Celebrating the people, innovation and achievements shaping Queensland’s waste and recycling industry

Waste Recycling Industry Association QLD (WRIQ) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 WRIQ Industry Awards, recognising the outstanding people, businesses, projects and initiatives contributing to Queensland’s waste and recycling industry.

The awards shine a spotlight on the people and organisations making a difference across the sector, from those driving innovation and improving safety to those delivering environmental outcomes, building stronger industry partnerships and finding new ways to keep valuable resources in circulation.

WRIQ CEO Alison Price congratulated all finalists on their achievements and the contribution they make to Queensland’s waste and recycling industry.

“Queensland’s waste and recycling industry is powered by people who are committed to doing things better every day, whether that is improving safety, finding innovative solutions, supporting their teams, recovering more resources or delivering better outcomes for their communities.

“The WRIQ Industry Awards give us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate those achievements and the people behind them.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. Being recognised among such a strong field is an outstanding achievement, and we look forward to celebrating with everyone at the Gala Dinner.”

The winners will be announced at the 2026 WRIQ Industry Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 4 September 2026 at voco Brisbane City Centre. Tickets for the event are available for purchase at https://www.wriq.au/event/wriq-2026-industry-awards-dinner/

The 2026 WRIQ Industry Awards are proudly supported by Bucher Municipal, NALG, Optimal Site Performance, Expertise Events and Kennedys Timber.

2025 WRIQ Industry Awards Finalists
INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES
  • Roger Addison, Sims Metal Australia
  • Casey Armer, Return It
  • Chris Alexander, Phoenix Power Recyclers
  • Noah Byrne, JJ's Waste & Recycling
  • Bruce Cotton, Kartaway
  • Paul Cox, JJ's Waste & Recycling
  • Phoenix Elaine, Wanless Waste Management
  • Colin Grace, Mil-tek Recycling & Environmental Solutions
  • Sandra Hammond, BMI Group
  • Skye Hickman, JJ's Waste & Recycling
  • Ryan Jeffery, ResourceCo
  • Chris Lloyd, Cleanaway Waste Management
  • Patrick Madel, Pure Environmental
  • Peter Massay, ResourceCo
  • Bradley Morris, Wanless Waste Management 
  • Michelle Nyhuis-Bartz, Gladstone Regional Council
  • Barry Parker, REMONDIS Australia
  • Hector Ratukore, Phoenix Power Recyclers
  • Kellie Sharp, Gladstone Regional Council
  • Rob Stiffel, Pure Environmental
  • Brodie Sheppard, Pure Environmental
  • Lauren Stronach, Pure Environmental
  • Rena Volker, Gladstone Regional Council
  • Gotti White, BMI Group
COMPANIES
  • Beyond Compliance – PAPR in Concrete Crushing - BMI Group
  • Environmental Risk Management Transformation – BMI Group
  • Climate Action Schools: Circular Economy in Education - Climate Action Schools
  • Fire Suppression Systems for Hot Loads and LiB Facility Fires - Encaps
  • Protecting Fruit. Protecting the Future - EnviroPlas Recycling
  • TRUE Recycling™ – Beyond Recycling - EnviroPlas Recycling
  • Gladstone Regional Council Delivers Region-Wide Bin Day Changes - Gladstone Regional Council
  • Greenovate – Materials Recovery Facility -
    Greenovate & Re.Group
  • Queensland's First Grease Trap Waste Organic Soil Amendment - JJ's Waste & Recycling
  • Transforming Grease Trap Waste into Agricultural Value - JJ's Waste & Recycling
  • Integrating LGI's biogas system & BeneVap at Mackay Council - LGI
  • Greenovate Autonomous Thermal Fire Prevention System - Magnum Australia
  • Safer Transport of Asbestos-Contaminated Soils - ResourceCo

– ENDS –

 

Media Contact:

Alison Price
07 3067 3315
alison.price[at]wriq.com.au 

 

About the WRIQ Industry Awards

The WRIQ Industry Awards celebrate outstanding individuals, businesses, projects and initiatives contributing to Queensland’s essential waste and recycling infrastructure and services.

They recognise the people and organisations whose work makes a meaningful contribution to Queensland’s waste and recycling industry, celebrating leadership, innovation, collaboration, knowledge sharing and action.

From innovative projects and improved safety practices to stronger partnerships and better environmental outcomes, the awards showcase the achievements that are helping to shape the future of the sector.

Through the WRIQ Industry Awards, WRIQ aims to acknowledge these achievements and highlight the important role Queensland’s waste and recycling industry plays in supporting communities, businesses and the environment.

 

 

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