Recognition and Funding

Recognition Programs

Oregon Programs

Association of Oregon Recyclers Awards
Various recognition awards are presented each year in 8 categories including Governor's Program of the Year and Education Program of the Year. Awards are presented at AOR's annual conference and must be applied for by summer of each year. PO Box 483, Gresham, OR 97030-0107, 503-661-4475

Business Recycling Awards Group
Local recognition program sponsored by local government to encourage businesses to reduce waste and buy recycled products. Contact by location:

• Clackamas County: 503-557-6363 (including the cities of Canby, Gladstone, Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Molalla, Oregon City, Sandy, West Linn)
  • Milwaukie: 503-786-7508
• Marion County: 503-588-5169
• Multnomah County
  • Gresham/Fairview/Wood Village: 503-669-2656
  • Troutdale: 503-665-5175
• Washington County: 503-648-8609 (including the cities of Banks, Cornelius, Durham, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, Wilsonville)
  • Beaverton: 503-526-2437

Businesses for an Environmentally Sustainable Tomorrow
The BEST Awards is a juried, annual awards program that honors Portland area businesses whose dedication to creating a more sustainable tomorrow stands out from the crowd. Winners are announced and awards are presented at the annual BEST Awards Breakfast.

Earth Advantage
Earth Advantage® is your ticket to sustainable homes and buildings. Visit our homes and commercial buildings sites to learn more. Tour Earth Advantage® National Center for displays, demonstrations, classes and consultations on energy-efficient lighting, sustainable design and construction, and energy technologies. Portland General Electric, 121 SW Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97204, 503-464-7647

Eco-Logical Business Program
A recognition program developed by the partnership of the Portland Area Pollution Prevention Team in order to help synthesize pollution prevention efforts in the areas of air, water, wastewater, energy, hazardous waste and solid waste in the automotive services industry. For a program information packet contact or technical assistance, 503-823-7807.

Oregon Green Schools Association
A non profit organization that was formed in 1997. Regional coordinators help schools conduct waste audits, provide guidance and training for new programs, and recommend curriculum resources and grant opportunities. For more information: OGSA, PO Box 2186, Salem, OR 97308, 503-956-6283

Portland Climate Champions
Businesses who are working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by taking action in recycling, transportation, energy, and water reduction can apply to be a Portland Climate Champion. Your business will receive a plaque to display at their business, are recognized in annual advertisements, and more. Portland Climate Champions build on the success of Portland RecycleWorks Award winners. The RecycleWorks Award is no longer available, but past award-winners can be seen here:

• RecycleWorks past award winners

Recycle at Work Certification
If your Portland business is doing its part by recycling and reducing waste in the workplace, get certified! After you’ve implemented the five steps, just complete the progress report through Portland’s Recycle at Work website. You may request a Recycle at Work Certified recognition seal for your website and/or a window decal to recognize your annual success at recycling.

National Programs

American Forest & Paper Association Best Paper Recycling Awards
This award goes to governments, businesses, schools, institutions, and nonprofit organizations that have an exemplary paper collection system. Awards include a $2000 prize awarded in 6 different categories (paper quality, education, innovation, etc.) in addition to a certificate and public recognition. Best Paper Recycling Awards, American Forest and Paper Association, Inc., 1111 19th Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036, phone: 202-463-2762.

EPA Evergreen Award for Pollution Prevention
Honors environmental leaders in the business community who have demonstrated that preventing pollution is a sound business practice. Any company in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon or Washington can apply. For information contact Carolyn Gangmark at 206-553-4072 or John Palmer at 206-553-6521.

Keep America Beautiful
For outstanding activities in waste handling and environmental improvement. Businesses also are eligible to receive a National Recycling Award. Keep America Beautiful, 1010 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06901, 203-323-8987; fax: 203-325-9199.

Solid Waste Association of North America
Offers Excellence in Municipal Solid Waste Management Awards which recognize solid-waste management programs that have achieved a high level of success in a variety of areas, including solid-waste education. SWANA, Excellence Awards Program, PO Box 7219, Silver Spring, MD 20907; 301-585-2898; 503-778-1029 (fax on demand - request document 505).

US Conference of Mayors
Offers Recycling at Work Awards, DMA Robert Rodale Awards which honors companies, organizations, universities, individuals, and local and federal government entities whose environmental leadership continues to make recycling successful. Contact: US Conference of Mayors, 1620 Eye St. NW, 6th Fl., Washington, DC 20006; 202-861-6776.

Waste Wise
Voluntary program for reducing business' solid waste. Participants design sustainable programs committed to achieving waste reduction goals and tracking their process. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW, Washington DC 20460, 1-800-EPA-WISE.

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