WasteSorted Awards 2026

Nominations are now open for the WasteSorted Awards and will close at 5pm (WST) on Monday, 25 May 2026.

The WasteSorted Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of Western Australians working towards a low waste and circular economy future, through improved waste practices and innovative waste solutions.

The awards celebrate those doing ‘better than the bin’ by avoiding, reusing, repairing and recycling waste and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Individuals, business and industry, governments, schools, community organisations and not-for-profits from across Western Australia are encouraged to apply.

The WasteSorted Awards are an initiative of the Government of Western Australia and coordinated by the Waste Authority WA.

The categories for 2026 include:

CATEGORY 1

Community Waste Award

This award is open to all voluntary or non-profit individuals, groups and organisations.

Awarded to an individual, group or organisation for community engagement resulting in positive improvements in waste management.

CATEGORY 2

Schools Award

This award is open to all public, independent and non-government schools in Western Australia from K-12. Schools must have current WasteSorted Schools accreditation to enter.

Awarded to a school community that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and contribution to avoiding and recovering waste through an integrated whole school approach showing innovative waste practices.

CATEGORY 3

Business Award

This award is open to any commercial organisation, enterprise or business.

Awarded to any commercial enterprise or business for excellence in avoiding, reusing, repairing or recovering waste, or protecting the environment from the impacts of waste generated from commercial enterprises or businesses, including building and construction. Depending on submissions, a small business sub-category winner may be awarded instead of a highly commended award.

CATEGORY 4

Waste Champion Award

This award is open to an individual who may also be part of any organisation.

Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and contribution resulting in positive improvements in waste management.

CATEGORY 5

Waste Team Award

This award is open to a group or team of people from any organisation.

Awarded to a group or team of people demonstrating strong commitment and contribution resulting in positive improvements in waste management in the past two years.

CATEGORY 6

Local Government Award

This award is open to all local governments and regional councils.

Awarded to a local government or regional council for excellence in avoiding or recovering household and community waste and going beyond normal business objectives resulting in positive waste management outcomes.

CATEGORY 7

Regional Award

This award is open to all regional individuals and organisations.

Awarded for excellence in avoiding or recovering waste and overcoming challenges in regional WA resulting in positive waste management outcomes.

CATEGORY 8

Community Events and Engagement Award

This award is open to all individuals and organisations.

Awarded for excellence and/or demonstrated improvements since last year in community events, engagement or campaigns to encourage the avoidance or recovery of waste resulting in positive waste management outcomes.

CATEGORY 9

Innovation Award

This award is open to all individuals and organisations.

Awarded to an initiative that has demonstrated exceptional innovation in waste management, improvement, practices or outcomes resulting in positive waste management outcomes.

CATEGORY 10

Closing the Loop Award

This award is open to all individuals and organisations.

Awarded for excellence in demonstrating circular economy principles in action where the value of waste materials is recognised and used to reduce the environmental impacts of production and consumption.

 

Applicants should refer to the nomination kit to assist in preparing their submission/s. Previous WasteSorted Awards nominees, finalists and winners are welcome to apply.

Completed entries must be submitted by 5pm (WST) on Monday, 25 May 2026.

To complete your nomination for the 2026 WasteSorted Awards please follow the steps:

1. Download the 2026 nomination kit and ensure you are familiar with the assessment criteria, including word limits, prior to completing your written submission.
2. Click here for the online nomination form.
3. Follow the prompts on the form to complete your submission.
4. Upload the following documents:
   • Written submission (required)
   • Supporting documents (optional)
   • Images (four high resolution images required)
5. Accept the terms and conditions and submit your nomination.

Applicants who wish to submit a nomination in multiple categories will need to complete a new online nomination form for each category. We recommend nominating in no more than two award categories per individual or organisation.

Please note that all nominations need to be submitted using the online form. Any nominations that come through via email will not be accepted. Contact wastesortedawards@eventandconferenceco.com.au about any issues with the online process.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner award ceremony on Thursday 10 September 2026 as part of the annual Waste and Resource Recovery Conference.

To see our previous WasteSorted Award winners’ stories go to 2025 award winners.

For more information call (08) 6102 2516 or email wastesortedawards@eventandconferenceco.com.au