The Paper Trail triumphed over 350 pan-European entrants as runner-up in the Responsible Entrepreneurship category of the European Enterprise Awards, which took place in Portugal.
The body, which converted the historic Frogmore Mill, now offers paper recycling and collection for more than 280 schools in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Its Recycle for Learning school-based scheme has saved around 100 tonnes of waste going to landfill this year, while its recently launched corporate arm has recycled 30 tonnes of waste.
Hugo Van Kempen, education officer of The Paper Trail, told printweek.com that every tonne recycled goes towards council targets.
"We are working with councils, not against them. The scheme has proved it has both environmental and educational benefits."
Paper Trail chief executive Jacky Bennett hoped the achievement would raise the profile of the scheme "so that we can continue to act as a role model for other communities and regions from across Europe".
Hemel Hempstead paper firm awarded for diverting landfill
A Hemel Hempstead-based organisation that produces recycled paper using a converted 110-year-old Victorian paper mill has been recognised for saving more than 130 tonnes of waste going to landfill.
