The latest generation of environmental sector talent has been recognised at the 2026 35 Under 35 Awards, with this year’s winners revealed during a ceremony at the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS) at Birmingham’s NEC.
Held on Wednesday 16 September at the Future Talent Hub, the ceremony marked the culmination of the programme’s largest year so far, following a record number of entries.
An independent judging panel assessed the nominations before selecting 35 individuals whose work, achievements and contribution to the environmental sector stood out.
The ceremony was hosted by Savannah Coombe, editor of letsrecycle.com, with Grundon Waste Management chairman Neil Grundon representing the programme’s headline sponsor. Grundon has supported the 35 Under 35 initiative since 2018.
Three Named Rising Stars
As part of the awards, three of the 35 winners were also selected as Rising Stars in recognition of their achievements and contribution to the sector.
The 2026 Rising Stars are:
- Emily Bussey, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
- Reece Dalgas, WasteGrid
- Millie Parsons, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
The judging panel highlighted the trio’s achievements, leadership and commitment to sustainability and resource management.
The 2026 Winners
The remaining members of the 2026 cohort were also recognised at the ceremony for their work across the environmental and resources sector.
A huge congratulations to Wastepack's PR & Communications Manager, Daisy Malyon, for being a winner of the 35 Under 35 Awards!
Anyone who has worked with Daisy knows how much passion and dedication she puts into her work! We couldn't be more proud of her achievement!
The full list of 35 Under 35 winners is:
Emily Bussey, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Reece Dalgas, WasteGrid
Millie Parsons, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Beth Burton, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Colin Francis, LabCycle
Cormac Healy, North
Dominic Gale, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Ella Gorman, Zero Waste Scotland
Fatemeh Pourhossein, Coventry University
Katie Heath, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Luke Haskell, TJ Waste & Recycling
Mackenzie Worthington, Routeware Ltd
Portia Wing, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Rachel Bramwell, Birmingham City University
Rebecca Bugby, 3GS (UK) Limited
Ryan Summers, HJ Enthoven
Sarah Fay, EDAC
Charlotte Mears, C & M Global Ltd / Toys 4 Life
Lewis Saunders, Mitie Waste & Environmental
Philip Knowles, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Rachael Cowsill, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Robert Cobbold, Native Squared
Viki Hemmingway, North London Waste Authority
Lettie Aspey, Wandsworth Council
Natasha Hoggett, Veolia Environmental Services Ltd
Oscar Pusey, CILS Ltd
Ellen Holmes, Genee Consulting Ltd
Oliver Turrell, Osta Studios
Ciara Downey, City of London Corporation
Eleanor Sherman, West Berkshire Council
Jack Tookey, Grundon Waste Management Ltd
Lucy Wise, Cheltenham Borough Council
Izzy Dix, Valpak Limited
Alexandra Gavin, United Utilities
