As part of an ongoing effort to encourage recycling, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will recognize businesses, organizations and individuals working to make the state a cleaner and safer place.

Through July 25, the state and nonprofit Association of New Jersey Recyclers will accept nominations for the annual Recycling Awards program. According to the NJDEP, categories include:

• Institution
• Business
• Retail merchant
• Government
• Leadership
• Rising star
• Recycling industry
• Outstanding educator/educational program
• Volunteer citizen
• Waste reduction/resource management/sustainability
• Recycled products procurement star

Additional details on the awards program are available here.

The NJDEP’s air, energy & materials sustainability program and the Association of New Jersey Recyclers will review nominations. The evaluations are based upon criteria such as measurable outcomes, commitment to education and outreach, innovation and exceeding compliance requirements.

Award winners will receive notifications in September and be recognized during a ceremony this fall, the state said.

It takes a village

NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette commented, “New Jersey’s longstanding recycling success is due to the hard work of many volunteers, students, stakeholders, businesses and government agencies, who work hard to make our state more sustainable.”

Paul Baldauf, NJDEP assistant commissioner for air quality, energy and sustainability, added, “We encourage people and organizations throughout New Jersey to nominate those in their communities who make recycling a priority, have helped educate residents and businesses on the importance of reducing waste and keeping our recycling stream free of unacceptable items and are committed to keeping our environment clean and healthy. The results of their efforts should be highlighted to demonstrate to others how they are making a difference across the state.”

Last year’s honorees included:

• An energy company that recycles or reuses 96% of the waste it generates;
• A nonprofit that reduces food waste by distributing recovered meals to local families in need;
• A middle school that implemented a recycling collection program for plastic bags, plastic cases and product overwrap and plastic pallet wrap;
• A textile recycling and reuse business that has kept millions of pounds of old clothing out of landfills.