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We would advise completing your entry in Word or a similar programme first before copying and pasting into the entry form.

If you need help with your entry or require any clarification, please contact Muyiwa Adebiyi on +44 (0)203 953 2958 or at Muyiwa.Adebiyi@emap.com

The entry deadline is 29 June 2024. The winners will be announced at Hilton Metropole London on 26 November 2024.

Why Enter

Being shortlisted or winning an award offers you the opportunity:

  • Give new and existing customers confidence in your organisation.
  • Help you differentiate yourself from your competitors.
  • Demonstrate that you are championing recycling best practice.
  • Showcase your organisation to stakeholders, customers and internally as a leader in the field.
  • Raise your organisation's profile both locally and nationally.
  • Build customer trust and increase sales.
  • Motivate your team.
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FAQs

Hopefully you'll find an answer to your question below. If not, please contact Muyiwa Adebiyi on +44 (0)203 953 2958 or email Muyiwa.Adebiyi@emap.com.

To view the criteria, create your account, or login with your email and password used to create your account if you have already done so. Select ‘Enter Now’ against the category you wish to view where the criteria will be displayed. If you wish to start your entry at this point any information you add will be autosaved and you can login to complete the rest of the entry at any time.

Enter the email address and password that you used when you first started your entry on the log in page, you will then be taken through to your dashboard and will be able to continue your entry.

You can enter another category by selecting the category you wish to enter from the ‘Categories’ section.

Please contact Muyiwa Adebiyi on +44 (0)203 953 2958 or email muyiwa.adebiyi@emap.com and they will be able to help you with your entry.

Categories

Who should enter: Any UK or Republic of Ireland-based public sector, voluntary, charity, private or commercial organisation.

About the award: The winner of this award will show how to run an effective campaign, of any size or budget, that has resulted in significant impact. It will have addressed a challenge around waste or the waste hierarchy, such as increasing recycling, boosting reuse, reducing waste, improving materials quality, reducing contamination, increasing awareness or participation. This might be within the organisation concerned or in the wider community.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
£ 0.00
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What the judges will look for:

  • Clear and measurable evidence of the impact of the campaign (eg in changing behaviour, improving performance etc).
  • Evidence of a well-planned and executed initiative.
  • Novel and creative elements that others can learn from.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-campaign-of-the-year-up-to-10k-17-12-2023/ & https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-campaign-of-the-year-over-10k-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Any UK or Republic of Ireland-based organisation. This can include businesses, construction firms, retailers, manufacturers, higher education establishments, government departments and so on.

About the award: This award recognises an exemplar initiative that has made a systemic change to embed the circular economy principles of designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use at their highest value, and regenerating natural systems. It must demonstrate how materials can be fully reutilised without being lost. It has proven that the business model works and can show buy-in and trade from along its supply chain. It will be an inspiration for others and show how a circular economy can work in practice. Please consider whether your entry would be better suited to the Packaging Circular Economy award. If your entry is about boosting recycling rates for a material stream, please consider entering the Recycling Excellence award.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • The entry must show evidence of ‘systems change’ or new business model that embeds circular economy principles.
  • Evidence of buy-in from along the supply chain and customers to show a functioning system.
  • Clear evidence of designing out waste.
  • Proof that materials are not lost from the economic system, such as through energy-from-waste or landfill.
  • A proven and functioning business model that is excelling.
  • Fresh thinking in designing out waste.
  • Contribution to the UK’s net zero ambitions.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winners: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-circular-economy-initiative-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: ICT organisations or companies operating in the UK or the Republic of Ireland that have created digital systems in-house to improve the way waste is managed, recycled or prevented. This could include systems to improve an organisation’s efficiency, such as waste tracking or fleet management, or customer-facing systems including apps.

About the award: The sector is often at the forefront of new technology, including AI development. This award recognises successful and innovative digital systems that have demonstrably improved waste and recycling operations or interactions with those in the resource sector. This is primarily for software development, entries looking to celebrate advances in equipment should consider the Innovation in Recycling Equipment and Vehicles category. Where a system integrates both software and hardware, we will consider which category might be best or enter into both categories.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for :

  • Evidence of a significant improvement within the waste/recycling sector due to the digital system, such as in the effectiveness or efficiency of a waste/recycling operation or system.
  • A well-designed and novel digital solution or an improvement to an existing platform.
  • Bringing a new understanding to the waste/recycling sector on the secondary materials market.

