November 2024 NRC Conference
Register now for the November 2024 Recycling Congress! Our next Recycling Congress will be a hybrid event in collaboration with NYSAR annual conference November 19-21,
August 26, 2024
NRC Recycling Awards
Congratulations to all of this years scholarship and awards recipients! The scholarship and awards presentations was held at the NRC reception held at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown NY.
You can see more details on this Congress’ winners here.
You can view the scholarships and awards presentation here: 2024 MJF Presentation and Awards presentation SERA Staff_Uploaded_FINAL.
The 2024 Murray J Fox scholarship winner: Annie Dudley from Michigan State University
NRC award recipients:
Lifetime Achievement in Recycling – Rick Anthony
Richard Anthony is a highly respected leader in Zero Waste planning with nearly four decades of expertise in resource conservation and recovery. Previously serving as a solid waste manager for Fresno and San Diego counties in California, Anthony now advises major cities such as Los Angeles and Austin and organizations like the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board. He has been instrumental in advancing Zero Waste practices, contributing significantly to groups such as the California Resource Recovery Association and the Zero Waste International Alliance. Anthony’s profound knowledge and dedication to sustainable waste management make him a distinguished and enduring leader in the field.
Outstanding Recycling Organization – National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) accepted by Jordan Wells
The National Stewardship Action Council, with Jordan Wells at the helm, is dedicated to fostering a circular, equitable economy. Through collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, NSAC develops strategies to reduce waste, curb pollution, and support sustainable systems. By advocating for producer responsibility, the organization sets a benchmark for systemic changes that protect the environment and create resilient communities.
Outstanding Higher Education – Stanford University accepted by Angela Vincent
Stanford University is a leading institution in sustainability and waste management education. With programs that address environmental systems engineering, waste reduction, and recycling, Stanford offers students a robust foundation in sustainability. Its career services and applied research centers support student pathways into environmental fields, demonstrating the university’s commitment to developing leaders in recycling and sustainable materials management.
Outstanding Public Education / Outreach Program – Race to Zero Waste accepted by Teresa Bradley
The Love Dolores Project, a collaboration involving Race to Zero Waste and San Francisco’s Recreation and Park Department, showcases the power of grassroots outreach in promoting zero waste. Through hands-on engagement at Dolores Park, the initiative fosters lasting behavioral change, creating a sustainable culture within San Francisco’s public spaces.
Outstanding Market Development – Wayne Gjerde (Not attending)
As Minnesota’s Recycling Market Development Coordinator, Wayne Gjerde has led numerous initiatives to strengthen recycling markets, particularly for glass and other recyclable materials. By establishing the Recycling Market Development Center and fostering partnerships with manufacturers, Gjerde has significantly contributed to the growth of a sustainable recycling infrastructure, helping ensure Minnesota remains a leader in environmentally responsible market practices.
Outstanding Corporate Leadership – Flat Can Recycling accepted by Kathryn Gordon
Kathryn Gordon’s leadership at Flat Can Recycling has transformed recycling access in the Midwest, offering convenient, comprehensive recycling options for over 100 specialized items. Flat Can Recycling has quickly become a trusted partner for municipalities, businesses, and communities, delivering impactful solutions that extend beyond traditional recycling services and demonstrate Gordon’s vision for a greener future.
Outstanding Diversity Leadership – Sophia Huda
Sophia Huda is a passionate advocate for recycling, plastic waste reduction, and environmental justice. Her diverse career has spanned continents, from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa, and she holds leadership roles in several U.S.-based environmental organizations. With a background in political science and sustainability management, Huda’s global perspective and commitment to environmental equity make her a trailblazer in the field.
Outstanding Elected Leader – Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Medford, MA (not attending)
Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn is a strong advocate for Zero Waste in Medford, Massachusetts. Under her leadership, the city launched a phased rollout of residential curbside composting for 19,000 households in July 2024. Mayor Lungo-Koehn has championed the program publicly, producing educational videos and actively supporting community adoption on social media, establishing Medford as a model for waste reduction and sustainability.
Outstanding Community or Government Program – Cleveland Metroparks Volunteer Recycling Program accepted by Lynne Lisner
Cleveland Metroparks’ Volunteer Recycling Program exemplifies how community engagement can make a tangible environmental impact. Volunteers have dedicated hundreds of hours to sort recyclables, resulting in 14 tons of recycled material and significant financial savings. The program’s success, grounded in collaboration and education, has become a model for volunteer-led sustainability initiatives that benefit both the environment and the community.
Outstanding Recycling Innovation – r.CUP (not attending)
RCUP is at the forefront of recycling innovations that prioritize sustainability and waste reduction. By producing cups made from 100% recycled polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, r.CUP reduces the need for virgin plastic, cutting down energy usage and carbon emissions. Through their commitment to closed-loop systems and partnerships with recyclers, they promote circular economy principles that contribute to reducing single-use plastic dependence and enhancing recycling infrastructure.
Outstanding Not-for-profit Business Leadership – South Bay Sustainable Communities accepted by Tina Matthias
South Bay Sustainable Communities (SBSC) has significantly expanded its composting and community clean-up efforts across fifteen schools in Chula Vista, fostering environmental stewardship among youth. Through hands-on training and peer-led education, SBSC’s initiatives diverted 117,000 pounds from landfills and distributed 4,000 pounds of compost in 2023. Their mentorship program shapes the next generation of environmental leaders, setting a powerful example of community-driven sustainability.
Bill Heenan Emerging Leader Award – Zach Tucker (not attending)
As part of Colorado’s Planet Bluegrass team, Zach Tucker is a young leader shaping sustainable practices at large events in Telluride and Lyons. Starting as a high school volunteer, Tucker has advanced to a pivotal role, championing “sustainable festivation” through innovative approaches that make festivals more environmentally conscious. His dedication to sustainability in the events industry exemplifies the qualities recognized by the National Recycling Coalition’s Emerging Leader Award.
Recycler of the Year – Cyril May
Cyril May, also known as CJ, brings magic to sustainability education, blending entertainment with environmental advocacy through his “Resourcery” shows, which focus on recycling, water conservation, and sustainability. A Yale Fellow and Environmental Champion Award recipient, CJ delivers TED Talk-style presentations that combine his storytelling craft with years of environmental expertise. His imaginative approach has influenced thousands, extending from professional organizations to schools, as he continues to serve on the Connecticut Recyclers Coalition board and the Connecticut Green LEAF Schools Program’s Steering Committee.
Address:
National Recycling Coalition
Box 314, 1151 Eagle Drive
Loveland, CO 80537
Email: