NRC Recycling Awards Nominations Now Open!

he NRC Recycling Awards recognize outstanding individuals, programs, and organizations for their contributions to sustainability and waste reduction. Last year’s winners included the National Stewardship Action Council for promoting a circular economy, Stanford University for leadership in sustainability education, and Kathryn Gordon of Flat Can Recycling, who is revolutionizing recycling access in the Midwest. Other honorees included Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn for her zero-waste initiatives and Rick Anthony, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in Zero Waste planning.

We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 NRC Recycling Awards! Nominations are due by Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time, and the winners will be recognized in person at the NRC Recycling Congress Reception on October 2, 2025, in Wichita, KS.

Award Categories:

  • Lifetime Achievement in Recycling
  • Recycler of the Year
  • Bill Heenan Emerging Leader Award
  • Outstanding Recycling Innovation
  • Outstanding Recycling Organization
  • The Fred Schmitt Award for Outstanding Corporate Leadership
  • Outstanding Not-for-profit Business Leadership
  • The Tim McClure Award for Outstanding Community or Government Program
  • Outstanding Elected Leader
  • The Beth Brown Boettner Award for Outstanding Public Education/Outreach Program
  • Outstanding Market Development
  • Outstanding Minority Leadership (business or individual)
  • Outstanding K-12 School Program
  • Outstanding Higher Education

 

To nominate a deserving candidate, please submit a 350-word (or less) document highlighting the nominee’s achievements based on the award criteria. Visithttps://tinyurl.com/2025NRCAwards to nominate a deserving candidate and join us in celebrating excellence in recycling.

For questions or further information, contact Ann Gibbs at 970-443-2413 or [email protected].

Sponsorship Opportunity:
Want to support the National Recycling Coalition Awards? Add an Awards and Reception Sponsorship for just $1,000 and gain recognition during the awards program. Show your commitment to sustainability and innovation in recycling while helping us honor the leaders and programs shaping a sustainable future.