SWANA announces 2024 technical division award winners

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, has announced the recipients of the 2024 Technical Division Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements and innovations in solid waste management.

“The Technical Division Awards spotlight exemplary programs, facilities and individuals dedicated to advancing sustainable waste management practices. We are excited to congratulate this year’s award winners that represent a diverse range of organizations and individuals whose remarkable contributions have significantly impacted the industry,” says Amy Lestition Burke, SWANA executive director and CEO.

The awards cover a broad spectrum of categories, from community-driven awareness campaigns to facility excellence in waste conversion and energy recovery. Each accolade highlights the commitment to innovation and service within the industry. An awards ceremony will be help April 16 at SOAR in Phoenix, Arizona.

“This recognition is a testament to our members’ commitment to excellence and innovation in the waste management industry. Your dedication exemplifies SWANA’s goal of driving progress in our industry. Your achievements inspire us, and we are proud to honor your contributions. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor,” says SWANA president Art Mercer.

2024 Technical Division Award winners include:

Collection & Transfer Technical Division Award

• Distinguished Individual Achievement Award: Marc Rogoff, senior consultant, Geosyntec Consultants, Boca Raton, Florida

Communication, Education & Marketing Technical Division Awards

• Distinguished Individual Achievement Award: Ramona Simpson, operations manager – environmental/fleet, Town of Queen Creek
• Outstanding Awareness Campaign: City of Orlando, Solid Waste
• Outstanding Social Media Campaign: Surfrider Foundation
• Game Changing Tools: Pinellas County Solid Waste

Landfill Management Technical Division Award

• Distinguished Individual Achievement Award: Timothy Mitchell, project manager, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., Pittsburgh

Planning & Management Technical Division Award

• Distinguished Individual Achievement Award: Michael Greenberg, retired president, GT Environmental Inc., Columbus, Ohio

Landfill Gas & Biogas Technical Division Awards

• Hall of Flame: Joseph P. Curro, principal engineer, CDM Smith, Boston
• Eternal Flame: Tim Torrez, environmental manager, Republic Services, Phoenix

Sustainable Materials Management Technical Division Awards

• Advancement Award: David Lammers, graduate student and engineer, University of South Dakota and Total Component Solutions, Rock Valley, Iowa
• Organization Award: City of Austin, Austin Resource Recovery
• Organization Award, Honorable Mention: City of Carlsbad, Sustainable Materials Management Division

Waste Conversion & Energy Recovery Technical Division Awards

• Trailblazer Distinguished Individual Achievement Award: Jean Lucas, president and CEO, Eco Waste Solutions, Burlington, Ontario
• Facility Excellence Award: Pinellas County Waste to Energy Facility

For more information about the Technical Division Awards and other SWANA initiatives, visit SWANA.org/Awards.