Awards and Recognition

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) takes pride in our commitment to excellence in our pursuit of providing stellar service and value to the residents of Palm Beach County. Below is a listing of the awards and recognition we've earned over the past four decades.

Biosolids Processing Facility

Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers FICE Engineering Excellence Awards Grand Award 2010
SWANA Excellence Award - Landfill Gas Utilization Gold Award 2010

Learn more about our Biosolids Processing Facility»

Central County Transfer Station


 Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Transfer Station  Silver Award 2009
SWANA Transfer Station Excellence Awards Program System Excellence 1991

The Central County Transfer Station is in Lantana, and has a Home Chemical and Recycling Center. See it on a map»

Customer Information Services


 Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) Volunteer Program First Place for SWA Soiree and 5K Trail Run/Walk 2017
Rebuilding Together of the Palm Beaches
Special Recognition 2003
Florida Government Communicators Association (FGCA) Volunteer Coordinators Program/Community Education First Place 1994

Contact our Customer Information Services Department»

Compost Facility


 Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
 American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Solid Waste Division Facility for environmental performance and technical efficiency National Recognition Award 1994

The SWA Compost Facility was closed in the fall of 2014.

Dyer Park


 Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
 National Association of County Parks & Recreation Officials
Area and Facilities Award 1998

Dyer Landfill


 Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
Governmental Refuse Collection and Disposal Association (GRCDA)   National Landfill Excellence Award 1989
GRCDA   National Landfill Excellence Award 1987
 Florida Nurserymen & Growers Association Special Recognition Landscape work at Dyer Boulevard Landfill Restoration Project 1987
 PBS&J Small Environmental Design Project Project Excellence Award, Outstanding Project Achievement and Quality of Work 1987

When Dyer Landfill closed, it was transformed into a park with a large area of created wetland habitat that opened in 1997.

Education


 Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) Educational Program with $50,000+ Budget First Place for 3R Ambassador Program 2017
National Waste & Recycling Association Excellence in Public Education award
Honorable Mention 2016
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) Educational Program Third Place for "Away" 2016
Project Learning Tree
Educator of the Year Award - Brian Elkins 2015
 Palm Beach County School District Partner in Education Bronze Medalist 2007
FFEA Media Award Best Educational Program $100,000-$499,000 – Virtual Recycling Tour 2004
FFEA Media Award Best Promotional Item $99,000 and Under 2003
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
Excellence in Solid Waste Education Award - “Household Hazardous Waste & Pollution Prevention” 1997
SWANA Excellence in Municipal Solid Waste Management Public Education Excellence Award – Category III – “Pollution Prevention Starts at Home” 1997
State of Florida Governor’s Office Government Category Environmental Education Award (Finalist) 1993
State of Florida Governor’s Office Government Category Environmental Education Award (Finalist) 1992

Learn more about the SWA Education Programs»

Finance Department

 Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)   Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting 1998-2015
GFOA   Distinguished Budget Presentation Award 1993-2015
GFOA Special Capital Recognition Distinguished Budget Presentation Award 2000-2003
GFOA Outstanding as a Communication Device Distinguished Budget Presentation Award 2002
GFOA Outstanding Policy Document, Financial Plan, and Communication Device Distinguished Budget Presentation Award 1999-2000

Peruse our Finance and Budget pages»

Hazardous Waste Program

Awarding Organization  Category  Award  Year
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) System Excellence Award Permanent collection program of household hazardous waste 1993

See what items may be dropped off at our Home Chemical and Recycling Centers»

