2010 Recycling Awards

The Illinois Recycling Association (IRA) is calling for nominations for its 2010 Annual Awards Program. This is your opportunity to nominate a recycling/waste reduction program or individual that you believe represents the state’s most outstanding efforts to advance recycling. Click here to download a copy of the Award Nomination Rules and an Award Nomination Form.

Award winners will be announced during the Awards Dinner at the Illinois Recycling and Solid Waste Conference at the DoubleTree Hotel in Oak Brook, IL. The conference will be June 7-9, 2010, and promises to be the premier recycling and solid waste management event in Illinois. It provides a unique forum for business leaders, government officials, and individuals to network and discuss programs, policies, and new technologies in recycling.

Award nominees must meet the following criteria for consideration for an award:

  • Recognition is based upon an activity or accomplishment that has occurred within the past eighteen (18) months, except in the case of the Recycler of the Year or a Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to a person who has dedicated their career or significant number of years to the recycling industry.
  • Recipients of awards will not be eligible for any additional award in any category for a period of five (5) years, and will be considered only for a significant change in program, different program or growth beyond a prior award.
  • A Recycler of the Year or Lifetime Achievement award is are only awarded once to an individual and not repeated at any future time.
  • Current board members, employers of current serving board members and any person or entity that has a direct financial relationship with a current board member will not be eligible for award consideration.  

Nominations for awards are due by March 31st of each calendar year. Your input into these awards is vital to identifying superior achievements in recycling and waste reduction.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Recycler of the Year To recognize an individual who has shown a high degree of dedication to the development and advancement of recycling through his or her achievements and long-term commitment.

Outstanding Business Recyclng/Waste Reduction Program To recognize a business for success in implementing waste reduction and/or recycling activities which have resulted in significant reductions to its waste stream. Specific criteria include: (1) types and quantities of materials recycled; (2) types and quantities of wastes reduced or eliminated; and (3) total percentage of waste stream diverted.

Outstanding Recycling Education Program/Educator of the Year To recognize an individual or group for commitment to educating others about the need for, and benefit of, recycling and waste reduction. Specific criteria include: (1) length of service in recycling/waste reduction, (2) description of innovative or unique program, and (3) type and size of audience impacted.

Outstanding High School Environmental Club/Student Leadership To recognize a sanctioned high school environmental organization or a high school student dedicated to learning and promoting recycling and waste reduction or providing a program that serves the high school or community. Specific criteria include: (1) relative size of service area or number of persons affected; (2) type or program or service provided; and (3) types and amount of material recycled or diverted from the waste stream. 

Outstanding Community or Government Program To recognize an outstanding recycling or waste reduction program, provided or managed by a unit of local government, which serves a portion of the residential public. Specific qualification criteria include: (1) percentage of population served, (2) types and quantities of materials collected, and (3) track record of growth and commitment to future enhancements.

Outstanding Special Recycling Program To recognize programs that specifically provide recycling and recovery of materials that cannot be included in general curbside or drop-off recycling programs, such as, tires, household hazardous waste, electronics, plastic bags, or other items that require additional collection and marketing efforts for recovery. Specific criteria include: (1) special collection requirements, (2) limited market availability, (3) description of innovative solutions, (4) size and type of service area.

Outstanding Corporate Recycling Program To recognize the efforts or accomplishments of a  business or corporation, which has a significant presence in the State of Illinois, in reducing, recycling or providing sustainable practices. Specific criteria include: (1) size of service area, (2) volumes, types of materials recovered, (3) impact on economy, waste reduction savings, (4) description of the extent of the corporation's commitment to accomplish waste reduction or recycling goals. 

Outstanding Service Provider To recognize the efforts of a hauler or recovery facility to provide maximum recovery of materials for recycling or reuse. Criteria include: (1) size of service area/population served, (2) specific challenges and solutions, (3) ability to transfer program to other service areas  

Best Use of a Recycled Material To recognize a business that has demonstrated a commitment to using recycled feedstock in the manufacturing of a product. Specific criteria include: (1) percent of recycled content in product(s), both pre- and post-consumer; (2) types and quantities of recycled feedstock used; and (3) resources conserved by using a recycled feedstock in place of virgin raw materials.

Outstanding Government Leadership The IRA Board may choose to recognize the efforts of an elected official for specific accomplishments in the promotion and support of recycling and waste reduction goals. Criteria will be determined by the IRA Board. 

President's Award (Given by the Association President only) this is a special award given by the Association President on an as needed basis. The association president will make this selection and give the award. No nominations from the membership will be accepted for this award. This is a separate award.


NOMINATING PROCEDURES

  • Nominations will be accepted from September 1 through March 31 of each year for consideration of awards. 
  • Any nominations received after March 31 will not be considered. 
  • Nominations must be submitted in electronic form and include the following information: 
  • completed nomination form (Downloadable PDF for Word document).  
  • ½ page summary describing accomplishments/efforts 
  • support materials such as recycling statistics, which clarify accomplishment 
  • no more than two letters of support from other parties 
  • (optional) one or two relevant digital photographs of the individual or organization being nominated, with their products, or performing activities or service.