The SWANA Ohio Buckey Chapter seeks to recognize
the efforts and contributions of those involved in the field of solid waste
management. SWANA members are asked to nominate outstanding individuals
and organizations deserving of peer recognition. A description of
available award categories is below. Information for the 2025 SWANA
Buckeye Chapter awards program will be made available in January 2025.
Unless otherwise noted (Special Recognition and Safety in Excellence awards), nominees
in each award category must be SWANA members in good standing.”
Our Awards Program includes 6 separate categories:
James S. Bridges Solid Waste Professional of the Year Award
Nominees shall have provided valuable services and exemplary contributions to the Chapter and the field of solid waste management. The length, depth and breadth of continual contributions and services to the Chapter and the field of solid waste management shall be given consideration in selecting the Nominees.
Kevin M. Bonzo Solid Waste Innovator Award
Nominees shall have demonstrated unusually noteworthy achievements and/or highly significant contributions in his/her field of solid waste management that has resulted in an innovative solution to the management of solid waste. Innovative solutions can include new operational techniques, use of technology, development of efficiencies in collection, recycling, disposal and/or handling of solid waste and implementation of new programs and or services for solid waste management that are unique and cutting edge.
Michael D. Long Solid Waste Operator Award
Nominees shall be an operator in the field of solid waste management who has demonstrated unusually noteworthy achievements and/or highly significant contributions to the solid waste management industry.
Young Professional of the Year
A “Young Professional” is defined as an individual in the solid waste industry aged 35 or younger. The Board will recognize an outstanding YP who represents the future of the solid waste industry. Examples of this may include but are not limited to:
- Demonstrating passion for the environment, our industry, and helping each other succeed.
- Providing advice, brainstorming ideas, developing solutions, and sharing in the struggles and triumphs of working in this business.
- Contributing to innovations, programs, or projects that facilitate the growth of our industry or achievement of common industry goals.
- Representing the next generation of SWANA through leadership, involvement, and dedication.
Safety in Excellence Award
The Excellence in Safety Award shall be considered, but not necessarily awarded each year, for members of the Chapter and non-members who demonstrate any or all of the following:
- Implemented or developed an innovation in safety in the nominee’s workplace and/or in the solid waste industry.
- Implemented or developed significant safety improvements in the nominee’s workplace and/or in the solid waste industry.
- Assisted or acted on the prevention of a near miss or accident that could have resulted in personal injury to the nominee’s co-workers, clients or customers.
- Demonstrating passion for operating safely and helping others operate safely.
- Providing advice, brainstorming ideas, developing solutions, policy development and sharing of working in the solid waste management business in a safe manner.
