State wants nominations for excellence in environmental protection efforts

TRENTON – Nominations are being accepted for the Department of Environmental Protection’s annual recycling awards program that honors individuals, businesses and governments for excellence in recycling, and inspires others to do the same, Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe announced today.
The DEP, in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers, annually recognizes excellence in recycling to highlight program successes achieved by agencies, businesses, individuals and others in keeping New Jersey communities clean and healthy.
“All across the state, there are many great things happening in recycling and waste reduction,” Commissioner McCabe said. “This awards program recognizes these achievements, which help New Jersey remain a national leader in recycling.”
Nominations for the program are due Friday, July 27 and awardees will be notified in September.
Award winners will be honored at the Association of New Jersey Recyclers Symposium and Awards Luncheon on Oct. 17 in Neptune, Monmouth County.
“We encourage nominations that recognize people and organizations that make recycling a priority and are committed to keeping our environment clean and healthy,” Assistant Commissioner for Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability Paul Baldauf said. “The results of their efforts should be highlighted to demonstrate to others how they are making a difference across the state.”
Nominations may be submitted in 10 categories:
Institution
Business
Retail Merchant
Government
Leadership
Rising Star
Outstanding Education/Educational Program
Recycling Industry
Source Reduction/Resource/Management/Sustainability
Volunteer Citizen.
New Jersey has a proud legacy of leadership in recycling, becoming the first state to require recycling by passing the New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act in April 1987.
Today, the Murphy Administration continues developing policies to further increase recycling rates, clean up the recycling stream, and to adapt recycling strategies to match current lifestyles.
Award applicationTo view the 2018 Recycling Awards application and information packet, visit www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/awards.htm or www.recycle.nj.gov
For details about the annual Recycling Awards Program, contact Steven Rinaldi at njrecycles@dep.nj.gov or 609-633-0538.
The Association of New Jersey Recyclers is a nonprofit, nonpartisan network representing the public and private sectors that works to promote sustainability by encouraging sound resource management and recycling strategies through education, advocacy and enhancing professional standards.
To learn more, visit www.anjr.com