The Tire Recycling Foundation announced the launch of the Tire Recycling Foundation Awards, a national recognition program honoring organizations, teams, and individuals who are advancing tire recycling technologies, expanding end-use markets, and demonstrating leadership in sustainability and circular economy principles.

These awards highlight the people and partnerships turning challenges into opportunities, building markets, driving innovation, and shaping a more sustainable future for scrap tire management across the United States.

Four award categories will be presented in 2026 at the 10th Tire Recycling Conference, happening May 12-14, 2026, in Denver, Colorado:

Innovation in End-Use Technology Award

Recognizes groundbreaking technologies, products, or processes that use recycled tire rubber in new and impactful ways.
Focus: Technological advancement, commercialization, and sustainability impact.
Examples: Rubber-modified asphalt, molded products, pyrolysis, flooring, and other innovative applications.

Circular Economy Trailblazer Recognition, State Leadership in Tire Market Innovation

Honors state agencies or statewide programs that demonstrate exceptional leadership and measurable impact in advancing tire recycling within a circular economy framework.
Focus: Systems-level transformation, cross-sector collaboration, and replicable success.

Market Development Excellence Award

Celebrates outstanding efforts to grow end-use markets for tire-derived materials through education, policy, marketing, or advocacy initiatives.
Focus: Measurable market growth, increased adoption, and long-term strategy.

Value Chain Collaboration Award

Recognizes exemplary partnerships between multiple stakeholders in the tire recycling value chain that yield measurable improvements in efficiency, economics, or environmental performance.
Focus: Collaboration, shared success, and real-world impact.

These awards highlight the people and partnerships turning challenges into opportunities, building markets, driving innovation, and shaping a more sustainable future for end-of-life tire management across the United States. The Tire Recycling Foundation invites you to apply or nominate someone who deserves recognition.

Timeline

Applications and Nominations Open: December 15, 2025
Deadline for Applications and Nominations: February 8, 2026
Finalists Announced: March 9, 2026
Winners Announced & Awards Presented: May 14, 2026, at the Tire Recycling Conference Awards Luncheon in Denver, Colorado

Visit the award program page to learn more about the timeline, eligibility requirements, and the selection process.