Previous winners: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-digital-innovation-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Any organisation in the waste/recycling/resources sector based in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

About the award: Investing in the sector’s workforce is crucial to developing the skills and the right environment needed for the industry to thrive. This award recognises a specific training and skills initiative introduced by an employer in the waste/recycling/resources sector for which it can show a positive impact on its employees and measurable improvements.

Training and skills could include initiatives on apprenticeships, mentoring, skills and career development, health and safety, modern day slavery, mental health, well-being and equality, diversity and inclusion. It will be an inspiring example for others in the sector to learn from.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges are looking for:

  • Clear description of what the initiative is and why it was introduced.
  • Evidence of how the initiative had a positive, measurable impact on employees.
  • Inspiring example for others in the sector to learn from.
  • Evidence of considerations to equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Evidence of the long-term benefits the organisation can expect.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-employee-training-and-skills-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Organisations involved in delivering services or products in the UK such as: energy-from-waste, waste-to-fuel technology, chemical recycling, anaerobic digestion, landfill gas and carbon capture and storage. Also any waste sector organisation that has branched out to become involved in supplying low-carbon energy, such as converting landfill sites into solar farms.

About the award: To recognise the contribution the sector makes to the UK’s energy mix and to highlight the creativity and innovative technology involved in turning waste into energy and fuel. The winning entry will be able to demonstrate a new way of thinking about how to use waste or wider waste infrastructure as a resource. The winner will show the way forward for the rest of the industry.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges are looking for:

  • Evidence that the technology works at scale and is profitable.
  • A role model for other businesses to follow.
  • Contribution to the UK’s net zero ambitions.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-energy-innovation-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Any organisation of any size involved with food waste that has operations in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

About the award: This category will reward organisations that have shown significant measurable success in tackling food waste. This could be through prevention, reduction, reuse and/or recycling. The award seeks innovative and novel initiatives that will inspire others.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of a novel** and well-designed initiative.
  • Evidence of measurable success that can show the effectiveness of the steps put in place.
  • An example that others can take inspiration from.
  • Contribution to the UK’s net zero ambitions.

**The definition of novel in this context includes delivering established good practice in a more efficient or effective way.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-food-waste-initiative-2-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Any independent UK or Republic of Ireland-based organisation whose main business is to process, collect or sort materials for recycling, reuse or energy recovery. ‘Independent’ here means the entries are not part of larger or publicly quoted businesses.

About the award: This recognises a business that has set out to be the best, shown exceptional customer service, market innovation, growth and high performance. They will clearly demonstrate how they are helping improve resource management. The winner will show a practical awareness of its role in driving resource management up the waste hierarchy.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of a significant improvement within the waste/recycling sector due, such as in the effectiveness or efficiency of a waste/recycling operation or system.
  • A well-designed and novel solution or an improvement to existing working practices.
  • Bringing a new understanding to the waste/recycling sector on the secondary materials market.
  • Expansion of the company’s business or greater efficiency in its performance.
  • Evidence of a robust health and safety culture.
  • Commitment to the highest standards in handling waste and keeping to the required regulations.
  • Commitment to staff well-being and training.
  • Involvement in the wider community and understanding of corporate responsibility.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-independent-operator-of-the-year-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Technology providers, equipment providers, vehicle manufacturers, etc, based in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

About the award: This award recognises the important role that equipment and vehicles plays in improving the processes, operations and environmental impact of resources, waste and recycling organisations.

The winning entry will demonstrate an innovation in equipment that can improve the sector and results in significant measurable improvements, such as improved efficiency, reduced waste, improved materials quality, improved recycling, reduced carbon impact, improved health and safety performance and so on.

