The Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA) is seeking nominations for its annual Recycler of the Year awards, which spotlight individuals, businesses, government agencies and community organizations that make outstanding contributions to expand and strengthen recycling and waste prevention.

WSRA welcomes nominations of individuals and organizations that have demonstrated noteworthy dedication, innovation and success in recycling initiatives across the state.

Award categories vary but often include Individual Recycler, Public Agency, Institution, Non-Profit, Commercial Generator, Public Education, Event Recycling, Composting, Innovation, and Nucor Steel Recycling Business Award.

Recipients of 2011 awards included Jim Pemble (Bellingham Farmer’s Market), the City of Moses Lake, Clark County Recycled Arts Festival, Enviromason, King County Reduction and Recycling School Assemblies, V&G Styro Recycle, Boeing and Virginia Mason PGA Golf Tournament Striving for Zero Waste, Seattle Mariners, Washington Green Schools and Shelton’s Wilson Recycling.

A committee of recycling professionals and community members will review 2012 Recycler of the Year nominations and select recipients, whose accomplishments will be featured May 1 at the annual Awards Banquet at Spokane’s historic Davenport Hotel.

Nominations are due Monday. Contact the WSRA office at 206-244-0311 for application assistance or more information.

The Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA), formed in 1976, provides leadership, networking, advocacy and education to foster the expansion, diversity and economic vitality of recycling as part of sustainable resource management. Its 280 member organizations and over 700 individual members include private, community and government recycling agencies, generators of recyclables, collectors, processors, transporters, brokers, commodity markets, recycled content product manufacturers, and others.

Contact Washington State Recycling Association, 206-244-0311, www.wsra.net.