NWRA announces 2026 award winners

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), based in Arlington, Virginia, has announced the recipients of the Driver of the Year and Operator of the Year awards, as well as its inaugural Rising Star and Technician of the Year awards. 

“The Driver and Operator of the Year awards celebrate the very best of our industry—professionals whose skill, discipline and commitment to safety set the standard for waste and recycling operations nationwide,” Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA board of trustees, says. “These honorees represent not only technical excellence, but leadership, professionalism and pride in the essential work they do every day to serve their communities.”

The Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Environmental Solutions Group (ESG), a Terex Corp. company, honors drivers who operate their vehicles safely and responsibly over time, maintain outstanding performance records and contribute positively to the image of the industry.

2026 Driver of the Year Award winners

• National winner, commercial: Jared Bert, Waste Connections Inc. (Toronto)
• National winner, residential: Willie Ashford, WM (Houston)
• National winner, roll-off: Donato Ponce, Republic Services Inc. (Phoenix)
• National winner, safety sensitive: Ausencio Carrera, Republic Services Inc.
• Regional winner, commercial: Scott Deal, Rumpke Waste & Recycling (Cincinnati)
• Regional winner, residential: Dugaldo Padilla, Recology (San Francisco)
• Regional winner, roll-off: Larry Davis, Rumpke Waste & Recycling
• Regional winner, safety sensitive: Michael Morris, Rumpke Waste & Recycling
• Local member winner: Adam Shequin, Walter's Recycling & Refuse Inc. (Blaine, Minnesota)

“Every safe collection route reflects the professionalism, training, and discipline that define this industry,” Pat Carroll, segment president of ESG, says. “The Driver of the Year awards recognize individuals who demonstrate these qualities daily, setting the benchmark for safe and reliable service in communities across the country.”

The Operator of the Year award, sponsored by Shippensburg, Pennsylvania-based Volvo Construction Equipment, recognizes heavy equipment operators working in postcollection operations, including landfills, material recovery facilities and transfer stations, whose skill and commitment to safety keep operations running smoothly.

2026 Operator of the Year Award winner

• Kenny Gallego, Republic Services Inc.

“Operators are at the heart of safe, productive post-collection operations, and their expertise directly impacts both people and equipment,” Martin Mattsson, director of strategic accounts at Volvo Construction Equipment, says. “We are proud to sponsor the Operator of the Year award and honor professionals whose precision, judgment and dedication elevate performance across the industry.”

Sponsored by ESG, the Rising Star and Technician of the Year awards aim to highlight the contributions of front-line professionals behind the wheel and technical experts prioritizing safe operations across the industry.

“These awards highlight NWRA’s commitment to recognizing the skilled professionals who keep waste and recycling operations running safely and efficiently,” Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of the NWRA, says. “By investing in workforce development and technical expertise, we are strengthening the industry’s ability to serve communities every day.”

The Rising Star Award recognizes drivers with fewer than 10 years of experience in the industry who have demonstrated commitment to safety, professionalism and performance. The distinction highlights emerging leaders whose dedication to safe operations and service excellence represents the future of the waste and recycling industry, the NWRA says.

2026 Rising Star Award winners

• National winner: Shoun Cleveland, GFL Environmental Inc. (Vaughan, Ontario)
• Regional winner: Corey Wright, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (Rosemont, Illinois)

The Technician of the Year Award honors mechanical professionals whose expertise, training and safety records ensure vehicles and equipment operate safely and efficiently. Their work is essential to maintaining reliable fleet performance and supporting the safe delivery of waste and recycling services, the NWRA says.

2026 Technician of the Year winners

• National winner: David Bombei, Republic Services Inc.
• Regional winner: Bob Sprandel, Rumpke Waste & Recycling
• Local member winner: Josh Calve, USA Hauling and Recycling (Enfield, Connecticut)

“Safe, reliable waste and recycling services depend on both skilled drivers and the technical professionals who keep equipment performing at its best,” Carroll says. “By recognizing Rising Stars and Technicians of the Year, these awards highlight the expertise and discipline required to support efficient operations and protect workers and communities.”

Honorees will be recognized at the NWRA’s Annual Awards Gala during the Waste Leadership Summit on June 10, 2026, in Washington, alongside the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees.

RELATED: NWRA announces 2026 Hall of Fame class

“These awards represent both the future and foundation of our industry,” Ross says. “From emerging drivers to skilled technicians, their expertise and dedication help keep daily services operating safely and reliably.”