Robin Wiener recognized for recycling leadership

Robin Wiener, president of the Recycled Materials Association, or ReMA, based in Washington, has received the inaugural Award for Recycling Leadership 2025 from the Global Recycling Foundation (GRF), based in London in recognition of her dedication to the importance of recycling globally.

GRF introduced the award, the vision of founding President Ranjit Baxi, to recognize industry leaders for their contributions. The organization also awards its Recycling Heroes prize annually to individuals and organizations for innovative solutions to recycling.

Wiener serves as the chief advocate for the recycled materials industry, promoting safe, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible recycling through education, networking and advocacy, GRF says. Under her leadership, ReMA has expanded its reach and effectiveness within the United States and globally, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, compliance and innovation.

“Robin has been an outstanding leader and advocate for the crucial role recycling plays in every aspect of our lives," Baxi says. "She has dedicated her time and energy to reminding people of how fragile the planet has become and of the central role recycling plays in preserving our precious raw materials.

“It is through the work of organizations like ReMA, which represents more than 1,700 companies in the U.S. and around the world, and the extraordinary leadership of Robin Wiener that we have no hesitation in making this award.

“The Recycling Leadership Award has been established to support leaders like Robin Wiener who individually are driving the recycling agenda forward to every corner of the world. By taking the lead, they are carving a path through the barriers which prevent sustainable practices which in turn shine a powerful light on the possibilities that reuse and renewal can offer the world.”

Wiener joined ReMA (then the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, or ISRI) in 1989 to direct the association’s environmental compliance activities, eventually becoming assistant general counsel. In 1997, she was selected to lead the organization.

ReMA’s work promoting public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development has helped the industry continue to grow and thrive and receive recognition for its essential role in the U.S. and global manufacturing supply chains, GRF says.

“Under Robin’s remarkable leadership and inspiring vision, the Recycled Materials Association has truly transformed into a beacon of innovation and advocacy on the global stage," ReMA Chair Colin Kelly says. "She’s not just steering the ship, she’s charting a bold course for a future where safe, sustainable and responsible recycling is at the forefront of our economy. Robin passionately champions the idea that recycled materials don't just enhance the manufacturing supply chain—they’re vital to building a stronger, more resilient global economy that enriches all our lives. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the inaugural Award for Global Recycling Leadership. Her dedication and influence are nothing short of revolutionary!”

In addition to her leadership of ReMA, Wiener serves on the boards of Keep America Beautiful (a nonprofit that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment), JASON Learning and the Recycling Education and Research Foundation.  She also serves on the Bureau of International Recycling’s (BIR’s) Electric, Electronic and EV Batteries Steering Committee and is a member of the U.S. Chamber Association Committee of 100 and the World Council of Recycling Associations.