Deadline: 25-May-2026
The WasteSorted Awards 2026 recognise outstanding achievements in waste reduction, recycling, reuse, repair, and circular economy innovation across Western Australia. The awards celebrate businesses, schools, governments, community groups, individuals, and organisations creating measurable environmental impact.
Open to applicants with a substantial presence in Western Australia, the awards highlight leadership in sustainable resource management and low-waste practices.
What Are the WasteSorted Awards?
The WasteSorted Awards are an initiative of the Government of Western Australia and coordinated by Waste Authority WA.
They honour people and organisations helping build a low-waste future through innovation, leadership, and practical action.
Geographic Focus
Projects or applicants must have a substantial presence in:
Western Australia
Main Objectives
The awards aim to recognise and encourage:
- Waste avoidance
- Reuse and repair systems
- Recycling improvements
- Circular economy innovation
- Resource recovery
- Sustainable business practices
- Community education
- Government leadership
- Regional waste solutions
- Measurable environmental outcomes
Why These Awards Matter
Traditional waste disposal systems create environmental and economic loss.
These awards promote smarter approaches such as:
- Preventing waste before it is created
- Keeping materials in use longer
- Recovering valuable resources
- Reducing landfill dependency
- Building sustainable communities
Key Focus Areas
1. Waste Avoidance
Reducing unnecessary consumption and packaging.
2. Reuse and Repair
Extending product life through repair, sharing, and reuse.
3. Recycling and Resource Recovery
Improving sorting, collection, and material recovery systems.
4. Circular Economy
Keeping materials in circulation through redesign and reuse.
5. Community Engagement
Campaigns, awareness programs, and public participation.
6. Innovation
New technologies, systems, and business models for waste reduction.
7. Government and Regional Leadership
Local councils and regional bodies solving waste challenges.
Award Categories
The 2026 awards include categories recognising:
- Community initiatives
- School programmes with accredited waste practices
- Business excellence
- Individual champions
- Collaborative team efforts
- Local government leadership
- Regional council achievements
- Events and awareness campaigns
- Circular economy innovation
Who Can Apply?
Eligible entrants may include:
- Individuals
- Businesses
- Schools
- Community groups
- Not-for-profits
- Government bodies
- Councils
- Collaborative partnerships
Applicants must have a substantial connection to Western Australia.
Important Eligibility Rules
Entries must be:
- Accurate
- Verifiable
- Lawful
- Environmentally compliant
Applications may be disqualified for:
- Misleading information
- Unsupported claims
- Non-compliance with standards
- Recent serious legal or environmental violations
Waste Service Providers Rule
Waste service providers may join joint submissions but cannot apply solely on behalf of clients.
Strong Entry Examples
Suitable Projects
- School zero-waste programme
- Reuse marketplace initiative
- Repair café network
- Local government food waste diversion project
- Regional recycling innovation
- Circular packaging redesign
- Business landfill reduction programme
- Community compost campaign
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose the Best Category
Match your project to the most relevant award stream.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Prepare:
- Waste reduction figures
- Recycling improvements
- Participation numbers
- Environmental outcomes
- Case studies
- Photos or documentation
Step 3: Show Innovation
Explain what makes your initiative different or effective.
Step 4: Demonstrate Impact
Use measurable results wherever possible.
Step 5: Submit Complete Entry
Ensure all claims are accurate and verifiable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Entry Errors
- No measurable outcomes
- Vague sustainability claims
- Poor category selection
- Missing evidence
- Unclear project ownership
Compliance Errors
- Unsupported data
- Legal non-compliance
- Misleading statements
Tips for a Strong Submission
- Use before-and-after results
- Quantify waste diverted from landfill
- Highlight community behaviour change
- Show scalability
- Include partnerships
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who runs the awards?
The Government of Western Australia with Waste Authority WA.
2. Where must projects be based?
In Western Australia or with substantial presence there.
3. Are schools eligible?
Yes, schools are specifically recognised.
4. Can businesses apply?
Yes.
5. What is the circular economy focus?
Keeping materials in use longer and reducing waste.
6. Can councils apply?
Yes, local governments and regional councils are eligible.
7. Can false claims cause disqualification?
Yes, entries must be accurate and verifiable.
Conclusion
The WasteSorted Awards 2026 are a valuable opportunity for leaders in Western Australia to gain recognition for impactful waste and circular economy initiatives. They celebrate practical solutions that reduce landfill, recover resources, and inspire sustainable behaviour.
Strong submissions should clearly demonstrate measurable impact, innovation, compliance, and long-term environmental value.
For more information, visit Waste Authority.