| We are excited to announce that SWANA will be awarding three outstanding individuals the honor of Young Professional of the Year. This recognition will acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Young Professionals in our industry. Three applicants will win.The call for applications is now open. The deadline for submissions is July 14, 2023. |
| To be eligible for SWANA YP of the Year, candidates must be:A SWANA YP (35 year or younger) at the beginning of the calendar year of awardAn active SWANA YP memberWorking in the solid waste/resource management industry for more than three yearsYP of the Year Award Applications can be submitted by the nominee or on behalf of the nominee. |
| Application Materials OverviewA letter of interest (LOI) with one-page limit. The LOI must answer these questions: Brief description of the nominee’s professional experienceBrief description of the nominee’s SWANA and/or solid waste industry participationBrief description of volunteer community activities the nominee is currently engaged inBrief explanation of why should the nominee be selected for this awardBrief description of what servant leadership means to the nomineeBrief description of what personal and professional strengths can the nominee offer to SWANAA current resume, limited to two pagesA letter of recommendation from a professional in the solid waste industry with over 10-years of work experience.A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s immediate supervisor (if the applicant is self-employed, then in lieu of this letter of recommendation another letter of recommendation from an industry professional is required.)A completed Application Form (digital)Use our application checklist to prepare your materials. |
| What Honorees will ReceiveOne-year SWANA membership voucher (following the year of the award)WASTECON® or SOAR (nominee’s choice) attendance voucherPhysical award (to be presented at WASTECON®)SWANA Press Releases acknowledging awardsMember spotlights heading into following year’s WASTECON® conference |
The Buckeye SWANA Chapter is asking SWANA members to nominate people for awards recognition. We hope to honor several people with awards at the Annual Meeting, scheduled at our annual meeting. Please nominate someone you know who is deserving of peer recognition. Review each award description and turn in your form to the Buckeye SWANA Chapter by April 1st.
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.
