RAM Awards
Every year, the Recycling Association of Minnesota recognizes the efforts of recyclers in the state. RAM is currently accepting applications. Once completed, submit to ram@recycleminnesota.org.
Applications for the 2011 Awards will be accepted Fall of 2011.
PURPOSE
The Recycling Association of Minnesota is committed to promoting resource conservation through waste prevention, reuse, recycling, composting and purchasing practices using the most cost effective and environmentally sound methods available in Minnesota.
The RAM Board of Directors wants to recognize the environmental stewardship efforts of community groups, businesses, public entities, and individuals that benefit the communities in Minnesota.
AWARD ELIGIBILITY
Individuals or recent programs contributing to the betterment of recycling or other resource conservation efforts in the state of Minnesota are eligible for RAM awards. A RAM member must make nominations using the award application. Below is the list of award categories and the criteria(s) to qualify for each category. Note a nominee does not need to be a RAM member.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Green Project Award
This award recognizes a special green project in Minnesota that has demonstrated outstanding environmental results.
Criteria for award:
- 6 months worth of data history to prove the green project is working well
Demonstrate innovation through reducing waste, carbon footprint, water usage or other environmental issue important to Minnesota
Goals to expand the program in the near future
Preference given to a RAM member
Public Service Award
This award recognizes an elected official who has demonstrated outstanding service for the betterment of recycling and the environment.
Criteria for award:
- History of public service for the betterment of recycling and the environment
- Grasp of operational details of the recycling industry
- Consistent support for recycling initiatives, proposals or programs
- Seeks input on recycling issues from diverse groups or individuals from an inclusive approach to policy making
Recycler Of The Year
An individual, group, business, public entity or organization that has demonstrated outstanding service as a recycling service provider or advocate.
Criteria for award
Must meet one or more of the following:
- Display initiative and commitment to recycling (such as expanding types of materials collected)
- Demonstrate innovation and leadership in recycling (such as having an above average recycling rate)
- Active in recycling market development or environmentally preferable purchasing (including buying recycled)
- Support of groups with environmental focus through contributions or in-kind donations
- Preference given to RAM member
Denise Kolar Award
Honoring a member of RAM who has devoted a tremendous amount of energy, goodwill and effort to benefit RAM.
Criteria for award:
- Donated an exceptional number of hours to RAM projects
- Provided a positive example of leadership
- Introduced new members or sponsors to RAM
Denise Kolar, Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, Solid Waste Program Coordinator, was one of RAM’s founders and devoted many years as a board member and volunteer. Denise died suddenly in 1992 after giving birth to her daughter. She will always be missed.
RAM AWARDS FOR 2010
Public Service Award
Rep. Melissa Hortman
Denise Kolar Award
Amy Ulbricht
Recycler of the Year Award
Menards, Great River Energy and Center for Energy and the Environment for the CFL recycling program hosted at Menards
Green Project of the Year Award
Twins Stadium, Target Field
RAM AWARDS FOR 2009
Public Service Award
Ginny Black
Denise Kolar
Marcus Zbinden
Recycler of the Year
Best Buy
Green Project of the Year
City of Elk River
RAM AWARDS FOR 2008
Public Service Award
Rep. Brita Sailer (D-Park Rapids)
for her outstanding public service as a member of the MN House of Representatives and advocacy for many environmental initiatives, including final passage of significant electronics recycling legislation.
Recycler of the Year Award
Carver County Environmental Services &
RW Farms
In recognition of the Carver County Organics Demonstration Project.
Denise Kolar Award
Ellen Telander
in recognition of her dedication to the Recycling Association of Minnesota.
RAM Awards for 2007
Public Service Award
Rep. Paul Gardner (D-Shoreview)
his policy-making efforts and consistent support for recycling initiatives will have a positive impact on the recycling industry and on our state's environment now and in the future. In addition, we thank him for his dedication, contributions, and years of service to the Recycling Association of Minnesota as its Executive Director from 1997 - 2006.
Recycler of the Year Award
ATHC is recognized for playing a key roll in assisting RAM with the implementation of the Message in a Bottle recycling program. This "away from home" recycling program has become an instant success by diverting valuable recyclable materials from being landfilled or incinerated.
Denise Kolar Award
Tim Goodman in recognition of his dedication to the Recycling Association of Minnesota.
RAM Awards for 2006
Public Service Award
Sherburne County Commissioner Rachel Leonard for her efforts to promote the use of recycled materials in public buildings in the County.
Recycler of the Year Award
City of Wayzata, Hennepin County Environmental Services, Randy's Sanitation, and NRG Processing Solutions/Specialized Environmental Technologies for the successful curbside organics recycling program in Wayzata.
Denise Kolar Award
Jean Lundquist for her service as Board Chair and helping on the National Recycling Congress.
RAM Awards for 2005
Public Service Award
Anoka County Commissioner Jim Kordiak for his efforts to promote electronics recycling in Minnesota.
Recycler of the Year Award
Northeastern Minnesota Mattress Recycling Program for its successful efforts to divert mattresses from landfills in a cost-effective way.
Denise Kolar Award
Kris Hageman and Dan Krivit for their many hours of leadership and service for the National Recycling Congress held in Minneapolis in August 2005.
RAM Awards for 2004
Public Service Award
Sen. Linda Higgins (D-Minneapolis) and Rep. Ray Cox (R-Northfield) for their efforts to promote electronics recycling in Minnesota.
Recycler of the Year Award
Minnesota Waste Wise, "It's in the Bag" plastic bag recycling program
Denise Kolar Award
Mark Heieren for his many years of service to the organization.
RAM Awards for 2003
Public Service Award
Rep. Dennis Ozment (R-Rosemount) for his support of the SCORE funding system for recycling.
Recycler of the Year Award
LDI Fibres, for its commitment to using recycled fiber and being active in the recycling community.
Denise Kolar Award
Brita Sailer for her commitment to recycling in Greater Minnesota and to RAM.
RAM Awards for 2002
Public Service Award
Sen. Leonard Price (D-Woodbury) for his support of the SCORE funding system for recycling.
Recycler of the Year Award
Brian Sams, Redwood County, for his extraordinary and creative efforts in achieving a 60+% recycling rate in Redwood County.
Denise Kolar Award
Susan Bast, Dakota Valley Recycling, for her long-time service on the board and for the organization.
RAM Awards for 2001
Public Service Award “Recycled Products Education Kit Team”
Dan Schoepke, Washington County
Denise Rotty, Dakota Electric Association
Susan Bast, Cities of Burnsville & Eagan
Ron Lifson & Myrna Rustad, LDI Fibres Inc.
Dawn Nibbe, Liberty Carton
Joan Archer, Minnesota Soft Drink Association
Recycler of the Year Award
Liberty Diversified Industries
Denise Kolar Award
Kristin Pierskalla, Hennepin County Environmental Services for her efforts to promote recycling, recycled products, and America Recycles Day.
