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About the National Stewardship Action Council
The National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit driving policy and partnerships to advance a circular economy in the United States. With nearly 50 leading companies and organizations as members and a membership network of more than 2,500 engaged voices nationwide, NSAC is where industry, government, and community come together to turn stewardship into action.
Our Story
Founded in 2015, NSAC was built on a simple idea: those who design, profit from, and regulate products must share responsibility for what happens at the end of their life. What began as a small coalition of advocates has grown into a national leader advancing stewardship policy—drafting landmark legislation, shaping implementation, and ensuring that people, planet, and fair markets are all served.
Today, we are active in advocacy in nearly half of all U.S. states, as well as at the national and local levels, unlocking the economic, environmental, and public health benefits of a circular economy and creating lasting change for communities and generations to come.
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Vision
Mission
Collaborate with public, private, and non-profit stakeholders to achieve a responsible, circular economy.
The United States attains a responsible, circular economy.
Our Work in Action
Let’s Build a Circular Economy. Together.
At the National Stewardship Action Council, we know a circular economy isn’t built by one sector alone — it takes companies, governments, nonprofits, the public, and the media working side by side. Our work is fueled by a shared commitment to responsibility, fair markets, and protecting people and the planet.
Together with our members, we advance policies, build coalitions, and create solutions that unlock the economic, environmental, and public health benefits of a circular economy.
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Policy Leadership: Drafting, passing, and defending landmark stewardship laws across the U.S.
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Implementation Assistance: Supporting companies, governments, and communities in making laws work
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Membership & Coalitions: Engaging nearly 50 member organizations and a network of 2,500+ in national working groups on packaging, hazardous waste, batteries, textiles, deposit systems, and more
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Education & Advocacy: Equipping decision-makers and the public with the tools, training, and data they need to advance stewardship
Our national Working Groups bring together leaders across industries, governments, and communities to tackle today’s most pressing stewardship challenges:
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Packaging/SB 54 Implementation – advancing California’s landmark packaging EPR law
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Recycling Refunds – building fair, scalable deposit return systems (DRS) across the U.S.
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Household Hazardous Waste & Batteries – addressing vapes, batteries, and toxic contamination
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Textiles – driving reuse, recycling, and responsibility in a fast-moving industry
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Illegal Single-Use Printer Cartridges – combating counterfeit and toxic waste
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Boating Equipment & Marine Flares – developing safe, circular solutions for legacy hazards
Who We Work With
NSAC works with those across the value chain to advance fair, effective, and lasting stewardship solutions:
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Responsible Industry Leaders: Companies that demonstrate a real desire to reduce impacts, comply with regulations, and ensure fair, level markets. From packaging redesign to take-back systems, NSAC equips businesses to turn compliance into opportunity and public trust.
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Government Leaders: State and local governments seeking practical guidance to draft and implement fair, enforceable Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and circular economy laws. NSAC guides policymakers to create rules that work in practice and deliver results.
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Nonprofits & Community Organizations: Mission-driven groups building momentum for stewardship. NSAC strengthens coalitions and advances campaigns that broaden impact.
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The Public: Communities and individuals who deserve protection from toxic exposures, access to safe recycling and reuse, and healthier environments. NSAC empowers people with solutions that prioritize health, safety, and sustainability.
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The Media: Reporters, editors, and opinion leaders who need credible information on stewardship, policy, and industry accountability. NSAC provides trusted expertise and stories that drive the public conversation.
Principles of Partnership
We build partnerships with those who share our commitment to:
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Responsibility — taking ownership for the impacts of products and policies
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Transparency — ensuring decisions are accountable and evidence-based
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Fair Markets — advancing rules that balance innovation with public good
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People & Planet — centering health, safety, and environmental protection in every decision
We choose to collaborate with industry, governments, nonprofits, the public, and the media who are ready to demonstrate leadership and take real action toward stewardship.
Our Sister Organization - Educating for a Circular Economy
NSAC is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that can engage directly in advocacy and lobbying. Our sister organization, the Stewardship Action Foundation (SAF), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing education, research, and public engagement for a circular economy.
Together, NSAC and SAF provide the full spectrum of influence—educating, advocating, and implementing real solutions.
Join Us
Progress requires people and organizations willing to take responsibility. More than 2,500 members, companies, governments, and community partners are already working with us to shape the future of a circular economy in the U.S.
Whether through membership, partnership, sponsorship, consulting, or our six national Working Groups, you’ll be part of advancing real solutions that protect people, planet, and fair markets.
Join us and help build a healthier planet, stronger communities, and fairer markets for all.
Meet Our People
The National Stewardship Action Council is powered by a small but mighty staff, a dedicated Board of Directors, and a national Advisory Council. Together, our people bring decades of experience in policy, advocacy, and coalition building—working every day to advance stewardship solutions across the U.S.
Meet Our People and learn more about those leading this work.
Board Members
PLATINUM+ PARTNERS
GOLD+ PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS
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SILVER PARTNERS
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