WtERT Industry Award 2004 | Martin GmbH – Munich, Germany

The WtERT Industry Award 2004 was presented to Martin GmbH, a global leader in Waste-to-Energy technology based in Munich, Germany.

Martin GmbH has played a pioneering role in the development and deployment of advanced combustion technologies for municipal solid waste. By 2004, its grate technology had already been implemented in over 300 Waste-to-Energy plants across 26 countries, demonstrating outstanding reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance.

The award was received by Mr. Johannes Martin, President of Martin GmbH, in recognition of the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation and excellence in the Waste-to-Energy sector

WtERT Education Award 2004 | Prof. George Tchobanoglous, University of California

The WtERT Education Award 2004 was awarded to Professor George Tchobanoglous of the University of California, Davis, one of the most influential figures in the field of environmental engineering and waste management.

Professor Tchobanoglous is internationally recognized for his exceptional contributions to education, research, and knowledge dissemination in solid waste management. He is the author of hundreds of scientific publications and several foundational textbooks, including works on integrated solid waste management, which have educated generations of engineers and policymakers worldwide.

WtERT Industry Award 2005 | Saugus Waste-to-Energy Facility – Wheelabrator Technologies

The WtERT Industry Award 2005 honors the Saugus Waste-to-Energy facility of Wheelabrator Technologies, recognizing its 30 years of continuous operation and pioneering contributions to the development of the Waste-to-Energy industry in the United States.

As the first commercially successful WtE plant in the U.S., the Saugus facility has demonstrated innovation in technology, financing, and environmental performance. Processing approximately 1,500 tons of waste per day and generating 40 MW of electricity, the plant helped establish scalable project financing models and introduced advanced European technologies adapted to U.S. standards. It also played a leading role in early adoption of air pollution control systems and in demonstrating the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of Waste-to-Energy compared to landfilling.

WtERT Education Award 2005 | Ms. Maria Zannes

The WtERT Education Award 2005 recognizes Maria Zannes, co-founder of WtERT and former President of the Integrated Waste Services Association (IWSA), for her outstanding leadership in advancing Waste-to-Energy and sustainable waste management globally.

With over two decades of experience in the environmental and energy sectors, Ms. Zannes played a pivotal role in representing the U.S. Waste-to-Energy industry, overseeing a network of facilities processing more than 85,000 tons of waste daily and supplying energy to over two million homes. Her career spans law, policy, project development, and industry advocacy, making her a key figure in shaping modern waste management systems.

WtERT Industry Award 2006 | ASM Brescia Waste-to-Energy Plant, Italy

The ASM Brescia Waste-to-Energy plant in Italy is recognized as one of the most advanced and best-performing WtE facilities worldwide. It stands out for its high efficiency in electricity generation and district heating, as well as its integration within the urban environment.

The facility has consistently demonstrated environmental performance well beyond European and U.S. standards, with advanced systems for emissions control, metal recovery, and ash management. Its innovative design and operational excellence make it a global benchmark for modern Waste-to-Energy plants, illustrating how infrastructure can combine technical performance, environmental protection, and urban compatibility.

WtERT Education Award 2006 | Prof. Paul Brunner of the Vienna University of Technology

The WtERT Education Award 2005 recognizes Prof. Paul Brunner as internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to sustainable waste and resource management. Through his extensive body of work—including over 150 scientific publications and influential books such as the Practical Handbook of Material Flow Analysis—he has helped establish Material Flow Analysis (MFA) as a fundamental tool for understanding and optimizing resource use.

Beyond academia, Prof. Brunner played a key role in the development of Austria’s waste management system, widely regarded as one of the most advanced in the world. His work has significantly shaped modern approaches to circular economy, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability, influencing both policy and engineering practices globally.

WtERT Industry Award 2008 | Covanta Energy

Covanta Energy was honored for its significant technological advancements in Waste-to-Energy processes, particularly the development of the LN® and VLN® NOx reduction systems. These innovations represent a major improvement in controlling nitrogen oxide emissions in grate combustion (“mass burn”) facilities, contributing to cleaner and more efficient operations.

The award recognizes Covanta’s leadership in advancing combustion technology, including improvements in process control, thermal efficiency, and environmental performance. Accepted on behalf of the company by Mr. Steve Goff, Vice President of Technology Development, this achievement highlights Covanta’s ongoing commitment to innovation in sustainable waste management.

WtERT Outstanding Contribution Award 2008 | Mr. Artie Cole

Mr. Artie Cole of Wheelabrator Technologies was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of Waste-to-Energy technology over more than three decades. His work has played a key role in the development and implementation of modern WtE systems, contributing to improved efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance.

This award honors individuals whose long-term efforts have significantly advanced energy recovery from municipal solid waste. Through his technical expertise and industry leadership, Mr. Cole has helped shape the evolution of Waste-to-Energy practices both in the United States and internationally.

WtERT International Award 2010 | The City of Vienna, Austria

The City of Vienna was recognized for its outstanding leadership in urban waste management and environmental stewardship, contributing to its reputation as one of the cleanest and most livable cities in the world.

Vienna has developed an integrated and highly efficient waste management system combining advanced Waste-to-Energy technologies, high recycling rates, and strong public engagement. Its approach reflects a long-term commitment to sustainability, urban quality of life, and resource efficiency. The award was received by Mr. Rainer Kronberger on behalf of the Waste Management Department (MA 48), highlighting Vienna’s role as a global model for sustainable city management.

WtERT National Award 2010 | Lee County, Florida, USA

Lee County, Florida was honored for its pioneering efforts in advancing toward “zero waste” within the United States. As one of the first urban regions in the country to adopt such an ambitious goal, Lee County has demonstrated leadership in integrating waste reduction, recycling, and energy recovery strategies.

Through innovative policies, infrastructure development, and public outreach, the county has established a comprehensive system that minimizes landfill use while maximizing resource recovery. The award was received by Mr. Lindsey J. Sampson, recognizing the county’s commitment to sustainable waste management and its role as a national benchmark.

WtERT Award 2012 | Waste Management World Journal

The WtERT Award 2012 was presented to Waste Management World Journal in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the dissemination of knowledge and innovation in the global waste management industry.

As one of the most widely read and accessible publications in the field, the journal has played a pivotal role in sharing cutting-edge developments, technologies, and best practices with professionals, policymakers, and researchers worldwide. Between 2000 and 2010, it published hundreds of insightful articles that significantly advanced understanding of sustainable waste management and Waste-to-Energy solutions.

The award was received by Mr. Tom Freyberg, Chief Editor of Waste Management World, on behalf of the publication, recognizing its essential role in informing and connecting the global waste management community.

WtERT Award 2014

Presentation of MER-ASME Distinguished Contribution Award to Mr. John M. Klett, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer (ret.) Covanta Energy Corporation

Presentation of the WTERT 2014 Awards to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) by Prof. N.J. Themelis; Received on behalf of ROK by Prof. Tai Gyu Lee and YonChil Seo of Yonsei University, Seoul and WTERT-Korea

WtERT Award 2016 | Solid Waste Authority (SWA)

Welcome by Ms. Susan Raila, HDR and Chair of MER-ASME; Presentation of 2016 WTERT Award to Solid Waste Authority (SWA) of Palm Beach County, Florida for their integrated waste management system and the new 3,000 ton/day Renewable Energy Facility No. 2, the first U.S.WTE project of its size in the 21st century. The Award will be received by Mr. Dan Pellowitz, Managing Director of SWA.