The Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin (AROW) proudly held their annual awards ceremony last month at the 2022 Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference (www.wirmc.org) in Green Bay. The ceremony, held on Feb. 24, recognized individuals and organizations for outstanding work in the field of recycling and waste reduction.

“AROW always looks forward to honoring those working hard in our industry. This year’s recipients clearly demonstrate the strength of recycling in Wisconsin with achievements in private industry as well as education,” said Meleesa Johnson, AROW’s President. “AROW is the voice for recycling and waste reduction in Wisconsin and we are proud to recognize these individuals and groups.”

The prestigious Christy Dixon Recycler of the Year Award was awarded to Steve Melstrom, retired Pierce County Solid Waste Administrator, located in Ellsworth. This recognition is given to an individual whose career demonstrates the highest professional standards. Melstrom has been a leader in the waste and recycling industry for over 30 years.

In his time with Pierce County, Melstrom has worked his way up to become the administrator and has overseen and advocated for many changes and improvements to the county’s recycling system. Melstrom has been a part of the county’s transition from source separated collection, to building a dual-stream recycling center, to adding new materials to their recycling stream over the years. He has helped expand access to drop-off sites across the county.

Melstrom was passionate about recycling education, particularly in schools. He worked with many of the counties school districts to help provide access to recycling containers, promote recycling at school and athletic events and provided a milk carton recycling program for schools.

Melstrom believed in the regional approach to recycling as evident through many partnerships with counties in western Wisconsin for education efforts, Clean Sweep Hazardous Waste collections and processing recyclables. Melstrom recently retired from Pierce County in January 2022. He is a wealth of institutional knowledge of the solid waste and recycling industry in western Wisconsin and will be truly missed in the industry in his retirement.

For more detailed information on each of our award recipients please go to our awards page on the AROW website at www.arow-online.org/awards.

AROW is a membership-based organization, serving the recycling and waste reduction interests of citizens, organizations, municipalities and businesses across the state. For those who support recycling and wish to see more waste diverted into productive use, consider joining the cause by becoming an AROW member.

About the AROW

Founded in 1990, AROW is an association representing Wisconsin’s recycling, waste reduction and sustainability professionals. The organization provides leadership through education, advocacy, and collaboration and promotes effective, efficient and sustainable material recovery initiatives. For details on AROW, its positions and programs visit www.arow-online. org.

Submitted by Pierce County Solid Waste