Collaboration & Innovation Awards Finalists
We’re excited to reveal the two finalists in each category for the Waste 2026 Collaboration and Innovation Awards.
These awards highlight practical, forward-thinking projects delivering real progress in waste and resource recovery.
Finalists will present their projects at the conference, with attendees voting on the day to help determine the overall winners alongside the judges’ scores.
Category 1 Finalists : Outstanding Collaborative Project
1. Logan City Council
Logan City Council, in partnership with Ipswich and Redland City Councils, has delivered a shared, council-owned materials recovery facility to address regional recycling capacity and market risks. By pooling investment and governance, the project provides long-term processing security for South East Queensland.
The facility incorporates advanced sorting technology while supporting local jobs, and circular economy opportunities. Designed for a 25-year lifespan with capacity for future growth, the project demonstrates a scalable model for collaborative waste infrastructure delivery.
2. Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC)
The SSROC-led “Paving the Way” initiative brings together 16 councils and partners to build end markets for recycled glass and rubber in road construction. By aggregating demand and aligning procurement, the program has driven large-scale use of recycled materials, diverting significant volumes from landfill while supporting local manufacturing and jobs.
The project has also improved asset performance, with rubber-modified asphalt extending pavement life and reducing maintenance impacts. Through its scale and collaboration, the initiative is helping embed circular economy principles into council procurement and influencing broader industry standards.
Category 2 Finalists : Outstanding Individual Project
1. Gunnedah Shire Council
Gunnedah Shire Council has introduced a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional landfill drop-off areas through a new public waste deposition system. The facility removes the need for residents to access the landfill face, addressing significant safety and compliance risks while improving accessibility for all users.
By allowing loads to be inspected and separated, the system has increased recycling, reduced contamination and improved recovery of reusable and problem waste materials. The project offers a practical model for regional councils seeking safer and more efficient waste handling systems.
2. Shoalhaven City Council
Shoalhaven City Council has delivered a council-owned MRF to locally process kerbside recyclables and reduce reliance on external markets. The facility processes up to 25,000 tonnes per year and forms part of a broader recycling precinct, linking with glass and rubber processing to keep value within the region.
By bringing processing in-house, the project improves service reliability and strengthens community confidence in recycling outcomes. Designed as long-term infrastructure with flexibility to adapt to changing materials and markets, it provides a stable and scalable solution for regional recycling.