OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) has received four National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizing the department鈥檚 leadership in environmental education, resource recovery, sustainable waste management, and operational safety. The following programs were honored for their innovation and community impact:
EcoChallenge Enhances Sustainability and Benefits Youth
In partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, OCWR鈥檚 EcoChallenge program engages K鈥�12 students and their families in environmental education aligned with California鈥檚 Senate Bill 1383 waste diversion goals. With hands-on lessons, family resources, and record-breaking participation in 2024, EcoChallenge builds lifelong environmental stewardship through fun, standards-based learning.
Transforming Waste into Resources: Mattress and Metal Recycling Program
OCWR鈥檚 landfills offer free, easy access for mattress and metal recycling, helping preserve landfill capacity and support the circular economy. By streamlining operations and increasing public engagement, the program has diverted more than 112,000 mattresses and 9,000 tons of metal, generating over $1.18 million in revenue.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers Enhance Sustainability and Benefit Residents
Four drive-up Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers (HHWCCs) across the County provide free, hands-free disposal for items like paint, batteries, and e-waste. With more than 155,000 vehicles served and nearly 8 million pounds of waste collected in 2024, these centers protect public health, prevent environmental harm, and promote reuse through the popular Materials Exchange Program.
Driving Continual Safety Improvement: Landfill Spotter Safety Training
OCWR launched a Spotter Safety Training program to reduce risk and enhance communication in high-traffic landfill zones. Developed by the Employee-Driven Safety Committee using the Kaizen model, the program introduced standardized hand signals, mentorship for new spotters, and improved safety outcomes鈥攕etting a new benchmark for the industry.
鈥淭hese awards reflect the commitment of the OCWR team for continuous improvement, with the goal of driving real progress and community benefit,鈥� said Tom Koutroulis, Director of OC Waste & Recycling. 鈥淔rom protecting public health to building the next generation of environmental stewards, we are proud to deliver programs that support a more sustainable future.鈥