RERF Opens Nominations for the 2026 Peter J. Avagliano Award

(January 29, 2026 - Washington D.C.) - The Recycling Education & Research Foundation (RERF) has opened submissions for the Peter J. Avagliano Award. Now in its second year, the Award was established by the family of Peter J. Avagliano to honor his memory and 53-year career as a major figure in the recycled materials industry.

"Peter J. Avagliano demonstrated exemplary dedication to the recycled materials industry, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world," said RERF Chair Christine Gneiding, Chief Compliance Officer at Intrametco. "As we mark the second year, we're proud to continue honoring individuals who embody Peter's qualities."

The award will honor an early-to-mid career employee in the recycled materials industry who best exemplifies the legacy and impact that Mr. Avagliano had on the industry. The recipient will receive complimentary registration for one year to all ReMA virtual education events, a gift card, and a commemorative plaque.

Important Information

• Nominees must be members of ReMA.
• Nomination Forms are due by Friday, March 6, 2026.
• Only the award recipient will be contacted.

Nominees Should:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the industry;
• Reflect leadership potential;
• Help everyone around them at the recycled material operation, in small and large tasks;
• Be a kind, respectful, and considerate team member; and
• Exhibit a strong, hands-on work ethic.

Mr. Avagliano joined Schiavone-Bonomo (which in 1998 became Hugo Neu Schnitzer East, an affiliation of Hugo Neu Corp and Schnitzer Steel Industries) in 1950, as an assistant, plant worker, and became a Vice President in 1976, and Executive Vice President in 1985. He was active in the Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel and was President of the New Jersey Chapter from 1977 to 1979, as well as National Chair of its foreign trade committee in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The nomination deadline is Friday, March 6, 2026.

The winner will be officially recognized at ReMA2026 - The Show, Powered by ReMatter, to be held April 13-16, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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For more information, contact: Rachel Bookman, [email protected]

The Recycling Education and Research Foundation (RERF) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization associated with Recycled Materials Association (ReMA). RERF has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to more than 1,200 students across the country and has overseen much needed research into the science and technology involved with recycling.on, D.C., ReMA provides advocacy, education, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycled materials play in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.