Caption: (Left to Right) Recycle Coach Senior Customer Success Manager Kim Stuart, South Plainfield Clean Communities Coordinator Kristina Nieradka, Recycle Coach President Jeff Galad and NJCCC Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden.
Kristina Nieradka Honored for Her Creativity, Leadership and Dedication
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – November 24, 2025 – The New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC), which runs the state’s litter abatement program, has honored South Plainfield’s Clean Communities Coordinator with the 2025 “Recycle Coach Award.”
Kristina Nieradka was given the award by Recycle Coach President Jeff Galad in recognition of her exceptional creativity, focus and dedication to her community’s litter cleanup program.
Under her leadership, this year’s annual spring cleanup in South Plainfield drew more than 200 volunteers, who collected two tons of litter from 39 locations across town. She was also able to coordinate 40 volunteers from SEWA International, a non-profit dedicated to selfless service for humanity, as part of her Adopt-A-Spot program.
“The litter abatement and recycling community throughout New Jersey is definitely the most supportive group of individuals I’ve ever professionally worked with,” Nieradka said. “Being recognized for my outreach and unconventional ways to promote education and awareness for recycling and litter abatement from my peers gives me joy that is simply unmeasurable.”
In addition to litter clean ups, Nieradka was also honored for leading multiple other sustainability-related projects, including designing a parade float for the borough’s “Christmas in July” event with an anti-littering message. After the event, she repurposed the float materials into handcrafted pumpkins, which were given away at fall cleanups.
Nieradka also spearheaded an innovative denim collection initiative. With the help of local students, discarded denim was transformed into handmade keychains and other upcycled items, which were presented to volunteers as tokens of appreciation.
Nieradka is embracing technology to strengthen program outreach and efficiency, such as using the Recycle Coach platform to recruit, track, and retain volunteers, ensuring strong turnout and consistent engagement.
“In every aspect of her work, Kristina has gone above and beyond,” said NJCCC Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden. “Her blend of organizational skills, creative vision and heartfelt dedication has transformed her cleanup program into a model for others across the state. It was a pleasure to present her with this award.”
Gemenden also expressed appreciation to Galad for selecting the winner, as well as purchasing and presenting the award.