WASHINGTON - The Environmental Industry Associations (EIA), a group that represents private-sector recycling and waste service companies in the U.S., has announced it is accepting nominations for its 2013 Driver of the Year awards program. The program is designed to recognize drivers who operate their vehicles safely and responsibly, maintain outstanding performance records, and promote a positive image for the recycling and waste services industry.

EIA stated that all nominees receive a gift package and certificate of appreciation. Finalists will receive a personalized plaque, and the winner in each category will be honored in person at the WasteExpo conference in May 2013 in New Orleans. The winners will also each receive a $1,000 cash prize.

For 2013, EIA stated it revised the nomination categories to include residential, commercial, and industrial drivers at regional companies with a combined fleet sizes between 251 and 2,000 vehicles. This year, the organization will recognize a Driver of the Year in each of nine categories created based on those program revisions.

You can find out more about the nomination process by visiting www.environmentalistseveryday.org/DOYawards.