Cascade Engineering Inc. has earned the prestigious Design for Recycling® Award from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) for its industry-leading EcoCart®, a roll-to-curb recycling and refuse cart engineered with sustainability in mind.

The EcoCart is designed to support modern recycling programs and is manufactured with up to 10% Post-Consumer Curbside Recycled (PCCR) material. PCCR includes bulky, rigid residential plastics that are typically difficult to recycle. By repurposing these materials into new carts, Cascade Engineering is helping remove an estimated 2.2 million pounds of waste from the stream this year alone.

“As ISRI’s highest honor, the Design for Recycling Award recognizes those who put recycling and sustainability at the forefront of product design,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “From initial concept to end-of-life planning, Cascade engineered the EcoCart using true design-for-recycling principles. We are proud to recognize Cascade Engineering as the 2021 recipient and look forward to their continued leadership in building a circular economy.”

“The EcoCart is a powerful reflection of our 40-year commitment to sustainability and the triple bottom line,” said Christina Keller, President and CEO of Cascade Engineering. “We are honored to receive the Design for Recycling Award and join such an elite group of innovators.”

What It Takes to Earn the Design for Recycling® Award

To qualify for ISRI’s highest distinction, a product must be engineered to:

Maximize the use of recyclable materials

Be easily recycled through existing or emerging recycling processes

Maintain a recycling cost that does not exceed the value of recovered materials

Avoid hazardous or non-recyclable components

Reduce time and labor needed for end-of-life recycling

Incorporate recycled materials to reduce reliance on virgin resources

Demonstrate a net improvement in recyclability and environmental impact

The EcoCart’s thoughtful design aligns with these principles, making it a standout model for sustainable product innovation and a meaningful step toward reducing waste and advancing the circular economy.