The state Department of Environmental Protection has opened nominations for its annual Recycling Awards program recognizing businesses, individuals, local governments, and other organizations for excellence in recycling, waste reduction and sustainability achievements.
The DEP, in partnership with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers (ANJR), is accepting nominations in 11 categories through Friday, July 24. Those interested should review the 2026 nomination packet to assess eligibility and submit completed applications electronically to njrecycles@dep.nj.gov.
Winners will be notified in September and honored at a recognition ceremony later in the 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 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 has long been a national leader in recycling. It was the first state to require recycling by passing mandatory recycling legislation in 1987. The state’s recycling strategy keeps millions of tons of materials out of landfills and other disposal facilities each year, conserves natural resources and energy, and reduces emissions of water and air pollutants, including greenhouse gas emissions.
The recycling and reuse industry in New Jersey employs approximately 27,000 people and adds almost $6 billion annually to the state’s economy. This includes transporters, specialized processing facilities, and manufacturers of various recycled products.
Award Categories and Criteria
Nominations will be accepted for the following categories: Institution, Business, Retail Merchant, Government, Leadership, Rising Star, Recycling Industry, Outstanding Educator/Educational Program, Volunteer Citizen, Waste Reduction/Resource Management/Sustainability, and Recycled Products Procurement Star.
Nominees are evaluated by a panel of judges from DEP and ANJR. Awards are based on measurable outcomes, commitment to education and outreach, replicability of efforts, innovation, and achievements that go above and beyond 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.
Some of the award winners announced last year included a municipality that achieved a 65 percent recycling rate, a recycling business that processes more than 16,000 tons of recyclable material per month, a nonprofit bike repair organization that keeps used bicycles out of the waste stream, and a university that operates a food pantry and clothing donation center.
Association of New Jersey Recyclers
The Association of New Jersey Recyclers is a nonprofit, nonpartisan network representing the public and private sectors that works to promote recycling, waste reduction and sustainability by encouraging sound resource management and recycling strategies through education, advocacy and enhancing professional standards.
Photo caption: PSEG won the Recycling Award in the Business Category in 2024. (L-R) Ky Asral (NJDEP), Andrew Arnold (Public Service Electric and Gas) and Jim Sullivan (Public Service Electric and Gas). Photo courtesy of NJDEP.
