The Government Recycler of the Year Award recognizes a public employee, public agency, public institution or nonprofit organization that has taken a leadership role in the development and promotion of recycling as a viable waste management tool. Judges will be looking for a candidate who has implemented a successful Integrated Waste Reduction Program incorporating source reduction, reuse, recycling and sustainability; utilizes a comprehensive publicity/education program targeting residential and/or commercial sources within that community; has developed/implemented waste conscious procurement policies; purchase recycled/recyclable products for use in their administrative offices and/or operations; pursues an on-going marketing plan which continually considers the highest/best use for each waste stream; and a program that continually seeks innovative approaches to further expand waste reduction programs within the community.

The Recycling Education Program of the Year Award is presented to the organization, school or individual that has established a proven Recycling Education Program, which offers an integrated approach incorporating source reduction, product reuse, recycling, and sustainability into a comprehensive educational program within a community or region. To further this cause, the ideal education program will include a comprehensive publicity/education curriculum targeting all age groups (including weekend or nontraditional work hours); will have recognized program success within the community or region by demonstrating positive long-term behavioral changes.

The School/College/University Recycler of the Year Award will be given to an outstanding school, college or university that demonstrates a long-term commitment to waste reduction, recycling and sustainable resource use both in the classroom and as a means to manage the school’s waste. Judges will be looking for applicants whose current efforts include implementation of an Integrated Waste Reduction Program; a long-term commitment to fund that program; utilizes waste conscious procurement policies which include the purchase of recycled-content/recyclable products; implementation of a comprehensive education program to instruct students, facility, and staff about waste reduction and recycling efforts; an ongoing volunteer recruitment and retention plan; and student’s enthusiasm and ownership of the program.

The Individual Recycler of the Year Award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability in Arkansas over the past year. Judges will be looking for an individual who demonstrates professional leadership in the pursuit of an integrated approach to waste reduction, recycling and sustainability; who is a positive community role model and leads by example; seeks opportunities to promote recycling, sustainability and apply their experience/expertise within his/her community; uses innovative approaches to educate others; and has a willingness to share information and encourage other persons/businesses/agencies to implement a waste reduction/recycling program.

To receive the Community Involvement Award, a business or organization must have met two (2) criteria. First, the nominee must be a positive community role model by routinely researching and utilizing source reduction, landfill diversion and recycling as the primary solid waste management approach. Secondly, this business must visibly promote recycling and sustainability within the community or region in which its facility is located. The ideal candidate will support city, county, regional or state recycling activities by being actively involved in the community’s waste reduction efforts; seek opportunities to promote recycling and sustainability efforts within the community; educate customers and peers about recycling; and encourage employees to take recycling efforts home.

The Corporate Recycler of the Year Award recognizes businesses or organizations that have developed successful waste reduction programs which include source reduction, beneficial reuse, landfill diversion, sustainable recycling practices, and the purchase of recycled/recyclable products into their office and/or manufacturing operations. This award will not be given to a business that relies on recycling as its primary means of income. Judges will be looking for corporations who have implemented a successful Integrated Waste Reduction Program (source reduction, reuse, recycle, and sustainability, etc.) that incorporates an ongoing employee education program, adopted administrative policies that demonstrates its commitment to waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and sustainability; adopted waste conscious procurement policies for materials and supplies; and a willingness to share information and encourage other businesses to implement a waste reduction/recycling program.