NJDEP Recycling Awards Grant

The NJDEP Recycling Awards recognize outstanding contributions to recycling in New Jersey. This annual event honors individuals, businesses, and institutions that have significantly advanced recycling efforts. Categories include Government, Business, Volunteer Citizen, and more, celebrating innovative programs and dedicated service that promote sustainability and resource management. By showcasing best practices, the awards aim to inspire others to enhance recycling initiatives across the state, contributing to a greener future for New Jersey.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers, annually recognizes excellence in recycling.
Institution
Any pre-school, elementary, intermediate or high school, hospital, long-term care facility, nursing home, college, university, or other institution that has implemented a recycling program or expanded an existing program.
Business
Any large or small business that has implemented a recycling program, expanded an existing program,  and/or developed and implemented a sustainability plan.
Government
A county, municipality, or state agency/instrumentality that has expanded its recycling program.
Leadership
County, municipal, business, school or other recycling coordinators/leaders who have implemented new recycling programs, expanded existing programs or otherwise fostered the advancement of recycling through years of dedicated service.
Volunteer Citizen
Any New Jersey resident who has, in a voluntary capacity, assisted in the promotion and implementation of recycling in New Jersey.
Retail Merchant
Any large or small retail merchant who has implemented a recycling program or expanded an existing program.
Rising Star
Individuals or programs that have achieved exemplary recycling results in previously unsuccessful situations through innovation and persistence.
Outstanding Educator/Educational Program
Any teacher, administrator, community or student group, environmental educator or individual student whose actions have resulted in increased participation in recycling.
Recycling Industry
Any processing facility (Class A, B, C and D), manufacturer, equipment manufacturer, or collector who has contributed to the expansion of recycling in New Jersey.
Waste Reduction/Resource Management/Sustainability
Any program that has reduced waste at its source and managed its resources in a more efficient and sustainable manner.
Recycled Products Procurement Star
Any business, institution, government agency or other organization that has implemented a postconsumer recycled products procurement program or expanded an existing post-consumer recycled products procurement program. (Note - Postconsumer recycled products are products that are made with a percentage of recycled content material that was derived from goods that were used by consumers,  collected and then recycled.)