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This award is open to organisations that have delivered high levels of recycling or waste minimisation within their own operations, or provided exceptional services that drive sustainable waste management. Entries may highlight improved performance, enhanced service delivery, or divisional achievements within larger firms. (Not open to local authorities or retail firms.) 

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Celebrating organisations that have advanced circular economy principles in waste management and recycling. This could include innovative recovery systems, closed‑loop products, or initiatives that extend the life of materials. Judges will take a broad view, rewarding projects that demonstrate meaningful circular outcomes. (Reuse‑specific entries should be submitted to the Reuse Initiative category.)

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Awarded to a business or organisation that has introduced a new or significantly improved product, service, or initiative that transforms operations, delivers efficiencies, or reduces costs. Entries should provide evidence of impact through trials or implementation, showing clear benefits to the sector.

Honouring the dedication and professionalism of waste and recycling collection crews. Judges will look for consistent service quality, strong safety records, and examples of going above and beyond. Testimonials and performance data are encouraged to demonstrate excellence.

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Recognising initiatives that have raised health and safety standards within waste management or recycling. Projects may be large‑scale or targeted, but must show measurable progress since March 2021. Judges will assess impact, replicability, affordability, and external recognition.

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Highlighting innovative municipal projects that have boosted recycling, composting, sustainability, or waste prevention. Eligible initiatives include communication campaigns, collection changes, or infrastructure improvements. Entries should demonstrate measurable impact across a whole authority or a significant part of it. (Reuse‑specific entries should be submitted to the Reuse Initiative category.)

Recognising organisations and local authorities leading the way towards carbon reduction and net‑zero. Entries may showcase strategies, innovations, or operational changes that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, or embed circular economy principles. Judges will reward initiatives that demonstrate measurable progress and sector leadership.

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Celebrating local authority officers, councillors, leaders, or teams who have championed recycling, reuse, communication, education, or sustainability. Winners will demonstrate measurable achievements and long‑term impact within their communities.

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Recognising successful service changes that have improved waste, recycling, or reuse provision for residents or businesses. Entries may cover large‑scale transformations or niche projects, with judges looking for measurable results and positive community feedback.

Honouring innovative reuse projects that repurpose materials and engage communities. Judges will assess creativity, impact, and outreach, with emphasis on initiatives that educate and empower local communities. Testimonials from stakeholders and evidence of real‑world impact are encouraged.

Celebrating impactful waste and recycling campaigns that demonstrate creativity, measurable results, and strong audience engagement. Entries should highlight objectives, target audiences, multichannel strategies, and collaborations. Judges will reward campaigns that deliver clear outcomes and sustainable practices.

Recognising organisations tackling food waste through prevention, reduction, reuse, or recycling. Entries should showcase innovative strategies and measurable results that reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy.

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Celebrating exemplary partnerships that have delivered real impact in resource and waste management. This award recognises collaborations that have developed innovative solutions to reduce waste, improve recycling rates, and optimise resource use. Judges will reward collective efforts that drive sustainable practices, foster a circular economy, and achieve measurable environmental benefits.

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Open to all UK recycling operators, regardless of material processed — from metals and organics to plastics, paper, and wood. This award recognises businesses that consistently deliver high‑quality services, demonstrate strong recycling performance, and provide excellent customer care. Judges will look for evidence of good practice, sector leadership, and a clear focus on quality, volumes, and communication.

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Recognising cutting‑edge innovations in AI and technology that have advanced the recycling industry. Entries should demonstrate solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across sorting, processing, and resource recovery. Judges will highlight transformative technologies that reduce waste and promote circularity.

Celebrating standout projects that deliver exceptional results in energy efficiency, renewable integration, or energy recovery. Entries should showcase measurable achievements such as reduced energy use, increased renewable adoption, or innovative energy technologies. Judges will reward creativity, scalability, and significant environmental and operational impact.

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Showcasing outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability in recycling and waste management. Judges will assess innovation, measurable impact, scalability, community engagement, cost‑effectiveness, compliance, and educational outreach. This award honours leaders setting new benchmarks in environmental stewardship.

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Recognising initiatives that deliver significant social value through waste and recycling activities. Entries should highlight projects that create employment, support vulnerable groups, promote education, or foster community engagement. Judges will look for evidence of meaningful social impact, innovation, and alignment with wider sustainability goals.

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Celebrating game‑changers in sustainable packaging. This award recognises organisations that design and deliver innovative solutions to cut waste, boost recyclability, and embed circular economy principles. Judges will reward bold steps that deliver measurable impact, smarter design, and environmental gains.

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Honouring promising new entrants in the waste, recycling, and environmental sector who demonstrate innovation, impact, and potential for future success. Judges will look for creativity, measurable achievements, community engagement, and commitment to long‑term sustainability. This award highlights individuals or businesses quickly establishing themselves as leaders of change.

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Celebrating Household Waste & Recycling Centres that set the standard for excellence in daily operations. Open to all CA site operators, this award recognises sites that drive higher recycling and composting rates, deliver outstanding service, and excel in planning, design, operations, and safety. Judges will reward sites that stand out for performance, reuse initiatives, community engagement, and innovation.