• Lead nominees must be WasteMINZ or ALGA members (for example, if there are a number of organisations involved in the initiative, the main organisation must be a WasteMINZ or ALGA member).
• Nominators must be WasteMINZ or ALGA members.
• Nominees cannot enter the same project in multiple award categories. However, the same organisation can enter a different project into a separate category.
• Each organisation may submit a maximum of two entries to the Awards for Excellence. 
• The project must have started, been completed or made significant progress within the last 12 months.
• If nominees have won a WasteMINZ Award for Excellence in the past five years, the project nominated for 2026 must be significantly different or have shown significant progress since winning the award.
• Emerging professional award nominees must have entered the waste, resource recovery, contaminated land and groundwater management sectors in the past five years.

• 16 Feb: Nominations close
• 25 Feb: Nominees will be sent a second nomination form to complete, which will give our judging panel more detailed information. Please note - this secondary form is compulsory so nominees must complete it.
• 11 March: Last day for nominees to complete the secondary nomination form. 
• 9 April: Finalists are announced
• 1 May: Finalists are asked to send a video promoting their project or initiative to be shared at the Awards ceremony and across WasteMINZ and ALGA's communications channels. 
• 19 May: Awards for Excellence ceremony, as part of the WasteMINZ + ALGA Conference in Wellington. 

• Have you notified your nominee? If you are nominating someone else, make sure they are aware of the nomination. They will need to provide further info when we send out a secondary nomination.
• Have you read the description of each category? Make sure you read the description and judging criteria, and ensure that you've chosen the most relevant category for your project. The WasteMINZ team can help if you have any questions. 
• What is your elevator pitch? You'll need to provide the judges with a 300 word overview of the project in the first instance. Consider including 
  • The purpose of the project - what problem was it intended to solve?
  • Who was involved?
  • What challenges did you overcome?
  • How was it successful?
• Do you have time to provide further information? We will be asking you to fill out a second, more detailed nomination form after your initial nomination is submitted. This secondary form will allow you to address each of the judging criteria in more detail, so the judges are able to make an informed decision. The secondary form will be compulsory, so nominees must complete it, or their nominations will be withdrawn.
• Have you thought about how you will share your project's achievements via video? We'll be asking the finalists of each category (except the Emerging Professional and Legend awards) to provide a 1 minute video that we can play at our Awards ceremony.
• Are you (or another representative) free on the afternoon of Tuesday, 19 May 2026? Our Awards ceremony will be held on the afternoon of Tuesday, 19 May, 2026, in Wellington as part of our conference. It is separate to the Gala Dinner, to ensure that all of our finalists and winners get the attention and recognition they deserve!

This award recognises organisations that demonstrate exemplary commitment and innovation in reducing waste or redesigning products, services, or systems to promote sustainable resource use.

Nominees may include organisations or projects in waste, resource recovery, or contaminated land and groundwater management that have implemented forward-thinking strategies to reduce environmental impact. From innovative product redesign and circular economy approaches to sustainable operational practices, entries should highlight creative solutions that advance sustainability across multiple sectors.

Nominees may represent organisations of any size - from community groups, schools, and not-for-profits to large businesses, councils, and consultancies. Entries will be assessed relative to the organisation’s size, resources, and sphere of influence, ensuring fair comparison across all entrants.

This award honours forward-thinking initiatives that minimise environmental impact, drive behavioural and systemic change, and inspire others to adopt sustainable design and waste reduction practices.

Judging criteria

Judges will evaluate entries based on both the quality of innovation and the scale of impact relative to opportunity.

Key considerations for nominations

• Demonstrate impact relative to organisation's size and resources, not absolute scale.
• Provide both quantitative (e.g., waste diverted, resource efficiency) and qualitative (e.g., behavioural change, community engagement) evidence.
• Explain how your project is innovative or creative compared with standard practices.
• Describe environmental, social, and economic benefits, including co-benefits for the community.
• Optional supporting materials: visuals, metrics, case studies, testimonials.

This award celebrates organisations that are actively taking and promoting action to extend the lifecycle of materials and products across waste, resource recovery, contaminated land, and groundwater management projects.

