The Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin (AROW) proudly held their annual awards ceremony on February 23rd at the 2023 Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference (www.wirmc.org). The ceremony recognized individuals and organizations for outstanding work in the field of recycling and waste reduction.

This year AROW gave out a total of three awards.

“AROW always looks forward to honoring those working hard in our industry. This year’s recipients clearly demonstrate the strength of recycling in Wisconsin with achievements in public and private industry as well as education,” said Betsy Powers, AROW’s Vice  President. “AROW is the voice for recycling and waste reduction in Wisconsin and we are proud to recognize these individuals and groups.”

The prestigious Christy Dixon Recycler of the Year Award was awarded to Analiese Smith, Workforce Development Board Director formerly the Waukesha County Recycling Supervisor and AROW  President, located in Waukesha, WI. This recognition is given to an individual whose career demonstrates the highest professional standards. Analiese has been a leader in the waste and recycling industry for over 10 years. 

Some of Analiese’s highlights over the years include; leading the development of a sustainable MRF fund, which includes a dividend payment to partner communities and a fee structure when needed;  served as a major contributor to the development of the Waukesha  County’s planning initiatives and executing various objectives; and  identified a continuous improvement opportunity to partner/collaborate with others to develop and launch a new  recycling app specifically designed to target recycling  contamination.

Despite being incredibly busy with her ‘day job,’ Analiese has  consistently made time for AROW. She has served in a leadership  capacity as Committee Chair, Vice President and most recently, as  President of AROW.

The Outstanding Achievement in Waste Reduction and Recycling Award for an organization was awarded to Waukesha County  recycling. This recognition is given to an individual or group that has excelled in their recycling program.

The Waukesha County Recycling team created an innovative  program designed to have a sustainable financial partnership that is  built to share the benefits of good markets and disperse the  impacts of less profitable markets.

The new system also incentivizes the municipal partners to offer additional residential services and partner with the County on  education and outreach which also promotes engagement.

The Outstanding Achievement in Education Award was awarded to Pellitteri Waste Systems of Madison, WI. This award is given to an individual or group from the public, private, or non-profit sector that has excelled in solid waste or recycling environmental education. Pellitteri is passionate about keeping Wisconsin’s recycling program strong and producing quality material. Pellitteri has accomplished this through their major education focus of educating customers and south central Wisconsin through 24 video shorts on recycling right topics like propane tanks, batteries, electronics, food contamination, etc.; producing Material Recovery Facility operation videos so residents can see first hand how materials get sorted at their facility; paid social media posts and ads; and calendars, cart information, new resident information, recycling information, FAQs and more for 38 municipalities and 44 private homeowner associations.

Their commitment to a strong recycling program throughout Wisconsin is evident in their willingness to serve on industry groups and associations such as the Council on Recycling, National Waste and Recycling Association- WI Chapter, and the WI DNR Waste and Materials Management Study Group.

AROW is a membership-based organization, serving the recycling and waste reduction interests of citizens, organizations,  municipalities and businesses across the state. For those who support recycling and wish to see more waste diverted into productive use, consider joining the cause by becoming an AROW member.

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About the Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin (AROW) 
Founded in 1990, AROW is an association representing Wisconsin’s recycling, waste reduction and sustainability professionals. The organization provides leadership through education, advocacy, and collaboration and promotes effective, efficient and sustainable material recovery initiatives. For details on AROW, its positions and programs visit www.arow-online.org.