36th Annual Awards
Each year, the Carolina Recycling Association honors top performers that advance waste reduction and recycling in the Carolinas. The 2026 Awards recipients were honored at the Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. Continuing this year, the award categories were consolidated into a general pool and a panel of judges selected outstanding people, projects, and/or programs to recognize. There were four nominees that rose to the top with creative and new ways to approach recycling and help improve the way recycling and waste reduction happens in the Carolinas!
Tiny House Community Development
Innovative Recycling + Workforce Development: THCD combines foam, cardboard, and plastic recycling with employment opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness, turning diverted materials into jobs, housing stability, and career pathways.
Sustainable Impact & Growth: Through mobile trailers, advanced densification technology, and community partnerships, THCD has processed over 220,000 pounds of foam, expanded diversion capacity, and created a financially resilient, scalable program that strengthens both the environment and the local community.
Rhonda Gentry, Recycling Manager, Person County, NC
Leadership in Operations & Facility Upgrades: Rhonda led daily operations and served as the primary operational lead for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) upgrade and merger project, coordinating contractors, overseeing new equipment installation, and ensuring uninterrupted service throughout the transition.
Measurable Environmental & Community Impact: Under her guidance, the facility now recovers significantly more recyclables, expands processing capabilities, reduces landfill waste, and strengthens both the local recycling economy and environmental sustainability in Person County.
City of Concord, NC Solid Waste Services
Significant Program Growth & Impact: Since transitioning to in-house collection, Concord achieved a 58% increase in residential recycling tonnage, reduced landfill disposal, and lowered contamination rates—demonstrating measurable improvements in participation and material quality.
Data-Driven, Community-Focused Approach: Through targeted education, HOA outreach, neighborhood ambassadors, and Routeware tracking, Concord strengthened resident understanding, empowered staff, and improved operational control, setting a model for sustainable, efficient recycling programs.
University of South Carolina Garnet Bites Program
Innovative Food Recovery & Collaboration: Garnet Bites connects leftover food from on-campus catered events with students, faculty, and staff in need through a web-based platform, leveraging partnerships across the Office of the Provost, IT, Sustainability, Student Life, and Carolina Food Co.
Measurable Impact & Engagement: Since its launch, the program has supported 207 events, trained 223 event planners, and engaged 2,634 subscribers, reducing food waste while providing free meals and strengthening community support on campus.