The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) has announced the winners of its 2026 Recycling Heroes Competition.
The theme this year was “Don’t Think Waste – Think Opportunity” encouraging everyone to view waste as a valuable resource. We need to recognise the economic value of recycling helping drive circular economy and sustainable practices. All entrants had to submit a short video to illustrate how their projects and initiatives best demonstrated this year’s theme.
Ranjit Baxi, Founder of Global Recycling Day, said, “Once again the entries for the competition have highlighted an outstanding range of innovation and entrepreneurship, reflecting the passion which young people in particular feel about the environment. They realise that waste recycling does indeed present a golden opportunity. Political leaders should reflect on this desire to preserve the planet, and follow the lead to a goal which our future leaders are demanding. GRF understands the competing demands of the scarce financial resources available, but just as precious are the dwindling environmental resources upon which we all depend.”
This year GRF has also selected five start-up initiatives which deserve recognition.
The 15 winners will each receive $500. The winners are:
- RecyclesPay – African Clean Up Initiative, Nigeria
- Spanish Federation of Recovery and Recycling (FER), Spain
- The Nautilus Project, Gibraltar
- Dajopen Waste Management Solutions in Kitale, Kenya
- Fatema Fruitwala (Green warrior. Earth), UAE
- MiReHu Nonprofit Kft, Hungary
- Pipilika – Gold from E-Waste to contemporary jewellery, Ireland/UK
- Triple R Recycling, Abuja, Nigeria
- The Circular Oasis at CR205, Singapore
- Zero Waste ZP, Ukraine
- EnviroCom Australia
- Quest for Zero Waste Advocacy & Actions, USA
- Leafline Washable Sanitary Wear, South Africa
- Jhun-Jhun Agustin, Philippines
- BLESSN EVEA SIGNATURE, Abuja, Nigeria
Start-up winners will each receive $ 500.00. The winners are:
- Business & Hotel Management School Sustainability Club, Switzerland
- Little Coffee Cup, UK
- LassaSafe, Nigeria
- BSU Mandiri – A Grassroots Movement, Indonesia
- Jesús González, Mexico
