NERF Awards Return for 2026 Following Successful Inaugural Year

The North East Recycling Forum (NERF) is delighted to announce the return of the NERF Awards, which will once again take place as part of the NERF Annual Conferen

ce at Newcastle Civic Centre on 19th November 2026.

Following the success of the inaugural awards, applications are now open for organisations, projects and individuals making a positive impact across the waste, recycling and resources sector in the North East.

The awards were launched last year to celebrate innovation, collaboration and excellence across the region, and the response exceeded expectations. The quality of entries demonstrated the passion, creativity and commitment that exists throughout the sector, with projects ranging from community-led waste reduction initiatives to large-scale partnership programmes delivering measurable environmental and social benefits.

Applications for the 2026 NERF Awards opened on 14th May and will close on 1st October 2026.

Award Categories

This year's awards will once again recognise achievement across four categories:

• Best Waste Minimisation

• Best Reuse Initiative

• Best Campaign

• Newcomer of the Year

  
  

The categories reflect key principles of the waste hierarchy and celebrate those helping to advance circular economy thinking across the North East.

Celebrating Last Year's Winners

The 2025 NERF Awards showcased some of the region's most inspiring projects and professionals.

NERF Award 2025 Winners

REfUSE CIC received the Best Waste Minimisation Award for its Eat Smart Schools programme, empowering young people to reduce food waste and drive behaviour change within their communities.

Durham County Council was recognised with the Best Reuse Initiative Award for a collaborative project that delivered environmental and financial benefits through partnership working with the NHS.

Newcastle City Council won the Best Campaign Award for its innovative football-themed recycling campaign developed alongside Newcastle United, successfully engaging audiences through local pride and community spirit.

The Newcomer of the Year Award was presented to Dr Oktay Cetinkaya of Newcastle University, recognising his fresh perspective and commitment to advancing reuse and circular economy engagement.

The awards also highlighted the strength of talent across the region, with an exceptionally high standard of entries and shortlisted candidates. Their achievements demonstrated how the North East continues to lead the way in developing practical, innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Why Enter?

Entering the NERF Awards provides an opportunity to:

• Showcase successful projects and initiatives

• Gain recognition from industry peers

• Celebrate the achievements of teams and individuals

• Share best practice across the sector

• Raise the profile of organisations driving positive change

  
  

Whether you are delivering a local community project, leading a regional campaign, developing innovative approaches to waste reduction, or are an emerging professional in the sector, the NERF Awards offer an opportunity to share your success.

Join Us at the NERF Annual Conference

The winners will be announced during the NERF Annual Conference on 19th November 2026 at Newcastle Civic Centre, bringing together professionals from across local authorities, businesses, academia and the third sector.

As the sector continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, the NERF Awards provide an important platform to celebrate the people and projects helping to shape a more sustainable future for the North East.

Applications are now open and we encourage organisations and individuals from across the region to submit their entries before the deadline of 1st October 2026.

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