ARLINGTON, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF) is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Scholarship Program, continuing a long-standing commitment to investing in the future of the waste and recycling industry.
What began with the NWRA Women’s Council Scholarship has grown into a broader scholarship program that now supports students through multiple award opportunities. Since the program’s inception in 2009, the Women’s Council has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to students pursuing educational paths that can help shape the future of the industry.
Over the years, that commitment has expanded to include the Mickey & Ellen Flood Scholarship, and now, for the 2026–2027 academic year, the introduction of the new Darrell and Andrea Chambliss Family Scholarship, funded through an endowment established by Waste Connections US, Inc.
“The National Waste & Recycling Foundation is proud to continue investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our industry,” said NWRF President and CEO Michael E. Hoffman. “From safety and innovation to leadership development, these scholarships reflect our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient workforce. We are especially excited to expand our impact this year with the addition of the Chambliss Family Scholarship, further supporting students who are passionate about advancing the waste and recycling profession.”
For the upcoming academic year, up to 13 scholarship awards will be available across three scholarship opportunities.
The Darrell and Andrea Chambliss Family Scholarship will provide up to $20,000 each for three awards. The scholarship will support students pursuing educational paths connected to:
- Safety and Compliance
- Technological Advancement
- Leadership Development
These focus areas reflect the evolving needs of the waste and recycling industry and are intended to support students whose studies and career goals align with building a safer, smarter, and stronger future for the profession.
In addition to the Chambliss scholarship, the Foundation will award:
- Up to eight NWRA Women’s Council Scholarships
- Up to two Mickey & Ellen Flood Scholarships
Eligible applicants must be either a full- or part-time employee of an NWRA member company or the dependent child, age 26 and under, of a full-time NWRA member company employee. Applicants must also plan to enroll in full- or part-time study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school in a program that can be applied to the waste and recycling industry.
Eligibility and academic requirements may vary slightly by scholarship. The NWRA Women’s Council Scholarship supports students pursuing a range of educational pathways, including technical, undergraduate, and graduate programs, while the Darrell and Andrea Chambliss Family Scholarship is intended for students enrolled in collegiate programs.
Scholarship awards are not renewable; however, students may reapply each year they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
For more information about the scholarships and to apply, visit https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/nwrf/
###
ABOUT NWRF
The National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF) is the charitable arm of the National Waste & Recycling Association, a 501(c)(6) organization. Operating independently as a 501(c)(3), the Foundation promotes public education, safety, and research initiatives that benefit the waste and recycling industry and the general public. Current efforts include a national campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of improper lithium-ion battery disposal and a scholarship program supporting future leaders in the industry.
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.
NWRA/NWRF Contact
Genevieve O’Sullivan
National Waste & Recycling Association
gosullivan@wasterecycling.or
