NWRA announces the 2026 recipients of the inaugural Rising Star and Technician of the Year awards, new categories within the Driver and Operator of the Year awards that highlight the critical contributions of rising front-line professionals behind the wheel and the technical experts who keep operations running safely across the waste and recycling industry. These new awards are sponsored by Environmental Solutions, A Terex Company. The honorees will be recognized at NWRA鈥檚 Annual Awards Gala at the close of the 91仓库 Leadership Summit on June 10, 2026, in Washington, D.C.听
鈥淭hese awards represent both the future and foundation of our industry,鈥� said Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA Board of Trustees. 鈥淔rom emerging drivers to skilled technicians, their expertise and dedication help keep daily services operating safely and reliably.鈥�听
The Rising Star Award recognizes drivers with fewer than 10 years in the industry who have already demonstrated an outstanding commitment to safety, professionalism, and performance. This distinction highlights emerging leaders whose dedication to safe operations and service excellence represents the future of the waste and recycling industry. The Technician of the Year Award honors mechanical professionals whose expertise, training, and safety records ensure vehicles and equipment operate safely and efficiently. Their work is essential to maintaining reliable fleet performance and supporting the safe delivery of waste and recycling services.听
鈥淪afe, reliable waste and recycling services depend on both skilled drivers and the technical professionals who keep equipment performing at its best,鈥� said Pat Carroll, Segment President, Environmental Solutions, A Terex Company. 鈥淏y recognizing Rising Stars and Technicians of the Year, these awards highlight the expertise and discipline required to support efficient operations and protect workers and communities.鈥� By honoring Rising Stars and Technicians of the Year, NWRA recognizes the spectrum of professionals whose work sustains and advances the waste and recycling industry.听
鈥淭hese awards highlight NWRA鈥檚 commitment to recognizing the skilled professionals who keep waste and recycling operations running safely and efficiently,鈥� said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA. 鈥淏y investing in workforce development and technical expertise, we are strengthening the industry鈥檚 ability to serve communities every day.鈥�听
The winners will be recognized alongside the other Driver of the Year honorees, the Operator of the Year recipient, and the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees at NWRA鈥檚 Annual Awards Gala.听