Nominees demonstrate initiatives that:

• Reuse, repair, or repurpose materials, equipment, or resources to reduce waste and environmental impact.
• Promote or encourage reuse, repair, and repurposing practices among communities, stakeholders, or within their organisation.

Examples could include:

• recovering materials from contaminated land or groundwater projects for reuse,
• repairing or refurbishing equipment to extend its life,
• creatively repurposing resources in operations,
• delivering educational programs, workshops, or campaigns that inspire others to adopt these practices.

The category recognises practical implementation and measurable outcomes, as well as efforts to encourage behavioural change, highlighting organisations that combine action with leadership in advancing a circular economy and sustainable resource management.

Judging criteria:

Judges will evaluate entries based on the quality, impact, and creativity of initiatives that promote reuse, repair, or repurposing.

Key considerations for nominees:

• Include specific examples and evidence of both action and promotion.
• Provide quantitative outcomes where possible (e.g., materials reused, waste avoided, workshops delivered).
• Highlight creative or innovative approaches to reuse, repair, and repurposing.
• Demonstrate environmental, social, or economic impact, including benefits to communities or organisations.
• Include collaborations or partnerships that enhanced the initiative’s effectiveness.
• Optional supporting materials: photos, case studies, testimonials, metrics, or campaign materials.

This award recognises organisations at the forefront of turning waste into valuable resources across waste, resource recovery, contaminated land, and groundwater management projects.

Nominees showcase initiatives that use innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships to recover materials, energy, or value from materials that would otherwise be lost. From recovering valuable resources in contaminated land projects to generating renewable energy from waste streams or improving groundwater management processes, these initiatives exemplify the transformative potential of resource recovery across multiple sectors.

Nominees may represent organisations of any size — from small community initiatives to large businesses, councils, or consultancies. Entries are assessed relative to the organisation’s size, resources, and sphere of influence, ensuring a fair evaluation of both grassroots and large-scale programs.

Initiatives may include recovering valuable materials, generating renewable energy, or implementing circular economy models. Winners exemplify the transformative potential of resource recovery, showing that waste can be a resource rather than a burden.

Judging criteria:

Key considerations for nominees:

• Clearly explain innovative technologies, processes, or approaches used to recover resources.
• Provide evidence of economic viability or value creation, including proportional impact for smaller organisations.
• Include measurable environmental outcomes such as waste diverted, emissions reduced, or resource conservation.
• Describe scalability and replicability, showing how others could adopt your initiative.
• Optional supporting materials: process diagrams, photos, metrics, letters of support.

This award celebrates organisations that demonstrate exceptional creativity and commitment in revolutionising how waste is handled and eliminated.

Nominees showcase initiatives that deploy cutting-edge technologies, implement eco-friendly disposal methods, and prioritise sustainability throughout the waste disposal process. These projects highlight leadership, innovation, and environmental stewardship, while addressing the critical challenges of modern waste management.

Entries are open to organisations of all sizes — from community groups and not-for-profits to councils, consultancies, and large businesses. Judging will consider impact relative to the organisation’s size, resources, and capacity, ensuring fair assessment across diverse entrants.

The winning initiative will exemplify innovation, collaboration, and environmental impact, serving as a model for sustainable waste disposal practices in a variety of contexts.

Judging criteria

Key considerations for nominees:

• Highlight environmental benefits achieved by your initiative, including measurable outcomes where possible.
• Describe innovative methods or technologies used to improve waste disposal practices.
• Provide examples of collaboration with stakeholders, including community groups, other organisations, or internal teams.
• Explain the potential for replication or application in other contexts.
• Optional supporting materials: visuals, charts, case studies, or testimonials.

This award recognises the impactful efforts of organisations dedicated to advancing knowledge, awareness, and action in the fields of waste, resource recovery, or contaminated land management.

The Excellence in Research or Advocacy award celebrates initiatives that demonstrate excellence in conducting rigorous research, advocating for transformative policies, or engaging communities to promote sustainable practices.

Nominees may include organisations of any size — from universities, community groups, and non-profits to councils, businesses, and consultancies. Entries are assessed relative to organisation's resources, capacity, and sphere of influence, ensuring fair comparison across all entrants.

