CDRA announces annual award recipients to be recognized at C&D World

The Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) has announced the recipients of its Annual Awards, including C&D Recycler of the Year, Hall of Fame, President’s Award, Member of the Year and Best Practices in Safety Awards. Award winners will be recognized on Wed., March 13, during the C&D World Conference and Exhibition in Dallas, Texas, running March 11-14.

Recycler of the Year 

Richard S. Burns Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will be presented with the Recycler of the Year. 

“We are thrilled to recognize Richard S. Burns Co. for their exceptional contributions to C&D recycling,” CDRA Executive Director and CEO Terri Ward says. “Under the leadership of Allen Burns, the family-oriented company has consistently set a high standard for innovation and excellence. 

“They have pioneered advancements like the Tommy Cart, which enhances site maneuverability and debris sorting, as well as the Sortie Cart, which improves material separation and reporting accuracy. Founded as a small-scale, one-person local cleanout operation, Burns has evolved into a premier full-service transportation, recycling, and disposal company demonstrating true leadership in our industry.”

CDRA Hall of Fame

“It has been an honor of mine for many years to work alongside Terry Weaver on the CDRA Board of Directors”, says Jason Haus, CEO of Dem-Con Cos. and former president of the CDRA. “Terry has exemplified what it is to serve on an industry Board of Directors. Not only did he serve the CDRA membership in all his decisions and activities, but he also had a longstanding career as a pioneer in the gypsum recycling business. 

“His passion, perseverance, patience, and ability to work with everyone are qualities that we all admire. Terry’s contributions to the C&D Recycling industry have paved the way for others to develop end markets and businesses that focus on the recovery of C&D materials. Terry’s legacy and work within the CDRA is admired and will have long-standing positive impacts on our industry.” 

Weaver is the president of USA Gypsum, Denver, Pennsylvania, a current board member and past president of CDRA. He is responsible for establishing the association's robust End Markets and Gypsum Recycling Committees, among many other successes. 

President’s Award

In addition, Michael Dineen will receive this year’s President’s Award for his outstanding service to the C&D recycling community. 

John Thomas, CDRA Board President John Thomas says: “Over the years, Michael has been a tireless advocate for C&D recycling, consistently striving to improve practices and elevate standards. Personally, Michael was a valuable resource when I became CDRA treasurer, offering insights from his time in that role. Beyond his work with CDRA, Michael has contributed significantly as a Recycling Certification Institute board member, executive director of the Construction & Demolition Association of Ohio for 15 years and through his leadership on various committees for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. His dedication has had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on the industry.”

Member of the Year

William Cooper of Cooper Recycling, Brooklyn, New York, is CDRA’s 2025 Member of the Year. 

“William’s leadership contributions over the past year as a CDRA Board Member, as well as the treasurer of the association has had a marked impact on the movement forward for the Association,” Haus says. “William has proven himself as a leader in the industry and his dedication to the success of the association and its membership is second to none. William is well deserving of the CDRA Member of the Year Honor for 2025.”

Best Practices in Safety Awards

This year, the CDRA also saw a record number of 16 member companies qualifying for the Best Practices in Safety Award, highlighting the industry’s ongoing commitment to workplace safety. 

Dem-Con joins Arcosa, Champion Waste, Lautenbach Recycling, Michael Bros. and Premier Recycle in receiving this award for five consecutive years. These awards are not given in a competitive environment but instead focus on continuous improvement based on self-assessment criteria. Members have noted this approach yields demonstrable results and reinforces that safety is a top priority for their entire team. The CDRA will recognize these companies for their outstanding safety practices at the C&D World Conference.

The full list of Safety Award recipients will be announced during the conference and can be viewed here.

The CDRA congratulates all awardees for their outstanding contributions and looks forward to celebrating their achievements at C&D World in Dallas. For more information on the upcoming C&D World Conference and to view the full list of award winners, visit CDRA's website.