hosted at a Casino in 2026?

As part of WSRA’s efforts to advance equity in our work, we are intentionally partnering with the Tulalip Tribes of Washington to host the 2026 conference at their Tulalip Resort Casino. We are proud to be directly investing in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color owned and operated businesses, when possible, to support those communities that have been most impacted by historical injustices and oppression.

What to expect at Tulalip Resort Casino

• It’s located on tribal land, so not in the city center. Parking is free and plentiful.
• They have enough space for all our conference attendees to stay in the same hotel – no small feat!
• Smoking is NOT allowed in the casino. Tulalip is a smoke free environment
• Native nations don’t have to comply with Washington State laws, so they haven’t banned single use mini toiletries in bathrooms. WSRA is educating and encouraging them to switch to refillable dispensers.

What is the best terminology to use when talking about Native people and Native nations?

Using appropriate terminology to talk about Native nations shows respect for nations’ sovereignty. It also contributes toward Native narrative change. The Native Governance Center created a guide to explain the different terms and best practices. We recommend checking out the guide! We selected a few excerpts from it below:

“If all members of the group are from the same Native nation, refer to them by using their nation’s name. For example, “White Earth Nation citizens are working to protect their nation’s waterways.” If you’re talking about groups of people from multiple nations, use Native American, Native, or Indigenous. Ideally, if you can, check with the group to determine how they’d like to be referenced. You may see the term American Indian used, too. Native Governance Center does not recommend that non-Native folks use the terms American Indian or Indian. However, this is a matter of preference; you may find that another Native organization recommends something different.”

What are other resources for supporting Black, Indigenous and People of Color owned businesses?

• https://intentionalist.com/
• https://seattlegood.org/support-black-communities/
• https://omwbe.wa.gov/directory-certified-businesses
• https://foodsystems.wsu.edu/supportbipocfarms/

Where can I learn more about the Kalispel and Tulalip and other Native nations in Washington?

• https://www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/
• https://salishsearestoration.org/wiki/Tulalip_Tribes_of_Washington
• https://nativetribes.blog/blog/tulalip-tribes-history-culture-and
• https://www.ltgov.wa.gov/washington-tribes#:~:text=Suquamish%20%2D%2D%20The%20Suquamish%20Tribe%20is%20located,Madison%20Indian%20Reservation%20in%20North%20Kitsap%20County