The Wisconsin DNR is accepting nominations through Sept. 14 for the 2026 Recycling Excellence Awards honoring outstanding recycling, waste reduction and food waste programs.
3 Things To Know
- Nominations Are Open: The Wisconsin DNR is accepting nominations for the 2026 Recycling Excellence Awards through Sept. 14, recognizing outstanding recycling and waste reduction efforts across the state.
- Who Can Apply: Communities, tribes, nonprofits, schools and businesses of all sizes are eligible. Food waste recovery and diversion programs are also encouraged to submit nominations.
- Four Award Categories: Awards will be presented for overall programs, projects and initiatives, innovation and special events. Winners will be recognized on the DNR’s website and social media channels.
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Recycling Excellence Awards, recognizing organizations across the state that are making a difference through recycling, waste reduction and food waste diversion efforts. Nominations are open through Sept. 14.
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The annual awards celebrate innovative programs and outstanding environmental leadership by communities, tribes, nonprofits, schools and businesses of all sizes. Organizations that recover or divert food waste are also encouraged to apply.
“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.”
Four Award Categories
The DNR will recognize winners in four categories:
- Overall program
- Projects and initiatives
- Innovation
- Special events
Organizations may nominate themselves or submit nominations on behalf of another program. The DNR encourages applicants to include supporting materials such as outreach campaigns, data, graphs and high-resolution photos with their submission.
Recognizing Environmental Leadership
Previous award recipients have been recognized for launching community recycling and cleanup programs, reducing waste within their organizations and diverting significant amounts of recyclable and compostable materials from Wisconsin landfills.
The DNR says food waste management programs are eligible and strongly encouraged to participate in this year’s awards.
How to Apply
Nominations must be submitted by Sept. 14. Winners will be featured on the Wisconsin DNR website and its social media channels.
Additional information about the nomination process, award categories and previous winners is available on the DNR’s Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards webpage.
Feature Photo By: Owen Bariki
