We’re proud to announce that three Recology employee-owners have been recognized by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA)! These prestigious awards honor waste collection professionals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to safety, deliver reliable and consistent customer service, and actively engage with the communities they serve.

2026 Driver of the Year

Congratulations, Dugaldo “Doug” Padilla, from Recology Sunset Scavenger, for being awarded the 2026 Driver of the Year in the Regional Residential category!


 

2026 Nominees

We’re proud to share that two of our employee-owners have been named nominees in the two new categories the NWRA introduced this year.

  • Justin Cramer, Recology Del Norte, was recognized for the Rising Star Award—recognizing drivers with fewer than 10 years in the industry who demonstrate the same commitment, professionalism, and dedication.
  • Alfredo Chavez, Recology San Mateo County, was recognized for the Technician of the Year Award—honoring mechanical professionals whose expertise, focus on safety, and service excellence contribute to keeping operations running smoothly.

Their dedication reflects the very best of Recology and our ongoing commitment to service excellence in the communities we service. Congratulations to our extraordinary employee-owners on their well-earned recognition in their respective categories.