Businesses, agencies, individuals and others who go beyond the norm to advance recycling in New Jersey can be nominated now through July 19 for an awards program run by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in partnership with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers (ANJR).
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 can now view the online 2024 Nomination Packet to find more information about the award program and complete the included nomination application. Applications must be submitted to njrecycles@dep.nj.gov through Friday, July 19.
“These awards shine the spotlight on the efforts of those who are leading by example by finding innovative ways to advance recycling and sustainability at home, at work, in our communities and in our schools,” said DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette on Tuesday. “Help us share their ideas and passion by submitting nominations for this year’s recycling awards.”
Nominees are evaluated by a panel of judges from DEP’s Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability program and ANJR 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 DEP’s annual recycling awards program not only highlights the impressive accomplishments undertaken in the fields of recycling, waste reduction, recycled product procurement and sustainability in New Jersey, but also inspires others to strive for excellence in sustainable waste management, which in turn advances the environmental goals of our state,” said Paul Baldauf, Assistant Commissioner for Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability.
“Recycling keeps millions of tons of materials out of landfills and other disposal facilities, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces emissions of water and air pollutants, including greenhouse gas emissions,” he added.
The 2023 recycling award winners announced last year included NJBIA members Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, which was honored for implementing strong food waste reduction measures, and L’Oréal USA, which has implemented recycling and waste reduction initiatives that have enabled the company to recycle or reuse 56.5% of the waste generated at its New Jersey facilities in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. Go here for the complete DEP list of all 2023 winners.
The Association of New Jersey Recyclers is a nonprofit, nonpartisan network representing the public and private sectors that works to promote sustainability by encouraging sound resource management and recycling strategies through education, advocacy and enhancing professional standards.
