FOOTT is celebrating a special milestone, with Founder & Director Peter Foott and Head of Logistics & Business Integration Zane Foott both named finalists in the 2026 Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards.
Peter has been named a finalist for the Lifetime Contribution Achievement Award, recognising more than 34 years of leadership and contribution to the waste, recycling and resource recovery sector.
Zane has been named a finalist for Young Professional of the Year, recognising his leadership within FOOTT and his contribution to the broader industry.
FOOTT Chief Executive Officer Andrew Yeoland said having two generations of the Foott family recognised nationally in the same year was a significant achievement for the regional business.
“Peter and Zane have both made an enormous contribution to FOOTT, but at very different stages of their careers,” Andrew said.
“For more than three decades, Peter has continued to invest in regional communities, infrastructure and people, while helping grow FOOTT from one into a business employing more than 110 people across five operating sites.
“His contribution goes well beyond the growth of FOOTT. Peter has always believed regional communities should have access to high-quality waste, recycling and resource recovery services, and that philosophy has shaped the business we are today.
“To see that recognised through a national Lifetime Contribution Achievement Award nomination is incredibly well deserved.”
Andrew said Zane’s nomination reflected his progression through the business and the leadership role he now plays across some of FOOTT’s largest operations.
“Zane has worked across many parts of FOOTT, from driving trucks through to sales, operations and logistics, which has given him an understanding of the business from the ground up,” Andrew said.
“He now leads our B2B Logistics, CDS Logistics and Council Kerbside operations and has played an important role in the mobilisation of major council contracts and the development of our Container Deposit Scheme logistics operations across Northern Victoria.
“What stands out about Zane is that he combines that operational experience with a focus on people, customers and continuous improvement.
“For Peter and Zane to both be recognised by their industry in the same year is a pretty special moment for FOOTT and something our entire team can be proud of.”
Peter said being named a finalist was an honour and reflected the contribution of the people who had been part of FOOTT’s journey.
“When my wife Jenny and I started FOOTT in 1992, we were focused on doing a good job for our customers and building a business that could support our community,” Peter said.
“We have built the company together from the beginning, and what FOOTT has become today reflects the work we have both put into it over the past 34 years.
“FOOTT has also always been a team effort. We’ve had many people contribute to the business over the years and customers who have supported us as we’ve grown.
“To be recognised after all this time means a lot, and I’m grateful to everyone who has been part of it.”
Zane said he was proud to be recognised alongside his father.
“It’s a great honour to be named a finalist, particularly alongside Pete and to see everything he has contributed to the industry over such a long period recognised as well,” Zane said.
“I’ve been fortunate to work across a lot of different areas of the business and alongside some really good people who have helped me develop as a leader.
“The waste and recycling industry continues to change quickly and there are huge opportunities ahead, particularly in regional Australia.
“I’m proud of what our team is achieving and grateful to everyone at FOOTT, our customers and industry partners who have supported me along the way.”
The Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards recognise excellence across Australia’s waste, recycling and resource recovery sector.
The 2026 winners will be announced later in October.