2008 Award Nominations

Please download and print the 2008 award nomination form by clicking here

Nominations for the annual AOR awards should include the following information. A separate form should be used for each category or nominee.

• The nomination form (click on link above to download.)

• One-page cover letter stating the nominee’s activity or achievement in one of the categories below.

• No more than 3 double-sided pages of supporting material.

• Two references who know the nominee’s work, along with their phone numbers, or one letter of recommendation in addition to your cover letter.

Judging Criteria

The criteria below provide a yardstick by which the Awards Committee can measure candidates. Some criteria may not apply to your nomination. Please address those that are appropriate for your nominee. Note: the term “nominee” in the descriptions below refers to program/business/person as is appropriate.

• Overall environmental benefits: Does the nominee enhance environmental welfare through waste prevention, recycling, composting, innovation or market development? If possible, provide specific measurements that reflect the impact of the program (number of people reached, tons reduced, etc.). Are there other environmental impacts?

• Level of commitment: Does the nominee demonstrate a long-term commitment to waste prevention, market development or community involvement activities? Was the effort above and beyond the call of duty? Has the nominee secured the necessary support or resources to continue the endeavor?

• Innovation: Has the nominee proposed a new or unique technology, promotion, process or program not previously implemented – or modified an existing technology, process or program?

• Economic Benefits: Has the nominee taken a cost-effective approach to waste prevention or market development? Has the nominee reduced business, organizational or public costs?

• Transferability: Can the nominee or the efforts of the nominee be applied to similar situations? Have the efforts and implementation plans been documented? Has the information been shared and in what ways?

Association of Oregon Recyclers Award Categories

Recycler of the Year – Individual

Individual whose actions have significantly reduced solid waste or have furthered recycling, waste prevention and/or reuse. Was the nominee’s work above and beyond the normal scope of duties?

Recycler of the Year – Collector or Processor

A collector or processor of recyclable materials, who has served their community or enhanced recycling through above-average customer relations, expanded recycling opportunities, or creative approaches to marketing materials. Consider types of materials collected or processed, options available to recycling customers, exceptional local community outreach activities and local market development activities.

Recycler of the Year – Company or Organization

A buyer of recycled products, supplier of recycling equipment/supplies or generator of recyclable materials whose hard work, creative solutions or innovations have furthered recycling, waste prevention or reuse. Has the nominee exceeded usual and customary performance in a particular area? What makes the nominee special? How do the nominee’s efforts to advance recycling compare to that of similar companies/organizations?

Recycler of the Year – Market or Broker

A broker or end-user of recyclables whose policies, involvement or innovations have furthered recycling in the Northwest. What is the technical significance of the nominee’s work as it pertains to recycling in the NW?

Recycler of the Year – Government

A government employee or program which has significantly reduced solid waste in their area of jurisdiction by using a new or creative approach to policy or procedure. Describe how the person or program affected recycling, waste prevention or reuse during the most recent fiscal year. (If data for a full year are unavailable, use the most current, complete data.) If possible, please supply at least one private sector reference who is familiar with the nominee’s work.

Education/Promotion Program of the Year

An educational or promotional effort or program, which has used media and materials in a new or creative way to promote and encourage that “same old recycling stuff.” Describe the program or project as it relates to recycling, waste prevention or reuse and its effects on students, customers or the general public.

Alice Soderwall Reuse and Waste Prevention Award

Individual or nonprofit organization that has gone beyond the norm to reuse materials and prevent waste and has made a significant impact on the community as a result. Describe the activities that inspired this nomination. How did these activities affect the nominee’s community?

Ray Ford “Golden Torch” Award

An operations employee (or work team) of a hauling, processing, municipal or other organization who has demonstrated talent or ingenuity in overcoming collection or processing obstacles. Describe any equipment adaptations, collection methods or other logistical aids developed by the employee or team to enhance the collection, processing and diversion of materials from the waste stream.

Special Awards

Significant contributions to recycling that need to be recognized – due to retirement, change of career, or other unique situation – or that are deserving of special attention and do not fall into one of the standard categories. Describe what was done and suggest a name for the award, or choose from the following list: Sustainability, Biodegradable, Legislative Excellence, Sage, Media Focus.