Brisbane residents are invited to help crown the city’s favourite Waste Warrior champion, with voting for the 2025 WasteSMART Brisbane Awards People’s Choice Award opening on Monday 29 September.

Now in its sixth year, the WasteSMART Brisbane Awards continue to celebrate individuals, groups and organisations making a real impact in reducing waste, promoting sustainability and contributing to Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital.

The People’s Choice Award gives people the opportunity to vote for one of the finalists who have gone above and beyond in their waste-smart efforts from community composting and circular fashion to innovative recycling and education initiatives.

“The People’s Choice Award is a chance for residents to show their appreciation for this hard work and help shine a spotlight on those making a real difference,” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

Last year’s People’s Choice Award winner, Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH), lead the way in healthcare sustainability, diverting over 500,000 kilograms of waste through 41 recycling streams. With 334 Green Team members driving change across a 5,500-strong workforce, QCH has eliminated more than 1 million single-use plastic items, saved 300 trees by reducing paper use, composted 85% of food waste, and donated surplus food to OzHarvest.

“Every vote is a celebration of the creativity, dedication and impact of Brisbane’s waste warriors, who are leading the way in sustainability,” said Brisbane Sustainability Agency CEO Tracy Melenewycz.

Voting will be open for two weeks, closing at 5pm on Monday 13 October.

The winner will be announced at the WasteSMART Brisbane Awards ceremony on Thursday 13 November at Brisbane City Hall.
There are also 11 other categories including awards for businesses that make positive changes in resource recovery, reducing waste to landfill or leading in reduction, elimination and circular economy.

2025 WasteSMART Brisbane Award Finalists

WasteSMART Councillors’ Choice Award

• Animal Emergency Services
• Alumni Friends
• Harvest Cook Create – Northside Community Swap
• My Green Stuff

WasteSMART Local Legend Award

• Suzon Fuks
• Pam Ruggles
• Jennifer Webber

WasteSMART Community Award

• Reverse Garbage
• Project Yumi
• Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange

WasteSMART Circular Threads Award

• Caudia Williams
• Melissa Booth Homewares
• Nothing New

WasteSMART Business Award (sponsored by Cleanaway)

• Bloom Cycle
• Meat at Billy’s
• Northshore Street Foods & Arts Markets

WasteSMART Green Waste Award (sponsored by BYD Automotive)

• Finn Biogas
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• Plants in a Ute

WasteSMART Schools Award (sponsored by Officeworks)

• Everton Park State School
• Pallara State School
• Kenmore State High

WasteSMART Hospitality and Tourism Award

• Howard Smith Wharves
• W Hotel
• Hyatt Regency

WasteSMART Early Learning Award

• Avenues Early Learning Centre – Paddington
• Mother Duck Childcare and Kindergarten – Bracken Ridge
• Avenues Early Learning Centre – Runcorn Heights

WasteSMART All-Star Award

• Love Me Again Market
• Boe Design
• Little Birdie Hair Co

All finalists that are shortlisted by the judges are elligible for the People’s Choice Award. To cast your vote and learn more about the finalists, visit wastesmartawards.com.au.