Categories

Please tick the category/categories you would like to enter before starting the entry process.

Who should enter: Any UK or Republic of Ireland-based organisation that has developed an innovative recycled product.

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.

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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.
  • Use of recycled content, reusability, design for recycling, 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.

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.

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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.

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 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.

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What the judges will look for :

  • A ‘systems change’ or new business model that embeds circular economy principles
  • Clear evidence of designing out waste
  • A proven and functioning business model that is excelling
  • Evidence of buy-in from along the supply chain to show a functioning system
  • Fresh thinking in designing out waste

*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.

Who should enter: ICT organisations and creators of digital systems, including apps

About the award: This award recognises successful and innovative digital systems that have demonstrably improved waste and recycling operations or interactions with those in the resource sector.

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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.

*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.

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.

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

*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.

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.

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What the judges will look for :

  • Evidence of a successful, well-run business that sets out to be the best.
  • Evidence of innovative solutions and their impact.
  • Robust procedures and strong performance for health & safety and preventing modern day slavery.
  • Evidence of positive business performance and customer feedback.

*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.

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, show leadership and fresh thinking.

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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.

Sponsored by:

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 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.

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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.

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 demonstrate excellence in improving recycling and resource efficiency – shown through exceptional performance. Businesses will need to demonstrate movement up the waste hierarchy.

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What the judges will look for:

  • Evidence of exceptional performance in recycling and resource efficiency.
  • Clear demonstration of how the business has moved waste up the waste hierarchy.
  • Desire for continuous improvement.
  • Creative and innovative solutions.
  • Inspirational example for others to 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.

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. The organisers reserve the right to sub-divide the category depending on the range of entries.

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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 and preventing modern day slavery.
  • Evidence of strong business performance and positive customer feedback.

 

*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.

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.

 
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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.

*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.

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 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.
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What the judges are looking for :

  • Genuinely innovative equipment that improves the resources, waste, and recycling sector.
  • Evidence of the measurable improvements the equipment can provide.

*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.

Who should enter: Any business/organisation/university/research establishment etc based in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

About the award: This award will shine a light on genuine business model innovation in the realm of resources, waste and recycling, with the potential to deliver real change in the sector.

The winning entry will demonstrate how its new way of working would result in positive environmental impact, such as reduced waste, improved recycling, improved recyclability, reduced carbon impact, contribution to net-zero targets and so on. The award seeks to highlight novel concepts and ideas that challenge current norms.
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What the judges are looking for :

  • A genuinely innovative project that can demonstrate the potential impact it could have in the resources, waste, recycling realm.
  • Evidence of how it can improve resource use, reduce waste, improve recycling, materials quality and so on.

*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.

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

*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.

This item is not available

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.

Who should enter: Any resource and waste management employee, aged 35 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 35 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.

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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.

Sponsored by:

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.

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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.

*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: Any organisation including those outside the UK and Republic of Ireland can enter this category.  This can include businesses, construction firms, retailers, manufacturers, higher education establishments, government departments and so on.

About the award: This award is for any UK or international contractor, architect, manufacturer or supplier in the construction supply chain who has built, designed or produced a project or material which has incorporated fresh thinking to their operations to manage resource efficiency, including management of waste streams, development of recycled products and designing out waste.  Entries will need to demonstrate best practice in areas such as waste prevention, reuse, or recycling.  They will also need to show innovation in meeting the net zero carbon challenge.
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What the judges will look for:

  • A ‘systems change’, project or new material or product in the construction supply chain that embeds circular economy principles
  • Clear evidence of designing out waste
  • Innovation in designing out waste

 

*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.