NWRA Announces 2021 Industry Leadership Awards

Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) announced its 2021 Membership Award recipients across three categories for their contributions in support of the waste and recycling industry and the Association.

The 2021 honorees are: Services Member of the Year Award: Andrea Calarco, Casella Waste Systems; Suppliers Member of the Year Award: Zach Martin, Big Truck Rental; Chapter Leadership Award: Dean Matts, Ferguson Environmental Resources, Inc.; Services Distinguished Service Award: Bill Keegan, Dem-Con; and Suppliers Distinguished Service Award: Chris Hawn, Machinex Technologies, Inc.

“Our member companies and their employees are the strength of NWRA. Without these individuals’ leadership and contribution, NWRA would not be the leading association in the waste industry. I congratulate them on their achievement,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith.

About the Awards

Members of the Year are selected based upon extraordinary service to the mission and goals of NWRA and the industry over the past year.

Chapter Leadership awards are presented to members whose contributions to an NWRA chapter were particularly meritorious.

Distinguished Service awards are presented to longstanding members of NWRA who render service in pursuit of the Association’s mission and goals. These awards recognize the highest spirit of volunteerism, personal integrity, professionalism and performance in an honorable and ethical manner.

About the Winners

Services Member of the Year

Andrea Calarco, Casella Waste Systems

Calarco has been at the forefront of NWRA in her work on the extended producer responsibility issue in New York state.

Suppliers Member of the Year

Zach Martin, Big Truck Rental

Martin was recognized for his commitment and leadership. He has been a longtime active member of the Association, having served as chair (now chair emeritus) of the Future Industry Leaders Alliance, co-chair of the Membership Committee and a member of the Suppliers Board of Governors.

Chapter Leadership

Dean Matts, Ferguson Environmental Resources, Inc.

Matts began working with the NWRA Oklahoma chapter in 1997 when he was general manager for Allied Waste Systems. He has led the chapter since 1999. Matts is instrumental in attracting new members and representing the industry before legistators and regulators.

Services Distinguished Service

Bill Keegan, Dem-Con

Keegan currently serves as chair of the NWRA Minnesota chapter, which he has done since 2013. He is an active member of the National Recycling Committee. Keegan was recognized in 2018 with the Chapter Leadership Award.

Suppliers Distinguished Service

Chris Hawn, Machinex Technologies, Inc.

Chris has been a longtime active member of NWRA, serving on various committees and boards. His contributions have helped make NWRA a stronger voice for the waste and recycling industry.

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ABOUT NWRA

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.