New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in collaboration with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers, is accepting nominations for its annual awards program until July 25. The initiative seeks to recognize businesses, individuals, and other entities that contribute significantly to recycling efforts.
Nominations are open across 11 categories, including 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.
Interested parties can access the 2025 Nomination Packet for detailed information about the program and nomination procedures. Completed forms should be emailed to njrecycles@dep.nj.gov by July 25.
"New Jersey’s longstanding recycling success is due to the hard work of many volunteers, students, stakeholders, businesses and government agencies," said DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. "The DEP encourages the public to nominate those whose recycling endeavors not only keep our environment clean but enhance public health."
Nominees will be evaluated on criteria such as measurable outcomes and innovation by a panel from DEP’s Air, Energy & Materials Sustainability program alongside members of the Association of New Jersey Recyclers. Award recipients will be notified in September and recognized at a ceremony later in the fall.
Previous winners include NJBIA member PSE&G for its significant waste recycling efforts in 2024 and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center for food waste reduction measures in 2023.
Since becoming the first state to mandate recycling legislation in 1987, New Jersey has seen recycling become a routine practice among residents and businesses alike.
