TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is accepting nominations through July 24 for the state’s annual Recycling Awards Program recognizing achievements in recycling, waste reduction and sustainability.
The DEP, in partnership with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers, is seeking nominations in 11 categories honoring individuals, businesses, government agencies, educators and community organizations that promote recycling and environmental stewardship.
Award recipients will be notified in September and recognized during a ceremony later this fall.
“New Jersey’s recycling efforts help keep our state, lands, and waters clean while also generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year,” said DEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “We hope to see New Jersey’s many recycling champions share their work, ideas and passion by submitting nominations for this year’s recycling awards.”
New Jersey became the first state in the nation to require recycling when lawmakers approved mandatory recycling legislation in 1987.
State officials said New Jersey’s recycling and reuse industry now employs about 27,000 people and contributes nearly $6 billion annually to the state economy through transportation, processing and recycled-product manufacturing operations.
Award categories include Institution, Business, Retail Merchant, Government, Leadership, Rising Star, Recycling Industry, Outstanding Educator or Educational Program, Volunteer Citizen, Waste Reduction and Sustainability, and Recycled Products Procurement Star.
Nominees will be evaluated by a panel of DEP and ANJR representatives based on measurable environmental outcomes, education and outreach efforts, innovation and programs that exceed regulatory standards.
“We encourage individuals and organizations throughout New Jersey to nominate leaders in their communities who make recycling a priority and have helped educate others on the importance of keeping our recycling stream free of unacceptable items,” said Paul Baldauf, assistant commissioner for Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability.
Last year’s winners included a municipality with a 65% recycling rate, a recycling company processing more than 16,000 tons of material each month, a nonprofit bicycle repair organization and a university operating a food pantry and clothing donation center.
Applications and eligibility information are available through the DEP’s sustainability website.