Winning projects exemplify innovation, influence, and impact, demonstrating how research and advocacy can drive meaningful change in waste management, resource recovery, or contaminated land management.

Judging Criteria

Key considerations for nominations

• Emphasise achievements relative to organisation's size and resources.
• Provide specific examples and evidence of research quality, advocacy outcomes, or influence on policy or practice.
• Include both quantitative data (metrics, reports) and qualitative evidence (case studies, testimonials, community engagement).
• Highlight innovative approaches or methodologies that set your project apart.
• Demonstrate sustainability and potential for long-term impact, including replication or adoption by others.
• Optional supporting materials: research papers, policy briefs, community engagement records, visuals, or letters of support.

This award recognises outstanding emerging professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment, innovation, and leadership in the field of waste and resource recovery.

The Emerging Professional of the Year celebrates rising talent whose passion, creativity, and initiative are shaping the future of sustainable waste management in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Nominees must show initiative, curiosity, and a drive to make a meaningful difference - whether through research, workplace projects, or community-led initiatives.

The recipient will exemplify leadership, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, serving as an inspiration to peers and contributing to the growth of a circular and resource-conscious economy.

Eligibility

This category is open to:

• Emerging professionals with up to five years of experience in the waste, resource recovery, or sustainability sectors.
• Nominees may be self-nominated or nominated by an employer, mentor or peer.
• Nominees must be a WasteMINZ or ALGA member. This means they can either be an individual member, or employed by a member organisation.

Judging Criteria

Judges will assess nominees across the following five areas. Evidence may be drawn from academic, professional, or community contexts.

Key considerations for nominations

• Provide clear, concise examples that demonstrate your impact.
• Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., percentage of waste reduced, participants engaged, research findings shared).
• Supporting materials (letters, project summaries, or visuals) may be included if relevant.

This Award recognises emerging professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and leadership in contaminated land and groundwater management.

Named in honour of the late Terre Nicholson, a great advocate of young professionals in the sector. She went out her way to encourage, welcome, and support those entering the profession and always had time to give advice, lend a listening ear, and share a good joke.

The award highlights those who combine fresh perspectives with professional competence, driving positive change, sustainability, and innovation in contaminated land and groundwater management.

Eligibility

This category is open to:

• Emerging professionals with up to five years of experience in the contaminated land or groundwater management sectors. 
• Nominees may be self-nominated or nominated by an employer, mentor or peer.
• Nominees must be a WasteMINZ or ALGA member. This means they can either be an individual member, or employed by a member organisation.

Judging Criteria

Key considerations for nominations

• Provide specific examples and evidence of contributions to projects or initiatives.
• Include both quantitative outcomes (e.g., project results, measurable impacts) and qualitative evidence (e.g., collaboration, industry involvement).
• Highlight sustainability and/or innovation in contaminated land and groundwater management practice.
• Optional supporting materials: project summaries, visuals, testimonials, certificates, or professional development records.

This award recognises an exceptional individual who has made outstanding volunteer contributions to WasteMINZ or ALGA over the past 12 months.

The recipient demonstrates dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm through a range of volunteer activities, including (but not limited to):

• Contributing to submission writing or reports
• Participating in steering committees, working groups, or specialist interest groups
• Presenting webinars, workshops, or talks
• Providing guidance, advice, or mentorship to support the organisation's activities

This award celebrates the unsung heroes who give their time, knowledge, and energy to advance the missions of WasteMINZ and/or ALGA. Winners exemplify the spirit of service, leadership, and collaboration, inspiring others to contribute and strengthen the sector.

Judging criteria

Key considerations for nominations

• Provide specific examples of volunteer contributions over the past 12 months.
• Highlight impact relative to the effort and opportunities available to the nominee.
• Include both tangible outcomes (e.g., completed reports, webinars delivered, committees influenced) and qualitative contributions (e.g., mentoring, collaboration, leadership).
• Emphasise initiative and going above and beyond standard volunteer expectations.
• Optional supporting materials: letters of support, testimonials, screenshots of webinars or resources contributed, summaries of committee work.