NWRA names Hall of Fame inductees for 2026

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has announced the Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Frank Antonacci, Jerry Antonacci, and Dennis Pantano. These industry leaders will be formally inducted during NWRA's Annual Awards Gala on June 10, held as part of the inaugural Waste Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

NWRA's Hall of Fame honours individuals whose careers reflect exceptional leadership, long-standing service, and transformative contributions to the waste and recycling industry. This year's inductees exemplify those values through decades of innovation, mentorship, operational excellence, and commitment to advancing the industry.

"The Hall of Fame reflects the highest standards of leadership and service in our industry," said Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA Board of Trustees and president of The Don Ross Group. "Frank Antonacci, Jerry Antonacci, and Dennis Pantano have each demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building strong organizations, investing in their people, and advancing the waste and recycling industry through integrity and innovation. Their collective impact will be felt for generations to come."

"Each of these honourees represent the best of our industry," said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA and Hall of Fame Class of 2020. "Their leadership, integrity, and dedication have not only built successful organizations, but have also shaped the next generation of industry professionals and strengthened the communities they serve. We are honoured to recognize their lasting impact."

This year, McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing will be the Hall of Fame Sponsor for the 2026 Annual Awards Gala.

"The Hall of Fame provides an opportunity for the industry to reflect on the progress that has shaped where we are today," said Lee Dreas, president of McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing. "McNeilus is proud to be part of recognizing the individuals and contributions that have helped move the industry forward."

Frank Antonacci and Jerry Antonacci

Few leaders have done more to reshape how New England collects, moves, and recovers materials than Frank and Jerry Antonacci. The family's legacy began when Guy "Sonny" Antonacci started Somers Sanitation, a single truck serving residents in Somers, Connecticut. From that one-truck operation, the family built a multi-state enterprise with more than 500 frontline trucks and a workforce of approximately 1,500 employees across multiple companies, combining disciplined operations with a culture of innovation and community commitment that has helped set the standard for independent service providers across the region.

Today, Frank and Jerry lead USA Hauling & Recycling, Inc. and its family of companies, including All American Waste, Murphy Road Recycling, and F&G Recycling, collectively recognized as one of the largest privately held, family-owned waste and recycling organizations in the U.S. Their leadership has transformed a local hauler into a regional platform that continues to set benchmarks for service excellence across New England and beyond.

Their commitment to innovation is exemplified by the All American materials recovery facility (MRF) in Berlin, Connecticut, recognized as Recycling Facility of the Year in 2023. Among the largest and most technologically advanced facilities in North America, the MRF reflects the brothers' long-term investment in recycling technology, sustainable operations, and best-in-class service, and was wholly financed by the company.

Dennis Pantano

With more than five decades of leadership in the waste and recycling industry, Dennis Pantano is widely regarded as a strategic operator, mentor, and builder of high-performing organizations. His career began in 1974 as an owner of Fredonia Sanitary Services in Dunkirk, New York, a solid waste collection company serving western New York and Pennsylvania. In 1976, he founded IVS Environmental Services, a hazardous waste transportation and remediation firm serving the Northeastern U.S., which he successfully led through its growth and eventual sale in 1996.

Pantano went on to hold senior leadership roles with some of the industry's most recognized companies, including Browning-Ferris Industries; Waste Management of New York; Progressive Waste Solutions; and Casella Waste Systems. Across each of these companies, he built a reputation for developing multi-million-dollar regional operations grounded in strong financial performance, disciplined execution, and long-term market strategy.

Since joining Coastal Waste & Recycling in 2020 as senior vice president of Operations, Pantano has played a central role in guiding the company's rapid expansion and operational integration. During his tenure, Coastal has grown from approximately seven locations and 100 employees to more than 40 locations across three states and a workforce exceeding 1,600 team members, supported by a successful strategy that included more than 20 acquisitions. His leadership emphasizes integrity, mentorship, and continuous improvement, fostering a culture that develops future leaders while navigating the operational and economic challenges facing the industry.

A long-standing supporter of NWRA since the 1980s, Pantano has encouraged active engagement across the organization, including participation in industry conferences, legislative chapters, and leadership boards. Through both his professional accomplishments and his commitment to growing the next generation of industry leaders, Pantano has left a lasting imprint on the waste and recycling landscape.