Global Recycling Foundation Announces Recycling Heroes 2026 Winners

The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) has released the results of its 2026 Recycling Heroes Competition. This year’s theme, “Don’t Think Waste – Think Opportunity,” focused on recognising initiatives that treat waste as a resource and support circular economy practices.

The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) has announced the winners of its 2026 Recycling Heroes Competition, with participants required to submit short videos demonstrating how their projects aligned with the theme “Don’t Think Waste – Think Opportunity.” The initiative aimed to highlight the economic and environmental value of recycling.

Ranjit Baxi, Founder of Global Recycling Day, said: “Once again the entries for the competition have highlighted an outstanding range of innovation and entrepreneurship, reflecting the passion which young people in particular feel about the environment. They realise that waste recycling does indeed present a golden opportunity.

“Political leaders should reflect on this desire to preserve the planet, and follow the lead to a goal which our future leaders are demanding.

“GRF understands the competing demands of the scarce financial resources available, but just as precious are the dwindling environmental resources upon which we all depend.”

A total of 15 winners were selected, each receiving $500. The winners include initiatives across multiple countries:

RecyclesPay - African Clean Up Initiative, Nigeria:
An initiative designed to reduce school dropouts by enabling families to exchange recyclable materials for support toward school-related expenses.

Spanish Federation of Recovery and Recycling (FER), Spain:
An organisation focused on promoting recycling practices and recognising workers engaged in transforming waste into usable resources.

The Nautilus Project, Gibraltar:
The Great Gibraltar Beach Cleans initiative has removed over 11 tonnes of marine litter through volunteer-driven coastal clean-up activities.

Dajopen Waste Management Solutions, Kitale, Kenya:
An initiative converting biodegradable urban waste into organic fertilizer while offering training in circular economy practices.

Fatema Fruitwala (Green warrior. Earth), UAE:
A project focused on upcycling textile and plastic waste into usable products, with over 20 tonnes of waste processed.

MiReHu Nonprofit Kft, Hungary:
A programme promoting waste prevention and reuse, including repurposing furniture and encouraging second-hand consumption.

Pipilika - Gold from E-Waste to contemporary jewellery, Ireland / UK:
A project demonstrating the recovery of gold from electronic waste for use in jewellery production.

Triple R Recycling, Abuja, Nigeria:
An initiative aimed at reducing plastic pollution through collection systems and creating income opportunities.

The Circular Oasis at CR205, Singapore:
A construction-based project implementing a closed-loop water recycling system aligned with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Zero Waste ZP, Ukraine:
PlasticOn, a community workshop converting plastic waste into reusable products through recycling processes.

EnviroCom Australia:
An organisation providing environmental education, research and resource recovery programmes since 1998.

Quest for Zero Waste Advocacy & Actions, USA:
A project focused on demonstrating waste reduction and resource efficiency through a functional living space.

Leafline Washable Sanitary Wear, South Africa:
A social enterprise producing washable sanitary products using fibres from pineapple leaves.

Jhun-Jhun Agustin, Philippines:
An initiative combining waste collection and recycling to support clean energy access in indigenous communities.

BLESSN EVEA SIGNATURE, Abuja, Nigeria:
A project focused on recycling and upcycling textile, fashion and plastic waste into new products.

In addition, GRF recognised five start-up initiatives, each receiving $500:

Business & Hotel Management School Sustainability Club, Switzerland:
A student-led project promoting recycling solutions and reuse through the Re: Store initiative.

Little Coffee Cup, UK:
A children’s book produced entirely from recycled coffee cups, aimed at promoting recycling awareness.

LassaSafe, Nigeria:
An initiative addressing environmental risks through waste management and sanitation practices.

BSU Mandiri - A Grassroots Movement, Indonesia:
A volunteer-driven initiative that diverted over 11 tonnes of recyclable waste from landfills in 2025.

Jesús González, Mexico:
An individual initiative focused on upcycling waste materials into products such as bags and shoes.