The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) announces the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Chosen by the NWRA Board of Trustees from a slate of outstanding finalists recommended by the Association鈥檚 Hall of Fame Committee, these five distinguished leaders will be honored at the first annual Awards Gala during WasteExpo in Las Vegas on May 5, 2025.
鈥淚nduction into the NWRA Hall of Fame is the highest recognition we can bestow on a member,鈥� said Don Ross, NWRA chairman and chief sales officer New Way Trucks (2025 Hall of Fame Sponsor). 鈥淭hese women and men have made extraordinary lifetime contributions to our industry and our association. Their leadership, innovation, and service have shaped the waste and recycling sector into what it is today. I鈥檓 proud to welcome the NWRA Hall of Fame Class of 2025.鈥�
鈥淭his year鈥檚 Hall of Fame class reflects the best of our industry鈥檚 legacy and leadership,鈥� said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA. 鈥淲e are honored to celebrate their accomplishments.鈥�
Hall of Fame inductees are selected based on excellence in five key areas:
- Pioneering contributions and industry vision
- Long-term impact over at least 25 years
- Embodiment of values such as integrity, mentorship
- Inclusiveness; inspirational leadership at a service provider or supplier and on issues important to NWRA
- Meaningful engagement with NWRA and service to the industry as ambassadors.
This year鈥檚 Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Patricia 鈥淧atty鈥� Garbarino, Marin Sanitary
Patty has spent more than three decades leading innovation and sustainability in the waste and recycling industry. Starting part-time at Marin Sanitary Service in 1987, Patty rose to become president of the company in 2000, following in the footsteps of her father, industry pioneer Joe Garbarino (Hall of Fame Class of 2014). A passionate environmental educator and advocate, she helped launch the company鈥檚 Environmental Classroom and has led major initiatives in public education, government relations, and zero waste. Under her leadership, Marin Sanitary pioneered a food waste-to-energy program, established Marin County鈥檚 first Household Hazardous Waste facility, and co-founded Northern Recycling, a high-capacity composting and organics facility. Patty has also played a critical role in shaping California state policy, advancing legislation to reduce plastic waste, increase recycling, and promote local control. Her tireless commitment to innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship has made a lasting impact on the industry and her community. - James 鈥淛immy鈥� Johnston, Autocar
Jimmy has been a transformative force in the waste and recycling industry, leaving a legacy defined by innovation, safety, and mentorship. He played a pivotal role in developing groundbreaking technologies going back to his start in the industry with McNeilus, and currently with products like the E3 Diesel/Hydraulic Hybrid and Autocar鈥檚 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), significantly enhancing both efficiency and operator safety. His innovations鈥攊ncluding one-touch dashboard diagnostics, rear corner glass windows, and lightweight front loader bodies鈥攈ave redefined refuse truck functionality and maintenance. Through his visionary 鈥淧ower of One鈥� initiative, Jimmy bridged the gap between chassis and body manufacturers, improving engineering collaboration and reducing production cycle times across the industry. A dedicated mentor and advocate for safety, he has influenced industry standards through his work with NWRA and ANSI, creating protocols that protect frontline workers. Jimmy鈥檚 legacy is not only in the trucks he鈥檚 helped build but in the people and practices he鈥檚 helped shape for the future of the industry.
- Michael 鈥淢ike鈥� Savage, Komar Industries
Mike celebrates 31 years in the waste and recycling industry, during which he has played a defining role in shaping its direction and growth. His leadership journey began in the mid-1990s through service on the ANSI Committees and as Chairman of the Statistics Committee. He was elected to the Wastec Board of Governors in 2006, becoming vice chairman in 2008 and Chairman in 2011鈥攋ust as the industry was entering a historic period of transformation. As Chairman of Wastec, Mike was instrumental in uniting the industry during the pivotal 2012 merger of the Environmental Industry Association, Wastec, and NSWMA to form NWRA. He worked tirelessly to build consensus among skeptical members, ultimately helping to craft the bylaws and structure for the new association. Mike later joined NWRA鈥檚 Executive Board of Trustees and cast one of the decisive votes that brought the merger to life. His steady leadership and deep commitment were crucial in guiding the association through this period of change. He continued to serve as chairman of the Supplier Board of Governors until 2018, playing a key role in shaping the NWRA we know today. - Joseph 鈥淛oe鈥� Ursuy, Comerica
Joe has more than 26 years of dedicated service to the waste and recycling industry. 聽Joe has helped fuel its growth by providing approximately $12 billion in credit facilities to over 270 businesses鈥攊ncluding more than 20 current NWRA Hall of Fame member companies. His deep relationships and financial expertise have enabled companies to expand fleets, build new facilities, adopt advanced technologies, and drive innovation. Joe’s enduring legacy extends beyond capital鈥攈e built a nationally recognized Environmental Services Department at Comerica, now supporting more than $3 billion in credit and 100 clients with a dedicated team of 45 professionals. He also created Comerica鈥檚 Annual Client Appreciation Reception at WasteExpo, now in its 23rd year, bringing together over 400 industry leaders to foster meaningful, lasting connections. Joe鈥檚 impact has shaped not only individual businesses, but the broader industry鈥檚 future. - Edward 鈥淓d鈥� Vogel, Jr., Vogel Disposal
Ed Vogel has dedicated his life to the solid waste industry, building on the legacy of his family鈥檚 business and guiding it through decades of growth, innovation, and resilience. Beginning his career in high school operating equipment, Ed went on to lead operations, oversee acquisitions, and open the company鈥檚 first materials recovery facility. He played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of Subtitle D regulations, securing landfill permits, and transforming setbacks into long-term opportunities. As Vice President of Vogel Holding, Ed has spearheaded major capital investments, including advanced wastewater treatment systems, single-stream recycling upgrades, and the company鈥檚 fleet transition to renewable natural gas, making him a true leader and visionary in the nation. His 30-year pursuit to reopen and properly line the Tri-County Landfill exemplifies his deep commitment to environmental stewardship and future generations. Through his strategic vision, operational leadership, and steadfast dedication to sustainability, Ed has established a model of independent success and a legacy that will endure well beyond his tenure.
The Class of 2025 will be honored alongside the Driver of the Year and Operator of the Year award winners at the NWRA Awards Gala, a celebration of excellence, safety, and service in the waste and recycling industry.
This premier event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors:
- Hall of Fame Sponsor 鈥� New Way Trucks
- Driver of the Year Sponsor 鈥� Environmental Solutions Group
- Operator of the Year Sponsor 鈥� Volvo Construction Equipment
- VIP Reception Sponsor 鈥� McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing