Recycling Equipment Innovator Award Application

This award is open to NWRA members that are recycling equipment designers and manufacturers that have successfully challenged and advanced recycling sector operations. The award celebrates innovation in design and manufacturing that increases the effectiveness or efficiency of recycling equipment and operations. Applicants should provide data that validates improved outcomes as a result of their innovation.

Nomination 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 31st 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 

Application Guidelines
Your application for Recycling Equipment Innovator should provide the information necessary for NWRA’s Recycling Committee and awards judges to understand how and why the nominated equipment is innovative and deserving of this recognition.

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

1. Applicant Information 
   • The name or short description of the innovation. This is the name/description we will use in press releases and in developing artwork for the trophy.
     
     
   • 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.
     
     
   • Confirm the nomination is being submitted by an NWRA member.
     
     
   • A list of people (with titles and companies) that were pivotal to the successful development and deployment of the equipment.
   • A logo for each of the identified companies. All logos should be submitted as an EPS, .ai, or high-resolution PDF.
     
     
2. Qualifying Criteria

NWRA’s Recycling Committee and awards judges will evaluate award applications based on how the Recycling Equipment Innovator of the Year has improved recycling.

• Program background and goals (40 pts): Provide a narrative about the Recycling Equipment Innovator’s history and background. Include details about the material(s) intended to be handled/process replaced or upgraded and why the innovation is an important step forward in doing so. Describe any major barriers to success that were resolved.
• Program effectiveness and metrics (45 pts): Identify where the Innovation is currently being utilized. Provide and explain measurable results (e.g., changes in costs, throughput, recovery, etc.)., 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 August 22 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 the equipment’s history, its intended purpose (materials handled, process replaced or improved), and why this innovation represents a meaningful step forward. Include any barriers that were overcome.

Identify where the innovation is currently in use. Provide measurable results and data (e.g., costs, throughput, recovery improvements). Visuals like charts, photos, or schematics are encouraged.