- The annual awards celebrate people finding ways to 'do better than the bin'
- Nominations are open to community groups, local governments, schools, businesses and individual waste champions
- Winners will be announced at the gala award ceremony in September
A call for outstanding waste reduction and sustainability champions begins today.
Nominations are open for the 2026 WasteSorted Awards, celebrating the quiet achievers who are leading Western Australia towards a low waste, circular economy.
The awards honour community groups, local governments, schools, businesses and individual heroes for creating innovative waste practices and increasing the reuse and recycling of materials - as well as inspiring others to do the same.
Last years' winners included Earthwise Community for their initiatives in reducing food and clothing waste while promoting community engagement in reuse and repair.
Rebecca James won the Waste Champion Award for her efforts at Fremantle Ports to recycle waste from cruise ships.
And the team at Fiona Stanley's State Rehabilitation Services Ward 1A were celebrated for implementing alternatives to single-use plastics in hospitals.
The WasteSorted program encourages people and communities to 'do better than the bin' by finding options to keep their unwanted items out of landfill.
The award categories are:
- Community Waste;
- Schools;
- Business;
- Waste Champion;
- Waste Team;
- Local Government;
- Regional;
- Community Events and Engagement;
- Innovation; and
- Closing the Loop.
See the Waste Authority website for more information and details on how to apply. Nominations close on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Winners will be announced at an award ceremony on the final day of the annual Waste and Resource Recovery Conference on Thursday, 10 September at Crown Perth.
Comments attributed to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"It's time to bring forward those in our community who are developing waste innovations and inspiring others to adopt sustainable habits.
"Heroes take many forms and choosing to commit to the important goal of reducing waste and preserving a clean and healthy environment deserves the highest esteem.
"The WasteSorted Awards promote environmental protection and public health by shining a spotlight on excellent waste management practices and the benefits of a circular economy in creating jobs and increasing community cohesion and engagement."
