Waste Conversion & Energy Recovery Trailblazer Distinguished Individual Achievement Award

The annual Trailblazer Distinguished Individual Achievement Award recognizes efforts on behalf of individual SWANA members for service to the Technical Division, and support of the mission of SWANA to advance the practice of MSW management and overall long-term service to the solid waste management industry. The recipient of the award will be recognized during RCon.

View award submission criteria.

Award winners will be selected by the division's Awards Committee. The following will be taken into consideration during the selection process:

  1. Service to the Technical Division: Nominee is a current member of the Technical Division. Has served in one or more leadership positions in the division. Has actively participated in division committees.
  2. Support of SWANA Mission: Nominee is an active member of his/her/their chapter and may have served on the SWANA Board of Director, Advisory Board, or other national or chapter committees.
  3. Contributions to the Solid Waste Management Field and Other Factors: Nominee work includes active roles and responsibilities in this sector of solid waste management and demonstrates strong character though his/her/their activities throughout the industry.

The 2025 SWANA Award nomination period is now closed.

Thank you to all who applied, and to our review committees. Winners will be notified in mid-September.

Award winners will be celebrated at RCon™, the premier conference hosted by SWANA from November 12 – 15, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.

Past Winners of the Waste Conversion & Energy Recovery Trailblazer Distinguished Individual Achievement Award