The Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards help raise awareness, inspire change, and drive progress within the industry. Don’t miss your chance to be involved.
The benefits of nominating for an industry award extend far beyond the immediate recognition – it’s an invaluable opportunity to enhance brand visibility and credibility.
The process is often a deep dive into achievements, successes, and unique selling propositions. A process that Erin Ford, Senior Brand and Marketing Manager for Repurpose It, says can be profoundly positive.
Resource recovery specialists Repurpose It has scooped the pool at recent Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards nights, taking home the coveted Leader of the Year, Operational Excellence, Women in Waste and Young Professional of the Year awards.
In 2024 Thomas Anton, Repurpose It Head of Customer Experience, was named Young Professional of the Year. Following the win, he said it had given him an opportunity to reflect on his career.
“When I think about all the great experiences and opportunities that I have had, I am definitely proud of what I have accomplished.”
It also solidified his inclination to hire young people looking to start their career and giving them opportunities.
Erin says seeing her peers succeed in their careers and be acknowledged for their successes among like-minded individuals is inspiring.
“We are proud to be part of an industry driving innovation in waste reduction and resource recovery,” says Erin.
“That’s why we think it’s so important to take the time to recognise the individuals and organisations who are driving real change.
“Nominating for the Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards has been incredibly valuable for Repurpose It.”
Although everyone in attendance would like to win, Erin says there’s more to the awards night.
“It’s not just about winning, it’s about reflecting on the work we’re doing, celebrating our teams and people, and shining a light on the innovation happening behind the scenes,” she says.
“These awards are an opportunity to tell our story and encourage others in the sector to keep pushing boundaries.
“Being nominated and recognised has helped us grow our profile, connect with other leaders across the circular economy, and reinforce our reputation as a company committed to driving Australia towards a circular economy.”
Erin says winning the awards also had a big impact internally.
“For individuals and teams, it’s incredibly rewarding to see their work acknowledged at a national level,” she says.
“We’d absolutely encourage others in the industry to put forward nominations. Recognition is powerful, not just for the winners, but for the entire sector.”
After a successful 2024 event, the 2025 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards are expected to showcase an exceptional lineup of achievements from across the waste, recycling and resource recovery sectors.
Industry leaders REMONDIS, Visy, and Re-Group have signed on as sponsors for the 2025 awards.
Categories open for nominations include Outstanding WARR Project (Metro), Outstanding WARR Project (Regional/Rural), Operational Excellence, Innovation, Outstanding Facility, Young Professional of the Year (proudly sponsored by REMONDIS), Woman of Waste (proudly sponsored by ReGroup), Community Engagement (proudly sponsored by Visy), Workplace of the Year, and Leader of the Year.
Erin encourages individuals and organisations to nominate.
Going through the nomination process can help to reveal previously unnoticed strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and provide valuable insights into industry best practices. It’s also a chance to critically evaluate operations and strategy against external benchmarks.
The awards, held in conjunction with Waste Australia Expo, will take place in Melbourne on October 29, 2025, at a venue yet to be finalised.
Nominations close 25 August 2025.
For more information, visit: www.wasteawards.com.au
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