It seeks to highlight novel concepts and ideas that challenge current norms.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges are looking for:

  • Genuinely innovative equipment or vehicles that improves the resources, waste, and recycling sector.
  • Evidence of the measurable improvements the equipment or vehicles can provide.
  • Commitment to safety.
  • Evidence these innovations are being taken up across the sector.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-innovation-in-recycling-equipment-and-vehicles-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Local authorities based in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

About the award: This award recognises local authorities that have effectively put in place a project or whole new systems, to drive significant success in recycling, reuse or waste prevention performance and standards while offering the public value for money. These local authorities will be examples for others to learn from, showing leadership and fresh thinking.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of a well-planned and executed project or new system.
  • Successful results that show the impact and effectiveness of the project/new system.
  • An inspirational example for other councils/others in the resource sector.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-local-authority-success-2-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Applications are welcome from packaging designers, brands, retailers, councils, waste management companies, recyclers, reprocessors and anyone else manufacturing or handling packaging in the value chain. Partnership applications are welcomed involving multiple sectors where there may be a lead applicant.

About the award: This inaugural award by the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN) celebrates innovations and successes within the packaging value chain that deliver 'packaging circular economy results' at scale and with longevity.

Applications must, at the least, be focused on packaging. That can include how packaging relates to the products inside the packaging e.g. waste prevention. Applicants must sufficiently detail circular economy results that are demonstrable, appropriately evaluated, at scale and have longevity. This means innovations must already be delivering great circular economy results.

The basis for the circular economy is as defined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and their globally recognised circular economy diagram.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for.

  • The application is about how the packaging creates great circular economy results.
  • Appropriately evaluated evidence that demonstrates results at scale, and with longevity i.e. the innovation delivers results that are sustained over time.
  • Evidence the innovation fulfils recycling, reuse and/or refill or other circular economy goals as defined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
  • Evidence the innovation is welcomed and supported by sectors across the packaging value chain.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Sponsored by:

Who should enter: Combinations of: waste management companies, recyclers, industry, businesses or compliance schemes. The entry must include at least two organisations, from different sectors. NB partnerships including the public, not-for-profit or charitable sectors should enter Partnership Excellence – Public/private sector.

About the award: This category recognises true partnerships and innovative working that goes beyond the norm and standard contractual arrangements and good practice to manage waste and resources sustainably and effectively. It seeks to highlight creative ideas and new ways of working that can inspire others in the sector. Incorporation of the waste hierarchy, waste minimisation, designing out waste, closed-loop processes, reuse and high recycling rates will be recognised.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of effective partnership working on a specified project that goes beyond standard contractual arrangements.
  • An innovative approach that benefits all parties, alongside quantifiable evidence to show how working together has brought benefits.
  • An inspirational example from which others in the sector can learn.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winners: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-partnership-excellence-commercial-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Combinations of: UK or Republic of Ireland-based waste management companies, recyclers, industry, businesses, compliance schemes, local authorities, community sector, charities. The entry must include at least two organisations, with one partner from the private sector and one partner from the public or not-for-profit or charitable sectors.

NB partnerships not including the public, not-for-profit or charitable sectors should enter Partnership Excellence – Commercial category.

About the award: This category recognises true partnerships and innovative working that goes beyond the norm and standard contractual arrangements and good practice to manage waste and resources sustainably and effectively. It seeks to highlight creative ideas and new ways of working that can inspire others in the sector. Incorporation of the waste hierarchy, waste minimisation, designing out waste, closed-loop processes, reuse and high recycling rates will be recognised.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of effective partnership working on a specified project that goes beyond standard contractual arrangements.
  • An innovative approach that benefits all parties, alongside quantifiable evidence to show how working together has brought benefits.
  • Evidence of benefits to the wider community.
  • An inspirational example from which others in the sector can learn.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winners: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-partnership-excellence-public-private-sector-17-12-2023/

Sponsored by:

Who should enter: Any UK or Republic of Ireland-based organisation that has developed an innovative recycled product. This could be a product on general sale to the public or developed for the B2B market.

About the award: This category recognises a product that exemplifies the best of sustainability. It will have been designed with careful consideration of resources and incorporate recycled content. Factors such as reusability, end of life, waste minimisation, closed loop processes and so on will have been considered in its design. *Note: please consider whether your entry would be better suited to the Packaging Circular Economy award.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • A product that will inspire others and show what is possible using recycled material.
  • Evidence of an innovative, well-thought out, sustainable product.
  • A product that brings new ideas to the marketplace.
  • Use of recycled content, reusability, design for recycling, upcycling and waste minimisation.
  • Evidence of contribution to net-zero targets.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-recycled-product-of-the-year-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Any business operating in any sector (eg retail, construction, manufacturing), based in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

About the award: This award recognises initiatives by businesses that can demonstrate improved recycling rates and resource efficiency – shown through exceptional performance and innovation. Businesses will need to prove how it diverts material away from landfill or energy recovery, moving up the waste hierarchy.

