The Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin (AROW) held their annual awards ceremony at the 2024 Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference. The ceremony, held on February 29th, 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 is always eager to recognize individuals who are dedicated to our industry. The recipients this year exemplify the impact of recycling in Wisconsin, showcasing accomplishments in both public and private sectors,” said Amanda Haffele, AROW’s 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 Jim Birmingham from Birmingham Recycling and the Carton Council. This recognition is given to an individual whose career demonstrates the highest professional standards. Jim has been a leader in the waste and recycling industry for over 50 years!
Jim’s impressive contributions to the recycling industry began in the 1970’s. Before recycling was commonplace he created a convenient drive-through drop-off recycling program for Milwaukee residents. As the namesake of Birmingham Recycling, Jim traveled extensively throughout the country, consulting with companies on recycling programs ranging from plastics to construction and demolition materials. Jim was also instrumental in expanding food and beverage carton recycling to 69% of Wisconsin’s households while serving as the mid-west Manager for the Carton Council.
While managing a full-time operation, Jim accepted an appointment to serve on the Governor’s Council on Recycling, where he was elected Chair 2016-2018. In addition, he served on WasteCaps’ board, where he leveraged his expertise to increase their national presence and network.
The Outstanding Achievement in Waste Reduction and Recycling Award – Public Entity for an organization was awarded to the Stevens Point Area Retired Teachers Association (SPARTA). This recognition is given to an individual or group that has excelled in their recycling program.
SPARTA has been organizing and conducting community events to sell reusable books, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles since 1991. Through this program items are reused and recirculated to new owners. SPARTA estimates that approximately 6,250 pounds of books are sold and reused at each sale. Over 32 years, it is estimated that SPATA has facilitated the reuse of at least 100 tons of books.
The Outstanding Achievement in Waste Reduction and Recycling Award – Private Entity was awarded to Hilltopper Refuse and Recycling of Onalaska, 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.
Hilltopper partnered with the City of La Crosse Fire Department, local businesses/organizations, and Xcel Energy on a lithium-ion battery campaign to raise awareness of fire dangers and appropriate management options. Hilltopper also partnered with Trempealeau County staff to create a bilingual English/Spanish educational video on recyclable materials. Hilltopper saw yet another opportunity for collaboration with La Crosse County Solid Waste and purchased a densifier to recover polystyrene. Furthermore, Hilltopper has “walked the walk” of organics recovery by identifying large organic waste generators and end users of food waste in their area and providing appropriate service to divert this waste from landfilling.