Time is running out to recognise the people, organisations and projects shaping the future of Australia’s waste and resource recovery sector, with nominations for the 2026 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards (WIRA) closing on 7 August.
The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership driving the industry forward, recognising those making a lasting impact across the sector.
Building on the success of the 2025 program, this year’s awards introduce six new categories that reflect the industry’s evolving priorities, emerging technologies and commitment to innovation.
Prime Creative Media’s head of awards and conferences, Caitlyn Douglas, highlighted the importance of the new categories for the industry.
“The waste and resource recovery sector is constantly evolving, and it’s important that our awards evolve alongside it,” said Douglas. “These new categories recognise the emerging technologies, innovative projects and dedicated professionals driving meaningful change across the industry. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of those making a lasting impact and encouraging even greater innovation across the sector.”
New award categories in 2026:
Start-up Company Award:
This award recognises an emerging company that is driving innovation in the waste and recycling sector.
Marketer of the Year:
This award honours an individual or team that has delivered outstanding marketing or communication initiatives within the waste and recycling industry.
Waste/Recycling Employee of the Year:
This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication within the waste and recycling sector.
Recycled Product of the Year:
This award recognises an outstanding product made from recycled materials that demonstrates innovation, quality and market impact.
Safety Excellence Award:
The Safety Excellence Award recognises outstanding initiatives, technologies, processes or programs that have improved workplace health and safety across the waste, recycling and resource recovery sector.
Lifetime Contribution Achievement Award:
The Lifetime Contribution Achievement Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and enduring contribution to the waste, recycling and resource recovery sector.
The 2026 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards will recognise the individuals, organisations and innovations leading Australia’s waste and resource recovery industry at a gala celebration at Evoque Events, Melbourne on 29 October. Professionals and organisations within the waste and resource recovery sector are invited to submit their nominations and recognise the excellent people and innovative projects from the past year.
Submit your nominations here.
Nomination enquiries:
Claudio Arazzi claudio.Arazzi@primecreative.com.au Ph: 040 366 0224