The Waste Recycling Industry Association of Queensland (WRIQ) has celebrated the people, organisations and initiatives making a significant contribution to Queensland’s waste and recycling industry at the 2026 WRIQ Industry Awards.
Almost 280 industry professionals gathered at voco Brisbane City Centre on Friday, 4 September, for the WRIQ Industry Awards Gala Dinner, recognising excellence across the sector and highlighting the achievements of this year’s finalists and winners.
Winners were announced across eleven award categories, rewarding outstanding achievements in areas including innovation, safety, environmental outcomes, leadership, industry collaboration and the people who keep Queensland’s waste and recycling industry moving forward.
WRIQ CEO Alison Price congratulated all of this year’s winners and finalists, acknowledging the commitment and expertise they bring to the industry.
“Queensland’s waste and recycling industry is powered by people who are committed to doing things better every day,” Ms Price said.
“The WRIQ Industry Awards provide an opportunity to honour the people and organisations behind that work and to celebrate the innovation, leadership and dedication that are helping shape the future of our industry.
“Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists. The calibre of this year’s entries was incredibly strong, and each of those nominated should be proud of their contribution to Queensland’s waste and recycling industry.”
The 2026 WRIQ Industry Awards were proudly supported by Bucher Municipal, NALG, Optimal Site Performance, Expertise Events and Kennedys Timber.
| 2024 WRIQ Industry Awards Finalists | ||
| INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES | ||
| WINNER | HIGHLY COMMENDED | |
Driver of the Year |
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Administrator of the Year |
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Maintenance Employee of the Year |
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Recycling Employee of the Year |
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Plant and Equipment Operator |
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| Trainee or Apprentice of the Year |
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| Lithium Battery Fire Hero of the Year |
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| COMPANIES | ||
| WINNER | HIGHLY COMMENDED | |
Best Recycled Product |
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| Environmental Innovation of the Year |
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| Safety Innovation of the Year |
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| Industry Collaboration of the Year |
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– 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.
