With a record number of entries received this year, competition for a place in the cohort was fierce. The independent judging panel reviewed every submission before selecting 35 individuals who, in their view, best represent the talent, ambition and innovation coming through the environmental sector.
The ceremony was hosted by Savannah Coombe, editor of letsrecycle.com, with Neil Grundon, chairman of Grundon representing headline sponsor Grundon Waste Management, which has supported the programme since 2018.
The 2026 Rising Stars
Three of this year’s winners were singled out by the judges for exceptional achievement, earning Rising Star status:
The Top Three 2025 35 Under 35 status holders are:
- Emily Bussey, SUEZ
- Reece Dalgas, WasteGrid
- Millie Parsons, SUEZ
These three were praised by the judging panel for their exceptional contributions, leadership qualities and commitment to advancing sustainability and resource management.
Celebrating the winners
Alongside the Top Three, the full cohort of winners was recognised for their achievements and dedication.
The 2026 35 Under 35 winners are:
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
Daisy Malyon, The Wastepack Group Limited
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
Congratulations to all 35 winners. The 35 Under 35 programme will return in 2027 – watch this space!
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