Nominations open for NWRA 2025 Recycling Awards

The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Recycling Awards. These awards recognize innovators and leaders in the recycling and waste industry in six categories: Sustainability Partnership Game Changer, Recycling Equipment Innovator, Recycling Facility of the Year, Organics Facility of the Year, Construction and Demolition Recycling Facility of the Year, and Excellence in Recycling or Sustainability Public Education. The deadline for all applications is August 15, 2025.

NWRA will notify winners in October and celebrate all Recycling Awards winners in person during the NWRA Industry Conference being held January 19 to 21, 2026, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California.

Recycling Awards categories 

The six Recycling Awards categories recognize not only performance in the areas of recyclables, construction and demolition debris, and organics, but also honour sustainability partnerships, education and outreach, and manufacturing innovation. 

Sustainability Partnership Game Changer

This award celebrates partnerships that enhance sustainability. It is open to partnerships including municipal and county governments, regulatory agencies, community organizations, and the private industry that have successfully partnered to implement game changing initiatives, policies, or programs that advance sustainability in their community.  At least one member of the partnership should be an NWRA member.

Recycling Equipment Innovator

This award is open to NWRA members who are recycling equipment designers and manufacturers. The award celebrates innovation in design and manufacturing that increases the effectiveness or efficiency of recycling equipment and operations.

Recycling Facility of the Year

This award is open to new or existing recycling facilities that are NWRA members or public sector/non-profit entities. The award recognizes the facility that leads all other facilities in one or more key measurements to stand as the preeminent recycling facility of the year.

Organics Facility of the Year

This award is open to new or existing organics management facilities that are either NWRA members or public sector/non-profit entities that have made a significant impact in diverting organics through their management facility. The award celebrates achievements and commitment to recovery.

Construction and Demolition Recycling Facility of the Year

This award is open to new or existing construction and demolition (C&D) recycling facilities that are either NWRA members or public sector/non-profit entities. It recognizes a facility that is a model for construction and demolition waste diversion.

Excellence in Recycling or Sustainability Public Education

This award is open to public, private, and non-governmental organizations that exemplify excellence in recycling or sustainability public education programs. Applicants should submit program materials and methodologies, as well as data that quantify the impact and the success of the program.

"The waste and recycling industry has made a continuous investment in advancing recycling and reuse of collected materials across all waste categories. Each year, NWRA honours those organizations and individuals committed to a circular economy through investment and innovation to lead on sustainable best practices," said Michael E. Hoffman, NWRA president and CEO. "Recycling is Real and by highlighting the accomplishments of the NWRA's six Recycling Awards, we can better tell that story and give the public evidence they can have confidence in their local recycling programs owned and operated by the private sector. We encourage everyone eligible for an award to step forward and put a spotlight on the amazing work happening across the industry every day."