Reworld® Celebrates Industry Honors for Tequila Smith and Derek Waddle

June 29, 2026

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Reworld®, a leader in sustainable waste solutions, recognizes recent industry honors awarded to two of its team members for their contributions to sustainability, business growth and the development of future leaders.

Tequila Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, was named a 2026 Women Who Inspire Award winner by Waste360. This program highlights five exceptional women making a meaningful impact across waste, recycling and sustainability, both within their companies and across the broader industry.

 

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside fellow leaders who are moving our industry forward in meaningful ways,” said Smith. “At Reworld, sustainability is embedded in how we operate and deliver value, and this recognition reflects the impact of our teams in driving solutions that benefit both customers and communities.”

Smith was recognized for advancing environmental stewardship, strengthening community engagement and driving business growth, as well as for her commitment to investing in future leaders and fostering collaboration across complex challenges.

Derek Waddle, Director of the Solutions Group, was named to this year’s Waste360 40 Under 40 class, which spotlights rising professionals under 40 who are making significant contributions to the industry. 

 

 

“I’m grateful to be included in this class of hard-working honorees,” said Waddle. “This recognition reflects the enduring relationships Reworld has built with our customers, grounded in trust and shared sustainability priorities.”

Waddle earned this distinction for pairing operational rigor with strong customer relationships to deliver consistent performance across large-scale programs, while maintaining a strong focus on safety and customer satisfaction. He was also commended for helping customers meet cost and sustainability goals, driving new business growth, and mentoring others.

Nominations for both award programs were submitted by industry peers. The Waste360 editorial team reviewed all nominations with trusted external advisors before selecting honorees and winners.

Smith and Waddle’s recognitions reflect the strength of leadership across Reworld and the company’s commitment to delivering results for customers and the communities it serves.

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About Reworld®

Reworld is a leader in sustainable waste solutions, providing innovative and environmentally responsible services to a global community. Reworld is committed to advancing zero-waste initiatives and supporting sustainability goals through state-of-the-art technologies that reimagine, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, and renew. For more information, visit www.reworldwaste.com.

 

Media Contact

Coyne PR for Reworld®
reworld@coynepr.com
(973) 588-2000

Jason Hahn
jhahn1@reworldwaste.com

A major source of net carbon negative energy

8 acquisitions
For each ton of waste we recover for energy, Covanta saves 1 ton of CO2 equivalents (CO2e). In 2022, we avoided 19 million metric tons of CO2e.

A major source of net carbon negative energy

8 acquisitions
For each ton of waste we recover for energy, Covanta saves 1 ton of CO2 equivalents (CO2e). In 2022, we avoided 19 million metric tons of CO2e.

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