Epsom, NH: NH Recycles is pleased to announce the 2025 Recycling Award winners, honoring outstanding contributions to recycling and waste reduction across New Hampshire: Ken Filpula (Recycler of the Year), Representative Karen Ebel (Recycling Advocate Award), Apparel Impact (Business of the Year), Neal Alex Marrion (Continuing Education Award), Matt Bumford (Rookie of the Year), and Bonnie Bethune (Honorary Lifetime Member). Each was selected through a competitive committee process and celebrated at the NH Recycles Annual Meeting on November 17th.
NH Recycles proudly recognizes six outstanding individuals and organizations whose contributions have strengthened recycling, improved operations, advanced policy, and supported communities across the Granite State and beyond. These awardees represent the dedication, innovation, and leadership that keep New Hampshire’s recycling system strong.
Recycler of the Year: Ken Filpula
Ken Filpula, Supervisor of the Moultonborough Transfer Station, is honored for his lifetime contributions to improving recycling operations and community education. Since joining the transfer station in 2008, Ken has guided Moultonborough through major program transitions, created engaging educational signage, and established a home composting demonstration area. A frequent presenter and active NH Recycles board member since 2021, he has contributed to capital planning, event planning, safety improvements, and advisory team visits. He is a true recycling rockstar!
Recycling Advocate Award: Representative Karen Ebel
Representative Karen Ebel, Democratic Leader Pro Tempore, is recognized for her sustained work advancing recycling policy statewide. She led the Committee to Study Recycling Streams and later established the NH Solid Waste Working Group, and has sponsored key legislation - including creation of the Solid Waste Management Fund and securing $1 million to support food waste diversion and recycling initiatives - funding that is historic for New Hampshire. Her leadership and unwavering dedication to improving the waste management landscape continues to shape New Hampshire’s solid waste planning and investment.
Business of the Year: Apparel Impact
Apparel Impact, a Hooksett-based textile recycling company, is honored for exceptional service to NH Recycles’ municipal members across New England. Founded in 2015, this veteran-owned business routinely gives back by hosting community events where individuals in need can “shop” for free clothing. During the pandemic - when many textile recyclers scaled back services - Apparel Impact stepped up to support communities, providing consistent, reliable service to NH Recycles’ members. Today, their clean, well-maintained white collection boxes are a familiar sight and members regularly commend the company for their dependable pickups and strong customer service.
Rookie of the Year: Matt Bumford
Matt Bumford, promoted to Henniker’s Transfer Station Manager in December 2024, has demonstrated exceptional initiative in improving facility operations. Matt frequently seeks guidance, asks thoughtful questions, and invited NH Recycles staff for a site visit to support ongoing enhancements. He has attended numerous NH Recycles events since joining the town in 2022, and recently volunteered on a Solid Waste Advisory Team visit to assist a fellow member's facility.
Continuing Education Award: Neal Alex Marrion
Neal Alex Marrion (Alex), Building and Grounds Foreman for Pembroke, earned 18 hours of continuing education through NH Recycles Member Operations and Marketing meetings, the Recycling Conference & Expo, and a fall bus tour. With operators required to obtain 2.5 credits annually through the NH Department of Environmental Services, Alex far exceeded expectations, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to professional development and improved recycling operations in his community.
Honorary Lifetime Member: Bonnie Bethune
Bonnie Bethune, who retired in April after nearly 22 years with NH Recycles, is recognized for her lifetime of service to recycling. Beginning with an Earth Day cleanup in 1970, Bonnie went on to serve at municipal recycling centers before joining NH Recycles' member services team. She received the 2023 Recycler of the Year Award and now joins the NH Recycles Hall of Fame as an Honorary Lifetime Member.
