Robbette Schmit, General Manager of Winton MFG Compost Works, has been named the 2025 Individual Recycler of the Year by the Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA). The award was presented during WSRA鈥檚 annual conference this May at the Northern Quest Resort in Airway Heights, celebrating Schmit鈥檚 extraordinary leadership in advancing composting, community education, and waste diversion across North Central Washington.听
Schmit has helped transform how communities approach food waste in Chelan, Douglas, and Grant counties. Through her work at Winton, she has launched and supported composting programs in public schools, hospitals, large events, and small businesses鈥攐ften providing one-on-one support to ensure long-term success. She has also played a key role in building one of the state鈥檚 most accessible and community-driven composting models, serving hundreds of households and organizations.听
鈥淐omposting is about more than waste鈥攊t鈥檚 about community,鈥� said Schmit. 鈥淭his recognition reflects the passion and persistence of so many people in our region who are committed to building a healthier, more sustainable future together.鈥�听
Among her many accomplishments, Schmit has worked closely with the Department of Ecology and local jurisdictions as the state implements the BOMA (Business Organic Management Area) designation for Chelan, Douglas, and Grant counties鈥攖he first designation of its kind in Eastern Washington. The success of these state requirements will mean less food and yard waste ends up in landfills, lowering our region鈥檚 carbon footprint. She has also worked closely with local and state agencies to advance organic waste legislation, while remaining deeply rooted in on-the-ground engagement. From mentoring high school students to supporting nonprofits like Sustainable NCW and Waste Loop, Schmit鈥檚 approach blends science, policy, and passion.听
Her influence has extended to large-scale public events as well. Thanks to her guidance and support, the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival now diverts significant volumes of waste through composting and recycling. She also helped the Wenatchee Convention Center and Town Toyota Center implement permanent food waste diversion programs, and听her partnerships have brought compostable packaging options to a growing number of regional vendors.听
鈥淩obbette connects people in a way that creates community and supports our environment and local economy,鈥� said Kris Cameron, Sustainability Chair for the Wenatchee Confluence Rotary. 鈥淪he is one of the most creative problem-solvers with whom I鈥檝e worked, and I view her as the 鈥榟ub of the wheel鈥� when it comes to organics management in our area鈥攊t simply would not happen without her.鈥�听
Known for her creativity, commitment to equity, and collaborative spirit, Schmit has helped embed composting into the culture of North Central Washington. She ensures educational materials are multilingual, supports underserved communities, and donates composting services to help schools and nonprofits get started. Her work has not only kept thousands of pounds of food waste out of landfills鈥攊t has created a movement that continues to grow.听