NWRA’s 2026 Rising Star and Technician of the Year Award honours recycling professionals

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has named the official recipients of the inaugural Rising Star and Technician of the Year awards. These new categories within the Driver and Operation of the Year awards highlight the critical contributions of rising front-line professionals and technical experts keeping operations running safely across the waste and recycling industry. 

The new awards are sponsored by Environmental Solutions, a Terex Company. The honorees will be recognized at NWRA's Annual Awards Gala at the close of the Waste Leadership Summit on June 10, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

"These awards represent both the future and foundation of our industry," said Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA Board of Trustees. "From emerging drivers to skilled technicians, their expertise and dedication help keep daily services operating safely and reliably."

Recognizing hard work in an essential industry 

The Rising Star Award recognizes drivers with fewer than 10 years in the industry who have already demonstrated an outstanding commitment to safety, professionalism, and performance. This distinction highlights emerging leaders whose dedication to safe operations and service excellence represents the future of the waste and recycling industry.

The Technician of the Year Award honours mechanical professionals whose expertise, training, and safety records ensure vehicles and equipment operate safely and efficiently. Their work is essential to maintaining reliable fleet performance and supporting the safe delivery of waste and recycling services.

2026 Rising Star Award Winners:

National: 

Shoun Cleveland - GFL Environmental 

Regional:

Cory Wright - Lakeshore Recycling Systems 

2026 Technician of the Year Winners:

National:

David Bombei - Republic Services, Inc. 

Regional:

Bob Sprandel - Rumpke Waste & Recycling 

Local Member: 

Josh Calve - USA Hauling and Recycling 

NWRA commits to expanding leadership in waste and recycling

"Safe, reliable waste and recycling services depend on both skilled drivers and the technical professionals who keep equipment performing at its best," said Pat Carroll, segment president, Environmental Solutions, A Terex Company. "By recognizing Rising Stars and Technicians of the Year, these awards highlight the expertise and discipline required to support efficient operations and protect workers and communities."

By honouring Rising Stars and Technicians of the Year, NWRA recognizes the spectrum of professionals whose work sustains and advances the waste and recycling industry.

"These awards highlight NWRA's commitment to recognizing the skilled professionals who keep waste and recycling operations running safely and efficiently," said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA. "By investing in workforce development and technical expertise, we are strengthening the industry's ability to serve communities every day."

The winners will be recognized alongside the other Driver of the Year honorees, the Operator of the Year recipient, and the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees at NWRA's Annual Awards Gala.