NWRA announces 2025 Driver of the Year, Operator of the Year winners

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, has announced the 2025 recipients of the Driver of the Year and Operator of the Year awards, as well as a new award category recognizing a Safety Sensitive Driver. The awards will be presented during NWRA’s first annual awards gala, taking place May 5 at WasteExpo in Las Vegas.

NWRA says this new signature event is a celebration of the waste and recycling industry and the men and women who exemplify safety, excellence and dedication.

“These individuals perform under some of the most demanding conditions while providing essential services across the country every single day,” says Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA Board of Trustees. “We are excited to recognize their contributions during our new annual awards gala, a celebration of safety and service.”

The Driver of the Year awards, sponsored by Environmental Solutions Group, honor drivers who operate safely, responsibly and with distinction, enhancing both the image and safety culture of the waste industry. Categories include residential, commercial and roll-off drivers at the local, regional and national levels.

This year a new category, the Safety Sensitive Driver, will be awarded. This category includes industrial, hazardous, medical and other waste drivers not covered under residential, commercial or roll-off categories.

The Operator of the Year award, sponsored by Volvo Construction Equipment, is presented to postcollection employees who operate heavy machinery—such as bulldozers, loaders and compactors—with skill and an unwavering commitment to safety.

“Driver safety and retention remain among the most critical indicators of success in our industry,” says Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA. “This year’s honorees demonstrate an exceptional record of professionalism and performance. Congratulations to all of our winners and honorable mention recipients.”

The 2025 Driver of the Year winners:

National Commercial, Christopher Girard, GFL Environmental

National Residential, Antonio Carranza, Republic Services Inc.

National Roll-Off, Rodney Darden, WM Inc.

National Safety Sensitive, Neil Hansen, GFL Environmental 

Regional Commercial, Frank Corl, Casella Waste Systems 

Regional Residential, Zac Ramsey, Recology 

Regional Roll-Off, Luis Gonzalez, Recology

Regional Safety Sensitive, Melvin Mello III, Recology

Local Member, John Griffin, All Waste Inc.

Public Sector, Israel Vazquez, City of Charlotte

2025 Operator of the Year, James Reynolds, WM Inc.

The winners were selected through a statistical scoring process and reviewed by an esteemed panel of independent judges based on letters of recommendation, route and equipment difficulty and safety records. The 42 individuals being recognized this year represent an elite group of solid waste collection drivers, from a total of 141,000 refuse trucks operating daily, NWRA says.

The Hall of Fame Award, sponsored by New Way Trucks, will also be presented at the gala, recognizing individuals whose careers have significantly advanced the industry. A VIP Reception, sponsored by McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, will kick off the evening in honor of all nominees and attendees.

For more information about the gala or to purchase tickets, visit the event site.