Participate in National Working Groups Advancing Practical Circular Economy Solutions
The Stewardship Action Foundation convenes national, cross-sector working groups focused on advancing practical circular economy solutions, pilot projects, and shared learning that help organizations operate more safely, efficiently, and sustainably as this work scales nationally in 2026 and beyond.
These working groups support participating organizations by:
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Advancing organizational and operational goals
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Developing and testing scalable solutions and pilots
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Sharing real-world insights and data
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Honoring and protecting essential workers across the recycling and waste system
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Unlocking environmental, economic, and public health benefits for communities nationwide
Participation follows a revenue- and population-based model grounded in fairness and equity, allowing organizations to engage at a level that grows with their work and impact.
"I've been a part of several NSAC/SAF working groups and always come away from the meetings with a better understanding of the issues and new connections that will help us here in Nebraska! Thank you again for facilitating these working groups!"
- Director Kent E. Holm, Douglas County Environmental Services
Packaging & Materials Solutions Working Group
(formerly SB 54–aligned efforts, without policy framing)
This national working group focuses on practical solutions for packaging and materials management, bringing together producers, recyclers, haulers, retailers, local governments, and solution providers.
As organizations scale circular economy solutions nationally, this working group supports:
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Piloting and scaling packaging and materials solutions
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Improving system performance and material recovery
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Sharing lessons learned from large-scale implementation efforts
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Identifying opportunities to strengthen domestic end markets and supply chains
Recycling Refund Working Group
Advancing Deposit Return Systems Nationwide
The Recycling Refund Working Group focuses on scaling effective deposit return systems (DRS) across the country. The group includes experts and advocates from states introducing or advancing container redemption legislation, and has played a key role in efforts like Texas HB 2048, which gained strong bipartisan support.
What’s included:
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Monthly meetings with legislative updates and strategy discussions
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Technical assistance and coordination on state and federal DRS efforts
Household Hazardous Materials Solutions Working Group
Collaborating on EPR for Household Hazardous Waste
This national working group focuses on high-risk products and toxic contamination that threaten worker safety, system performance, and community health.
Current focus areas include:
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Batteries and battery-containing products
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Vapes and e-cigarettes
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Marine flares
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Toxic contamination in the waste and recycling stream
New for 2026:
This working group is expanding beyond local government participation to include haulers, recyclers, producers, stewardship organizations, and technical experts, reflecting the shared responsibility required to develop and scale practical, real-world solutions nationwide
Illegal Single-Use Printer Cartridges Working Group
Addressing the Impact of Unregulated, Single-Use Imports
This working group addresses the growing threat of illegal single-use printer cartridges entering the U.S. market—often manufactured overseas without proper labeling or environmental safeguards. These products undermine domestic remanufacturing and pose significant environmental and health risks.
What’s included:
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Monthly strategy calls with legislative and policy updates
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Technical assistance and coordination with aligned organizations
National Textile Working Group
Shaping Policy Solutions for a Growing Waste Stream
The Textile Working Group brings together agencies, environmental leaders, and advocates to explore scalable policy and infrastructure solutions to textile waste. Discussions focus on reducing the environmental and public health impacts of the end of life management of textiles including reuse, resale, and recycling.
What’s included:
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Monthly meetings in a precompetitive space with updates on legislation and emerging solutions
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Shared tools and coordination across sectors and regions
Working Group Minimum Participation Rates
Minimum Participation Rates are Effective September 2025 & good for a full 12 months. These include all membership benefits at the respective membership level, meaning your access to membership benefits will likely increase.
Nonprofits & NGOs
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Annual Revenue < $1M
→ $1,000 annually
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Annual Revenue $1M - $5M
→ $2,500 annually
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Annual Revenue $5M - $25M
→ $5,000 annually
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Annual Revenue $25M - $50M
→ $7,500 annually
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Annual Revenue > $50M
→ $10,000 annually
Local Government
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Population < 50K
→ $1,000 annually
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Population 50K -500K
→ $2,500 annually
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Population 500K – 1M
→ $5,000 annually
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Population > 1M
→ $7,500 annually
States and Territories
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Population <1M
→ $1,000 annually
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Population 1-2M
→ $2,500 annually
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Population 2-6M
→ $5,000 annually
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Population 6-15M
→ $7,500 annually
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Population >15M
→ $10,000 annually
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Annual Revenue < 1M
→ $1,000 annually
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Annual Revenue $1M - $5M
→ $2,500 annually
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Annual Revenue $5M - $25M
→ $5,000 annually
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Annual Revenue $25M - $50M
→ $7,500 annually
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Annual Revenue > $50M
→ $10,000 annually
Businesses
(C Corp, B Corp, S Corp, Etc.)
Participation Model
Designed to Grow With Your Organization
Participation in SAF’s national working groups is structured to grow with your organization, using a revenue- and population-based model that reflects organizational capacity and communities served.
This approach:
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Ensures accessible entry points
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Supports long-term collaboration
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Aligns participation with real-world impact
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Helps advance solutions that protect essential workers and strengthen communities
A note on fairness and flexibility:
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Any renewing member unable to meet the working group rate may continue to enjoy full membership benefits of the National Stewardship Action Council/Stewardship Action Foundation. Only Working Group access will change.
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We can offer flexible invoicing terms to support your continued participation.
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If you have questions, please contact Heath at heath@nsaction.us
Want to Join a Working Group?
Are you ready to take part in a working group or want to learn more before deciding? Fill out the form below and a member of our team will follow up with next steps.