Lakeshore Recycling Systems has been named one of the nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.

The only waste and recycling company to be named to the list, this honor recognizes LRS within the top 85 largest US businesses with more than 301 employees.

"We continue to invest as an organization heavily in our employees and sustainability mission, which makes this particular recognition so poignant. We are truly honored to receive this prestigious accolade from the Best and Brightest program," LRS CEO Alan T. Handley said in a statement. "Our focus on workplace excellence is exemplified each day by the hard work and dedication of our more than 600 men and women who preserve a company culture of commitment, innovation and passion for sustaining our company goals."

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. Organizations are assessed based on categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and more. National nominees were benchmarked against every state in the United States.

"Profitability and stability is essential for businesses in today's economic climate. Companies that recognize that their employees are the key to their success achieve staying power. Our 2016 winners create their human resource standards to ensure employee satisfaction and they set standards for every business to aspire toward," said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of NABR. "We are proud to honor this year's national winners."

LRS promotes an employee-driven culture that elevates employee well-being and workplace satisfaction.

In early 2016, LRS substantially grew its benefits package, built a health and fitness center in its corporate headquarters, created new internal events for employee collaboration, created a Junior Executive Board for easier accessibility and communication and increased its community outreach with respected charities to raise donations and awareness for meaningful causes. Through active participation in neighborhood parades, charity events, school visits and other community events throughout greater Chicago, LRS strives to be a good corporate citizen by showcasing the passion and involvement of its most valuable asset, its employees.