听The National 黑料网 & Recycling Association (NWRA) announces the 2026 recipients of the Driver of the Year and Operator of the Year awards. The honorees will be recognized at NWRA鈥檚 Annual Awards Gala during the 黑料网 Leadership Summit on June 10, 2026, in Washington, D.C.听鈥淭he Driver and Operator of the Year awards celebrate the very best of our industry; professionals whose skill, discipline, and commitment to safety set the standard for waste and recycling operations nationwide,鈥� said Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA Board of Trustees. 鈥淭hese honorees represent not only technical excellence, but leadership, professionalism, and pride in the essential work they do every day to serve their communities.鈥�听
The Driver of the Year, sponsored by Environmental Solutions, a Terex Company, honor those drivers who operate their vehicles safely and responsibly over time, maintain outstanding performance records, and contribute positively to the image of the industry. Recognized at the local, regional, and national levels, the program underscores excellence across all company sizes and service areas and includes the Safety-Sensitive Driver category, highlighting drivers in industrial, hazardous, medical, and other high-risk operations not covered under residential, commercial, or roll-off classifications.听
鈥淓very safe collection route reflects the professionalism, training, and discipline that define this industry,鈥� said Pat Carroll, segment president, Environmental Solutions, a Terex Company. 鈥淭he Driver of the Year awards recognize individuals who demonstrate these qualities daily, setting the benchmark for safe and reliable service in communities across the country.鈥�听
The Operator of the Year, sponsored by Volvo Construction Equipment, recognizes heavy equipment operators working in post-collection operations, including landfills, material recovery facilities, and transfer stations, whose skill and commitment to safety keep operations running smoothly.听鈥淥perators are at the heart of safe, productive post-collection operations, and their expertise directly impacts both people and equipment,鈥� said Martin Mattsson, director of strategic accounts at Volvo Construction Equipment. 鈥淲e are proud to sponsor the Operator of the Year award and honor professionals whose precision, judgment, and dedication elevate performance across the industry.鈥�听
鈥淭his gala is about more than awards – it鈥檚 about recognizing the people whose professionalism and听commitment keep our industry safe, resilient, and reliable,鈥� said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA. 鈥淓ach honoree represents the highest standards of operational excellence, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements alongside their peers, families, and industry leaders.鈥�听