This category focuses on specific material streams and processes. Those wishing to demonstrate the efficiency of their overall business models should consider entering the Circular Economy category. Those looking to enter a specific product should consider the Recycled Product of the Year category. Councils looking to celebrate their improved recycling rates should consider entering the Local Authority Success category.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of a well-planned and executed project or new system.
  • Successful results that show the impact and effectiveness of the project/new system.
  • Clear evidence of an increase in recycling or reuse rates.
  • An inspirational example for the wider resources sector.
  • Contribution to the UK’s net zero ambitions.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-recycling-excellence-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Any waste and/or recycling facility registered in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

About the Award: This award recognises a waste and/or recycling facility that demonstrates exemplary operation through innovation and/or improved management. It will be a facility that has challenged itself to be the best and can inspire others by the standards it has set. All types and sizes of facilities are welcomed. Please note this award is for one facility only.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of a successful, exemplar, well-run, best in class facility that sets the bar.
  • A facility with high ambitions, that uses innovative solutions and runs efficiently and effectively.
  • Robust procedures and strong performance for health & safety, employee welfare and preventing modern day slavery.
  • Evidence of strong business performance and positive customer feedback.
  • Evidence of effective partnership working on a specified project that goes beyond standard contractual arrangements.
  • An innovative approach that benefits all parties, alongside quantifiable evidence to show how working together has brought benefits.
  • Contribution to the UK’s net zero ambitions.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-recycling-facility-of-the-year-2-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Any resource and waste management employee, aged 30 or under, from a UK or Republic of Ireland-based organisation, who has driven substantial improvements across an organisation or the wider sector, demonstrated talent and drive. The entry can be completed by the employee or on their behalf by peers or employers who would like to nominate them.

About the award: This award recognises young employees, aged 30 or under, in the waste and recycling sector who have shown talent, drive, exceptional performance, enthusiasm and fresh thinking in improving performance or standards within an organisation or the wider industry. They are positive ambassadors for the industry.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges are looking for:

Evidence of high performance, delivering results, a drive for change, enthusiasm, and positive feedback for an exceptional and inspirational young person in the sector.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-rising-star-17-12-2023

Who should enter: Any business operating in the waste management, reuse, recycling and reprocessing sector in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

About the award: This award recognises either a specific project addressing a specific challenge, or an ongoing programme by a business operating in the waste management/reuse/recycling/reprocessing sector that brings measurable social value to its local community, wider society or a targeted group. It will result in positive impact on the community, such as creating and developing skills, opportunities and employment or improving local facilities and environments. It will be exemplar, inspire others and demonstrate how business can be a force for good.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges are looking for:

  • A business that is delivering positive change to its local community, wider society or a targeted group.
  • Evidence of its impact and success using metrics and testimonials
  • An exemplar, inspiring entry that demonstrates the positive social impacts that businesses can have on communities and their force for good.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-social-value-17-12-2023/

Who should enter: Any team working within any type of organisation within the waste and recycling sector in the UK or Republic of Ireland. The definition of a team in this context will be employees from one organisation working in unison towards the same goal, on a specified project/initiative.

About the award: People are at the heart of delivering the products, processes and services needed to deliver high performance in waste and resource management. This award recognises the people in the waste/recycling sector in the UK or Republic of Ireland that embody teamwork and from which others can learn and be inspired. The team will demonstrate the qualities, attitude and approach needed for success on a project.

Qualifying period: 1 January 2023 – 29 June 2024
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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of a team, and the individuals that make up the team, that has gone above and beyond standard contractual expectations to deliver excellent results.
  • Demonstration, through a specific project, of the qualities, attitudes and approach needed for success.
  • Evidence of effective individual contributions to the team, a shared commitment to achieving goals and a positive, balanced approach from which others can take inspiration, not an overtime culture.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

*Please note that information provided here may be used in the public domain for any promotional editorial content for the awards. If any information on the entry form is commercially confidential or otherwise not allowable for publication, please indicate here.

Previous winner: https://www.mrw.co.uk/awards/nras-2023-team-of-the-year-17-12-2023/