Balcones Resources’ Mauricio Castelan Named to Waste360’s 2023 40 Under 40 Awards List

Recognized as a Next-Generation Leader in the Waste, Recycling and Organics Industry 

Austin, TX  (February 2023) – Balcones Resources is proud to announce today that Mauricio Castelan, General Manager of our Austin Materials Recovery Facility, has been named to Waste360’s 2023 40 Under 40 awards list, which showcases the next-generation of leaders in waste, recycling and organics who are shaping the future of the industry. 

 Castelan started working at Balcones Resources’ flagship Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Austin, Texas, when he was just 18 years old. His first job was sorting and operating equipment. Through hard work and determination, Castelan became an expert in every area involved with operating a MRF. Today he is the facility’s general manager, not to mention a true steward of recycling operation excellency.  

 “Mauricio has been instrumental in the success of Balcones transition from commercial fiber recycling into a single stream recycling” said Mike Melby, Vice President of Operations.

“He started out as a sorter and worked his way through every operational position in the company before transitioning into management including, Maintenance Manager, Operations Manager before finally landing in his current role as the General Manager.  Mauricio’s success can be attributed to his strong desire to succeed combined with a tenacious work ethic.”  

 “Congratulations to the 2023 class of Waste360 40 Under 40 award winners. Our industry is filled with tremendous innovation and talent. We were blown away by all of the impressive nominations and we are excited to celebrate the outstanding achievements of these winners at WasteExpo,” said Liz Bothwell, Head of Content & Marketing and Waste360 NothingWasted! Podcast Host. 

 The Waste360 40 Under 40 awards program recognizes inspiring and innovative professionals under the age of 40 whose work in the waste, recycling and organics industry has made a significant contribution to the industry. The winners are involved in every part of the waste and recycling industry, including haulers, municipalities, composters, recycling professionals, policymakers and product suppliers. 

A panel of expert judges from Waste360 evaluated the nominations and consulted with an external advisor to select the finalists and winners. 

The winners will be honored during an awards ceremony at WasteExpo, North America’s largest solid waste, recycling and organics industry event, May 1-4, 2023 in New Orleans, LA.