Media Arts

 Awarding Organization Category Award Year
Telly Awards General - Online  Bronze Award - July Critter Cam 2020
Telly Awards General - PSA  Bronze Award - What Do You Love 2019 
Omni Awards Public Service 4 Bronze Awards - Get in the Game Commercial, Pool, Pesticides & Propane Commercial, Holiday Kid Recycling Commercial, and Spring Into Action Commercial 2017
Omni Awards Nonprofit Bronze Award - Keep Litter in it's Place Commercial and 2017
Telly Awards Recycling Commercials For a Campaign in (NOT FOR PROFIT) Bronze Telly Award - Recycling Commercial Campaign 2016
Telly Awards Local TV & Local Cable - Videography / Cinematography Bronze Telly Award - Used Cooking Oil Commercial 2016
American Advertising Federation of the Palm Beaches (AAF) Recycling Education Campaign One Gold and six Silver Addy awards 2006
AAF Recycling Education Campaign Six Silver Addy awards 2005
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) Media Award Radio Ad $100,000-$499,000 - The Bin Wagon 2005
FFEA Media Award TV Ad $100,000-$499,000 - The Bin Wagon 2005
FFEA Media Award Newspaper Special Section $99,000 and Under - Earth Day 2005
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences   Emmy Award - eTV On screen talent 2005
International Communicator Award   Four Awards of Distinction - Recycling Education Campaign materials 2005
International Communicator Award   Two Honorable Mentions - Recycling Education Campaign materials 2005
International Communicator Award   One Crystal Award of Distinction - Recycling Education Campaign materials 2005
AAF Recycling Education Campaign Two Gold and Seven Silver Addy awards 2004
AAF Recycling Education Campaign Three Silver Addy awards 2003
FFEA Media Award TV Advertisements, Community Partnership with Sheriff Drug Farm & Best Promotional Item 2003
FFEA Media Award Best TV Ad $100,000-$499,000 - America Recycles Day 2003
FFEA Media Award Best TV Ad $99,000 and Under - Earth Day 2003
FFEA Media Award Best Community Partnership 2003
National Academy of Television Arts & Science Talent/Host Category Suncoast Regional Emmy Nomination 2003
Aurora International Film & Television Association   International Gold Aurora Award (4) 2003
Treasure Coast Chapter of the National Association of Environmental Professionals   Environmental Excellence Award for Conservation Programs - eTV & Florida's Future 2003
Omni Intermedia   Omni Intermedia Award - Environmental Television 2003
AAF Misc. One District and five Local Addy awards 2002
Aurora International Film & Television Association National Awards Gold Aurora Award (5) 2002
AAF Recycling Education Campaign Two Gold and four Silver Addy awards 2001
AAF Recycling Education Campaign One Gold and five Silver Addy awards 2000
Women in Communication Association (WICA) ACE Award for Special Print Communication 25th Anniversary overview publication & recycling brochure 1999
Florida Government Communicators Association (FGCA) Campaign Gold Award - "Old Newspaper Recycling Campaign" 1999
FGCA Special Event Bronze Award - "Residential Materials Recycling Grand Re-Opening" 1999
AAF Recycling Education Campaign One Gold and five Silver Addy awards 1999
International Television and Video Association Video Editing Bronze AIME 1999
AAF Billboard advertising Gold Addy - "Recycle Right" 1998
AAF Poster Silver Addy - "Dyer Park" 1998
City/County Communications & Marketing Association   Gold SAVVY Award - Annual Report 1998
WICA ACE Award for Educational Piece Direct Mail - Dyer Park Note Cards 1997
WICA ACE Award for Special Print Communication Annual Report, 1995/96 1997
FGCA Special Event Gold Award - "Dyer Park Grand Opening" 1997
FGCA Television Show Silver Award - "Waste Matters" 1997
FGCA Outstanding Event Gold Award - Dyer Park Grand Opening 1997
AAF Billboard advertising Gold Addy - "Recycle Right" 1997
AAF Poster Silver Addy - "Dyer Park" 1997
AAF Summer television recycling education program Gold Award 1996
City/County Communications & Marketing Association   Award of Excellence - "Waste Matters" television show 1996
FGCA   Silver Award - "Waste Matters" television program 1996
FGCA   Bronze Award - Outreach campaign 1996
FGCA Community Relations Second Place - "Biocycle" magazine cover 1995
FGCA Public Information Second Place - "Waste Prevention" campaign 1995
FGCA Public Affairs Audio Visual Third Place - "Waste Matters" television program 1995
FGCA Video/Communication Education First Place - "Waste Matters" 1994
FGCA Photography Second Place - "Biocycle" magazine cover 1994

See the stellar work of the SWA's Media Arts group on our YouTube Channel»

North County Landfill


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
US Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Status - Landfill Operations and Maintenance 2011
Governmental Refuse Collection and Disposal Association (GRCDA)   National Landfill Excellence Award 1990

The North County Landfill has a Customer Convenience Drop-Off Center. See it on a map»

North County Transfer Station


Awarding Organization  Category Award Year
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Transfer Station Excellence Awards Program System Excellence 1994

The North County Transfer Station is in Jupiter, and has a Home Chemical and Recycling Center. See it on a map»

Park Ridge Golf Course (Formerly Lantana Landfill)


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Landfill Reuse Gold Award 2009

Interested in golfing on a former landfill? Park Ridge is a beautiful and challenging course. Learn more»

