NWRA announces 2024 Hall of Fame inductees

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has announced its hall of fame inductees for the class of 2024. Inductees were chosen by NWRA’s board of trustees from a list of finalists compiled by the association’s awards committee.

“Induction into the NWRA Hall of Fame is the highest honor we can bestow on a member,” NWRA Chairman Don Ross says. “The women and men in the hall of fame have devoted their careers, and in many cases, their lives to our trade association and the solid waste industry. These are exceptional people [who] are part of the fabric of an industry that provides one of the most essential services to our communities, our businesses and our environment. I am honored to announce the NWRA Hall of Fame Class of 2024.”

This year, three more will join the 212 people who have been inducted since 1986. New inductees include Tod Holmes, independent director of WIN Waste Innovations; William Rumpke Jr., president and CEO of Rumpke Waste & Recycling; and Mike Schwalbach, president and founder of Sierra Container Group.

“The Board of Trustees and the Awards Committee always have a difficult task with so many distinguished nominations submitted to them, and this year was an especially competitive group,” NWRA interim President and CEO Jim Riley says. “I congratulate the class of 2024 inductees on this prestigious honor.”

Hall of fame inductees are selected based on scores in five categories, including recognition in the industry as a founder, pioneer, visionary or icon; enduring legacy and impact of contributions to the industry for a minimum of 25 years; steadfast values such as integrity, respect, courage, mentorship, volunteerism and inclusiveness; inspirational leadership at an NWRA service provider or supplier and on issues important to NWRA at the national, state and/or local level; and active association engagement and service as an ambassador of the industry.

The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at WasteExpo 2024 during the NWRA Awards Breakfast.