Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) is proud to announce 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’s Annual Awards Gala at the close of the Waste Leadership Summit on June 10, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
“These awards represent both the future and foundation of our industry,” said Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA Board of Trustees. “From emerging drivers to skilled technicians, their expertise and dedication help keep daily services operating safely and reliably.”
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.
“Safe, reliable waste and recycling services depend on both skilled drivers and the technical professionals who keep equipment performing at its best,” said Pat Carroll, Segment President, Environmental Solutions, A Terex Company. “By 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.”
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.
“These awards highlight NWRA’s commitment to recognizing the skilled professionals who keep waste and recycling operations running safely and efficiently,” said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA. “By investing in workforce development and technical expertise, we are strengthening the industry’s ability to serve communities every day.”
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’s Annual Awards Gala.
For more information about the gala or to purchase tickets, visit the event site HERE.
2026 Rising Star Award Nominees:
| Nominees | Company | |
| National | Rodolfo Arreola Layne Sears Shoun Cleveland | WM Republic Services, Inc. GFL Environmental |
| Regional | Justin Cramer Tyrin McKinney Juan Vincente Perez | Recology Rumpke Waste & Recycling Casella Waste Systems |
2026 Rising Star Award Winners:
| Winner | Company | |
| National | Shoun Cleveland | GFL Environmental |
| Regional | Corey Wright | Lakeshore Recycling Systems |
2026 Technician of the Year Nominees:
| Nominees | Company | |
| National | David Bombei Juan Carlos Carreon Donny McCall | Republic Services, Inc. Waste Connections, Inc. GFL Environmental |
| Michael Monachello | WM | |
| Regional | Tim Blackburn Alfredo Chavez | Coastal Waste & Recycling Inc Recology |
| Joe Cook Robin Davis Bob Sprandel | Lakeshore Recycling Systems Casella Waste Systems Rumpke Waste & Recycling | |
| Local Member | Josh Calve Josh Calve Jesse Moffet | USA Hauling and Recycling All American Waste |
2026 Technician of the Year Winners:
| Winner | Company | |
| National | David Bombei | Republic Services, Inc. |
| Regional | Bob Sprandel | Rumpke Waste & Recycling |
| Local Member | Josh Calve | USA Hauling and Recycling |
NWRA extends its sincere thanks to the volunteer judges for their time, expertise, and dedication to this year’s awards process.
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ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage solid, industrial/hazardous, medical, and construction/demolition debris waste, and represent equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other professional service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
Contact
Genevieve O’Sullivan
National Waste & Recycling Association
gosullivan@wasterecycling.org
202-731-1812