Public Affairs and Recycling


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
National Waste and Recycling Association Best Recycling Public Education Program Award 2020
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) Outdoor Ad Installation Second Place for SWA Advertising Campaign 2017
FFEA Social Media Ad Campaign with $50,000-$200,000 Budget Second Place for SWA Advertising Campaign 2017
FFEA Outdoor Ad Signage with $50,000-$200,000 Budget Third Place for SWA Advertising Campaign 2017
FFEA Outdoor Ad Installation with $50,000-$200,000 Budget Third Place for SWA Advertising Campaign 2017
FFEA Brochure Third Place for SWA Soiree Run Away 5K Trail Run/Walk 2016
Delray Beach Joint Venture and City of Delray Beach Support of holiday festivities Bronze Star Award 2002
Delray Beach Joint Venture and City of Delray Beach Support of holiday festivities Bronze Star Award 2001
Delray Beach Joint Venture and City of Delray Beach Support of holiday festivities Community Sponsors Award 2000
FFEA Best Environmental Program Statewide First Place Award - SunFest 1999
Delray Beach Joint Venture and City of Delray Beach Support of holiday festivities Bronze Star Award 1998
FFEA Best Environmental Program First Place - SunFest 1998
Delray Beach Joint Venture and City of Delray Beach Support of holiday festivities and First Night Bronze Star Award 1997/1998

Public Affairs and Recycling; Recovered Material Processing Facility


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
Recycle Florida Today Best Urban Recycling Program (Joint award with City of West Palm Beach Public Works Department) 2000
Keep America Beautiful Local Government Category Recycling Award 1991

See our recycling facility firsthand! Request a tour»

Purchasing



Awarding Organization  Category Award Year
National Purchasing Institute   Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award 2003
National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP)   Agency Accreditation Achievement Award 1999
The Florida Assoc. of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc. Medium Entity Distinguished Purchasing Department 1998

Learn more about the SWA's Purchasing Department»

Recovered Material Processing Facility


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
ALCOA Aluminum   Outstanding Shipper of High Quality Used Beverage Containers 2003
American Forest & Paper Association   Most Improved Paper Recycling Program 1997
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Recycling Excellence Awards Program Honorable Mention for Processing and Marketing 1991
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Recycling Excellence Awards Program Meritorious Achievement for Overall Recycling Programs 1991

See our recycling facility firsthand! Request a tour»

Renewable Energy Facility 1, Landfill, Yard Waste, Biosolids and Hazardous Waste

Awarding Organization Category Award Year
The Bill Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Material   Letter of Recognition 2012

Renewable Energy Facility 1 and Renewable Energy Facility 2

Awarding Organization Category Award Year
The Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WTERT)   Award for Integrated Waste Management 2016

Renewable Energy Facility 1


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Waste to Energy Silver Award 2009
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Solid Waste Processing Division of the ASME The Large Combustion Facility of the Year 2009
State of Florida Governor's Office   Award for Energy Innovation 1987

See our renewable energy facilities firsthand! Request a tour»

Renewable Energy Facility 2


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Waste-to-Energy Gold Excellence Award 2017
Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE) Engineering Excellence Grand Conceptor Award 2017
FICE Engineering Excellence Grand Award 2017
Engineers' Coucil
Distinguished Engineering Project Award 2017
Design-Build Institute of America Florida Region Florida Design-Build Award, Industrial/Process/Research Facilities Category Honor Award 2016
POWER Magazine   Top Plant Award 2016
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Solid Waste Processing Division The Large Combustion Facility of the Year 2016
ASME, Palm Beach Branch   Project of the Year 2016
US Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Status - Education Center 2016
American City and County Magazine   Crown Communities Award for Sustainability 2015

See our renewable energy facilities firsthand! Request a tour»

Risk Management


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
Safety Council of Palm Beach County Excellence in Worker Safety & Excellence in Vehicle Safety 2006
Safety Council of Palm Beach County Excellence in Worker Safety & Excellence in Vehicle Safety 1999

Southwest County Transfer Station


Awarding Organization  Category Award Year
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Transfer Station Gold Award 2012

The Southwest County Transfer Station is in Delray Beach, and has a Home Chemical and Recycling Center. See it on a map»

SWA Business Equipment Reuse Center (BERC)


Awarding Organization  Category Award Year
Recycle Florida Today Outstanding County/City (Urban) Recycling for Waste Prevention 2003

SWA Organization


Awarding Organization Category Award Year
Florida Festivals and Events Association Multi-Agency Collaboration (with Resource Depot) Third Place for SWA Soiree and Run AWAY 5K Trail Run/Walk 2017
Palm Beach County Substance Awareness Coalition Business Leader Champion In recognition of the SWA’s partnership in the Operation Pill Drop program 2016
Palm Beach County School District   Silver Sponsorship of Business Partnership Recognition Awards Breakfast 2005
Head Start/Early Head Start   Friends Award 2004
Rebuilding Together of the Palm Beaches   Special Recognition 2003
The Palm Beach /Treasure Coast Chapter of the Association for Women in Communication   Stellar Corporation Award 1998
National Recycling Coalition (NRC)   Beth Brown-Beottner Award for Government Leadership 1991

West Central County Transfer Station


Awarding Organization  Category Award Year
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Transfer Station Excellence Awards Program System Excellence 1996

The West Central County Transfer Station is in Royal Palm Beach, and has a Home Chemical and Recycling Center. See it on a map»