Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Driver of the Year, Operator of the Year and Technician of the Year awards, including the Rising Star category. Applications opened Sept. 28 and are due Nov. 14, 2026.
The annual awards recognize the frontline professionals whose commitment to safety, outstanding performance, and service strengthens the waste and recycling industry.
The Driver of the Year awards honor drivers who operate their vehicles safely and responsibly, maintain exceptional performance records, and positively represent the industry. Recognition spans local, regional, and national companies, as well as the public sector. The Operator of the Year award recognizes heavy equipment operators working in post-collection operations, including landfills, materials recovery facilities, and transfer stations.
The program also includes the Rising Star award, which recognizes drivers with up to 10 years in the industry who demonstrate outstanding safety and performance. The Technician of the Year award honors mechanical professionals whose expertise and commitment to safety keep equipment and operations running efficiently.
“Our industry depends on the drivers, operators, and technicians who bring specialized skills, professionalism, and a commitment to safety to their work every day,” said Michael E. Hoffman, NWRA president and CEO. “These awards give us the opportunity to recognize their achievements and celebrate the example they set for others across the waste and recycling industry.”
2027 Awards Application Timeline
- Sept. 28–Nov. 14, 2026: Application period.
- Nov. 20, 2026: Second-round applicants notified.
- Jan. 8, 2027: Letters supporting second-round applicants due.
- Late February 2027: Winners announced.
Winners will be recognized at NWRA’s Annual Awards Gala on May 3, 2027, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas during WasteExpo.
For more information on the awards and how to apply, please visit https://wasterecycling.org/driver-and-operator-of-the-year
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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
