Excellence in Recycling or Sustainability Public Education Award Application

This award is open to public, private and non-governmental organizations that exemplify excellence in recycling or sustainability public education programs. Applicants should submit program materials, methodologies, and data that quantify the objectives and successes of the program. 

 

Application Fee: $150 

 

How to Enter:   
Notify NWRA by email (Lyndsi Hicks, lhicks@wasterecycling.org) as soon as possible that you intend to apply.  Include the name of the award in your email. NWRA will prepare and send an invoice to you.  The invoice MUST be paid by the awards application deadline of July 31 for your application to be considered.   

 

Submission Deadline: Submit your completed application before or by July 31, 2026

Questions? Contact Sara Bixby at sbixby@wasterecycling.org 

Nomination Guidelines

Your application should provide the information NWRA’s Recycling Committee and judges need to understand how the program meets the standard of Excellence in recycling or sustainability public education programs.  

The complete document should not exceed 20 pages, including all photos, figures, and attachments.  

You will be asked to provide the following information within this form:

1. Applicant Information
   • The campaign or program name
   • Contact information (name, email, phone) for the individual preparing the application—this person will be responsible for answering questions, completing the form, and coordinating payment.
   • Indicate whether the applicant is an NWRA member or a public sector/non-profit entity 
   • A list of people (names, titles, companies) about the people that were pivotal to the successful development and deployment of the nominated public education program or campaign.
   • A logo for each of the identified companies or organizations.
     
     
2. Qualifying Criteria

NWRA’s Recycling Committee and awards judges will evaluate award applications based on how the Recycling or Sustainability Public Education Program or campaign has improved program performance or system it supports.

• Program background and goals (40 pts): Include a narrative that provides details about why the program was conceived, its goals, its approach, and how it was deployed.
• Program effectiveness and metrics (45 pts): Discuss where the education program is currently being used, who it is serving, costs, and measurable results. Include measurable results, and support your response with data, charts, graphs, and visuals (e.g., photos, schematics).
• Additional info and recognition (10 pts): Attach any supplemental materials such as letters of recommendation, brochures, print ads, videos, or other media. Highlight any awards or honors previously received.
• Application quality (5 pts): Applications will be reviewed for completeness, clarity, and overall presentation.

 

Also, remember the application fee must be paid by the July  application deadline for the nomination to be considered.

Before You Begin

This form contains many detailed questions and will take some time to complete. We strongly recommend that you first review the full list of questions in the downloadable overview so you can gather the necessary information and materials before beginning your submission.

All applications must be submitted using this Jotform. You will be asked to choose one of the following two submission methods for your Qualifying Criteria:

1. Upload a complete application as a single PDF that includes all required responses to the Qualifying Criteria section, along with any photos, figures, or attachments. The entire file must not exceed 20 pages.
   
   
2. Complete the application through this form by filling in the provided fields and uploading supporting materials where prompted. A compiled PDF will be generated upon submission and must also not exceed 20 pages in total length.

Submissions that exceed the page limit may be disqualified.

Data can be presented within your narrative responses or as supporting charts and graphs. A picture is worth a thousand word. Please include color photographs, drawings, or schematics that help illustrate your innovation and accomplishments.

You may upload multiple attachments in each file upload section. If you have several supporting documents or images, please attach them all as needed.

Questions? Contact Sara Bixby, sbixby@wasterecycling.org 

Provide a narrative about why the program was created, its goals, how it was designed and implemented, and any unique features that supported its success.

Discuss where the education program is currently being used, who it is serving, costs, and measurable results. Include data and visual evidence like charts, graphs, photos, and schematics.