The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting nominations for awards honoring excellence in recycling in 11 categories, including a new one recognizing businesses and institutions with programs aimed at specifically using post-consumer recycled products.
The DEP, in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers, annually recognizes excellence in recycling to highlight program successes achieved by individuals, agencies, businesses and others who help keep New Jersey communities clean and healthy. The deadline for nominations for the 2023 awards is July 21. Winners will be notified in September and honored at an awards ceremony in the fall.
“Recognizing achievements in recycling has helped make New Jersey a more sustainable state and highlighted our national leadership in many environmental areas, including recycling,” DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said. “Celebrating recycling excellence reinforces the important role that recycling has in our homes, businesses and across communities.”
Nominations may be submitted in these categories: Institution, Business, Retail Merchant, Government, Leadership, Rising Star, Recycling Industry, Outstanding Educator/Educational Program, Volunteer Citizen, Source Reduction/Resource Management/Sustainability and, new this year, Recycled Products Procurement Star.
The new category recognizes any business, institution, government agency or other organization that has implemented a post-consumer recycled products procurement program or expanded an existing post-consumer recycled products procurement program. Post-consumer recycled products are made with a percentage of recycled content material derived from goods that were used by consumers, collected and then recycled.
“We encourage the many people and organizations throughout New Jersey to nominate those in their communities who make recycling a priority, have helped educate residents and businesses on the importance of keeping our recycling stream free of unacceptable items and are committed to keeping our environment clean and healthy,” said Paul Baldauf, assistant commissioner for Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability. “The results of their efforts should be highlighted to demonstrate to others how they are making a difference across the state.”
The 2022 winners included a diverse group of businesses, organizations and individuals. Among them: a business in the field of nutritional science in Bridgewater, an airport in Millville, the municipal recycling program in Ridgewood and a senior citizen who volunteered his time to help his township’s recycling collection program. NJBIA member Atlantic Health Systems won the 2022 award in the Source Reduction, Resource Management/Sustainability category.
To obtain the 2023 Recycling Awards nomination application and information packet, go here. For more about the Recycling Awards Program, email Steven Rinaldi at njrecycles@dep.nj.gov.
