New Jersey businesses, individuals and others who go above and beyond to advance recycling can be nominated now through July 25 for an awards program run by the state Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers.
Nominations can be made in 11 categories: Institution, Business, Retail Merchant, Government, Leadership, Rising Star, Recycling Industry, Outstanding Educator/Educational Program, Volunteer Citizen, Source Reduction/Resource Management/Sustainability, and Recycled Products Procurement.
Those interested in submitting a nomination may view the 2025 Nomination Packet for more information about the awards program, which includes nomination applications. Nomination forms may be emailed to njrecycles@dep.nj.gov through Friday, July 25.
“New Jersey’s longstanding recycling success is due to the hard work of many volunteers, students, stakeholders, businesses and government agencies, who work hard to make our state more sustainable,” DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said. “The DEP encourages the public to nominate those whose recycling endeavors not only keep our environment clean, but enhance public health, benefit our economy and create a better New Jersey for all.”
Nominees are evaluated by a panel of judges from DEP’s Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability program and the Association of New Jersey Recyclers on their ability to demonstrate measurable outcomes, commitment to education and outreach, replicability of their efforts, innovation, and going beyond regulatory standards. Those chosen for an award will be notified in September and honored at a recognition ceremony this fall.
The 2024 award winners included NJBIA member PSE&G, a company that recycles or reuses 96% of the waste it generates primarily by reusing over 2,500 tons of timber wetland mats that support heavy machinery. In 2023, NJBIA member Bergen New Bridge Medical Center was honored for implementing significant food waste reduction measures.
In 1987, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to enact legislation requiring recycling. Since then, recycling has become routine for residents, businesses, and institutions.
