From the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
TRENTON – People and organizations that go above and beyond to advance recycling and sustainability are eligible to be nominated for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s annual recycling awards program, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.
The DEP, in partnership with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers (ANJR), is accepting nominations for awards in 11 categories. 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,” Commissioner 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.”
How to Nominate Recycling Leaders
Nominations will be accepted in categories including 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.
A panel of judges from DEP’s Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability Program and the Association of New Jersey Recyclers will review nominations based upon criteria including the nominee’s ability to demonstrate measurable outcomes, commitment to education and outreach, replicability of their efforts, innovation, and going above and beyond compliance requirements. Those chosen for an award will be notified in September and honored at a recognition ceremony this fall.
“We encourage 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 reducing waste and 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.”
A History of Recycling Success
The 2024 award winners included a business that recycles or reuses 96% of the waste it generates; a non-profit organization that fights food insecurity and the environmental impacts of food waste by recovering and delivering healthy meals in local communities; a middle school that implemented a highly successful recycling collection program for plastic bags, plastic case and product overwrap and plastic pallet wrap; and a textile recycling and reuse business that has kept millions of pounds of old clothing out of landfills.
New Jersey has long been a national leader in recycling, becoming the first state in 1987 to pass legislation requiring recycling. Since then, recycling has become routine for residents, businesses, and institutions, and has proven over the years to be an environmental and economic success story.
The Association of New Jersey Recyclers is a non-profit, non-partisan 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.
Follow DEP’s Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability program on Facebook @NJDEPAEMS
If you like this post, you’ll love our daily environmental newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed daily with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Please do not take our word for it, try it free for a full month
