The awards are designed to reward local government for innovation and best practice in both education and the infrastructure of their recycling programs with a particular emphasis on steel cans.

Kogarah Council, the winner of the 2001 awards was congratulated for their comprehensive education program and the specific focus on recycling steel cans, as well as a new kerbside collection program that gave more residents access to recycling.

The five finalists were:

Port Stephens Council, for their S.C.O.R.R (Simultaneous Collection of Refuse and Recycling) bin system, using the Bedminster Co-composting process, which has enabled the council to achieve a steel can recycling rate of 79%.

Hawkesbury Council, for their 'CAN IT' steel cans education program. The steel can focussed program was implemented in July 2001 and consists of a brochure, displays in the council foyer and shopping centres, a magnet, media releases, cartoons, school education program, community talks and colouring in sheets for kids.

Hobart City Council, for their education program which resulted in steel comprising 3% of the council's recycling stream, thus exceeding the 1998 national average of 2.4%.

Manningham City Council, for their improved recycling system coupled with an education program to increase recycling behaviour. The program has resulted in an increase of approximately 780% in the quantity of recyclables collected.

Toowoomba City Council, for their education program that led to an increase in steel cans collected from 3.64 kg per household, per year in 1999 to 6.24 kg per household, per year in 2001. The program comprised a school element using videos and a specially recorded recycling song, as well as a community education program and householder information about recycling.