The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) announces the 2025 recipients of the Driver of the Year and Operator of the Year awards, as well as a new award category recognizing a Safety Sensitive Driver. The awards will be presented during NWRA鈥檚 first annual awards gala, taking place on May 5 at WasteExpo in Las Vegas. This new signature event is a celebration of the waste and recycling industry and the men and women who exemplify safety, excellence, and dedication.
鈥淭hese individuals perform under some of the most demanding conditions while providing essential services across the country every single day,鈥� said Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA Board of Trustees. 鈥淲e are excited to recognize their contributions during our new annual awards gala, a celebration of safety and service.鈥�
The Driver of the Year awards, sponsored by Environmental Solutions Group, honor drivers who operate safely, responsibly, and with distinction, enhancing both the image and safety culture of the waste industry. Categories include residential, commercial, and roll-off drivers at the local, regional, and national levels.
This year a new category, the Safety Sensitive Driver, will be awarded. This category includes industrial, hazardous, medical, and other waste drivers not covered under residential, commercial, or roll-off categories.
The Operator of the Year award, sponsored by Volvo Construction Equipment, is presented to post-collection employees who operate heavy machinery鈥攕uch as bulldozers, loaders, and compactors鈥攚ith skill and an unwavering commitment to safety.
A VIP Reception, sponsored by McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, will kick off the evening in honor of all nominees and attendees. 鈥淒river safety and retention remain among the most critical indicators of success in our industry,鈥� said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 honorees demonstrate an exceptional record of professionalism and performance. Congratulations to all of our winners and honorable mention recipients.鈥�
The winners were selected through a statistical scoring process and reviewed by an esteemed panel of independent judges based on letters of recommendation, route and equipment difficulty, and safety records. The 42 individuals being recognized this year represent an elite group of solid waste collection drivers, from a total of 141,000 refuse trucks operating daily.
The prestigious Hall of Fame Award, sponsored by New Way Trucks, will also be presented at the gala, recognizing individuals whose careers have significantly advanced the industry.
2025 Driver of the Year, Safety Sensitive Driver, and Operator of the Year Winners and Honorable Mentions
National Commercial
Winner: Christopher Girard, GFL Environmental
Honorable Mentions: Dave Mayers, Republic Services, Inc.; Alfonso Retamoza, Republic Services, Inc.; Jeffery Sievers, GFL Environmental; Ed Lee, Republic Services, Inc.; Wilford Cooper, GFL Environmental
National Residential
Winner: Antonio Carranza, Republic Services, Inc.
Honorable Mentions: Sergio Delatorre, Republic Services, Inc.; Paul Borgert, Republic Services, Inc.; Lance Thomas, Republic Services, Inc.; Mike Zielaskowski, GFL Environmental; Phillip Smith, Republic Services, Inc.
National Roll-Off
Winner: Rodney Darden, WM, Inc.
Honorable Mentions: Jason Jewell, GFL Environmental; Robert Roseberry, Republic Services, Inc.; Galdino Castelan, Republic Services, Inc.; Lawrence Prezioso, Republic Services, Inc.; Dan Bartelt, GFL Environmental
National Safety Sensitive
Winner: Neil Hansen, GFL Environmental
Honorable Mentions: Clayton Bland, GFL Environmental; Daniel Woodin, GFL Environmental; Richard Sutton, GFL Environmental; Renato Ramirez, Republic Services, Inc.; Daniel Korb, GFL Environmental
Regional Commercial
Winner: Frank Corl, Casella Waste Systems
Honorable Mentions: Juan Caraballo, Casella Waste Systems; Odillion Rosales, Lakeshore Recycling System; Quincy Bundage, Recology
Regional Residential
Winner: Zac Ramsey, Recology
Honorable Mentions: Jaime Blanco, Recology; Jose Duran, Recology; David Barbagelata, Recology
Regional Roll-Off
Winner: Luis Gonzalez, Recology
Honorable Mentions: Mike Gunter, Recology; Daniel Hale, Casella Waste Systems; Rigoberto Lopez, Recology
Regional Safety Sensitive
Winner: Melvin Mello III, Recology
Honorable Mentions: Rod McAlavey, Recology; Miguel Garcia, Recology; Mike Burian, Recology
Local Member
Winner: John Griffin, All Waste, Inc.
Public Sector
Winner: Israel Vazquez, City of Charlotte
2025 Operator of the Year
Winner: James Reynolds, WM, Inc.
Honorable Mentions: Dennis Huey, WM, Inc.; Carl Mead, WM, Inc.; Will Baugus, WM, Inc.; Cristian Ramirez Hernandez, GFL Environmental; David Ladd, Waste Connections, Inc.