Nominate a Local Sustainability Champion
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Recycling Excellence Awards. You have until Sept. 14 to submit a nomination.
The Recycling Excellence Award showcases and celebrates outstanding recycling efforts, innovation, and performance. Wisconsin communities, Indigenous nations, nonprofits, schools, and businesses of any size may apply. Food waste recovery or diversion programs also qualify for the award. “Organizations that put exceptional effort into reducing waste or diverting materials from our landfills deserve recognition,” said Jennifer Semrau, DNR waste reduction and diversion coordinator. “Please consider submitting a nomination if you know of an organization going above and beyond with its waste reduction efforts.”
Award Categories and Eligibility
The DNR offers awards in four categories: overall program, projects and initiatives, innovation, and special events. Organizations can self-nominate or submit a nomination on behalf of another program. Applicants should include supporting items like outreach materials, data charts, and high-resolution photos.
Past winners have provided new collection and cleanup services for their communities, implemented waste reduction practices, and diverted impressive amounts of compostable and recyclable materials. The DNR encourages organizations that manage food waste to apply.
The DNR will feature winners on its website and social media accounts. To find the nomination form, category details, and profiles of past winners, visit the DNR’s Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards webpage.
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