What to expect from WasteExpo 2025

WasteExpo has been one of North America's largest solid waste, recycling, organics, and sustainability trade shows for over 50 years and continues to be a cornerstone event for the industry. Scheduled for May 5 to 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 2025 edition will feature more than 550 exhibitors, countless innovations, and over 14,000 participants. 

Picking up where 2024 left off

At last year's event, AI-powered sorting systems took centre stage, demonstrating their ability to enhance safety, reduce operational costs, and improve material recovery rates. 

Recycling challenges were a major topic of discussion, particularly the ongoing struggle with hard-to-recycle packaging like plastic wrap and disposable coffee cups. Discussions also touched on the importance of leveraging digital content for education and brand awareness, with experts emphasizing the role of video, podcasts, and social media in creating industry engagement. 

What to expect at this year's event

The 2025 edition builds on these themes while introducing fresh insights and perspectives. The conference agenda covers eight key education tracks: Operations; Fleet & Safety; Recycling & Landfill; Sustainability Talks; Business Insights & Policy; Technology & Innovation; Food Recovery Forum; and Organics Recycling. These sessions will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to share solutions and best practices.

Highlighted sessions for 2025 include the NWRA Women's Council Spotlight Session which explores the vital role of company culture in driving organizational success. This session will touch on how a strong culture fosters employee engagement, encourages innovation, and enhances safety. 

This year's CEO Spotlight will feature Patrick Dovigi of GFL in conversation with NWRA's Michael E. Hoffman, offering insights into leadership, sustainability, and business growth. Other must-attend sessions will cover topics such as textile waste, reuse strategies for revenue generation, and the impact of corporate culture on industry success.

Special events and networking opportunities

Beyond the show floor, WasteExpo is packed with activities and business opportunities. Attendees can look forward to special events, including the return of the TRASHION runway show and Carts on Display competition, along with new networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration across the industry. 

WasteExpo is a must-attend event for professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends, discover innovative technologies, and engage with the people who are driving the future of waste and recycling. I'm looking forward to seeing you all there!

8 can't-miss sessions

With 100+ expert-led sessions covering recycling, landfills, sustainability, technology, regulations, and more, industry professionals can gain the knowledge that drives business success. Here are some sessions you won't want to miss.

1. Navigating Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Insights for Waste Management Professionals (Monday, May 5 | 8:30 - 9:30 AM)

In this session, a panel of leading battery recyclers will provide an inside look at their operations and offer valuable guidance for solid waste and waste industry professionals. The panelists will discuss the complexities of battery recycling, including collection, transportation, and processing methods while highlighting the critical role waste professionals play in ensuring safe and efficient handling. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges posed by improperly disposed batteries, such as fire risks and contamination, and learn best practices for minimizing these issues.

2. Reuse First: Transforming Waste into Revenue (Tuesday, May 6 | 8:30 - 9 AM)

Focusing on new initiatives in the waste and recycling industry can actually boost revenue streams for an organization. This panel will discuss how incorporating a "reuse first" approach can help to improve waste management. Attendees will learn strategies to increase sustainability, decrease operational costs, and unlock new income streams.

3. CIO Roundtable Part II: The Future of Waste & Recycling Technology (Tuesday, May 6 | 12 - 1 PM)

The CIO roundtable will discuss the technologies currently defining the industry and outline the benefits of AI technology in sorting systems and using blockchains to enable traceability. The panel offers a robust discussion on building a sustainable future, leveraging emerging technologies, and harnessing the power of data through first-hand challenges and experiences. 

4. Tons of Textiles: Textile Waste, Consumer Behaviour, and Community Solutions (Tuesday, May 6 | 9:15 - 10:15 AM)

The mounting challenges growing in the clothing and textile waste sector present new challenges for experts in the industry. From manufacturing to the end consumer, discarded textiles in landfills take up valuable space and contribute massively to environmental pollution. The information from recent consumer surveys and textile disposal practices will be shared to teach best practices and foster sustainable habits. 

5. CEO Spotlight: A Conversation with GFL's Patrick Dovigi (Tuesday, May 6 | 9 - 9:45 AM)

Patrick Dovigi will speak with the National Waste & Recycling Association's President and CEO, Michael E. Hoffman, about GFL's path to success. Panel attendees can expect to hear about the entrepreneurial culture that Dovigi instills in his leadership team and his core values of excellence, sustainability, and safety. 

6. Culture at the Core: Driving Success in the Waste Industry (Wednesday, May 7 | 9 - 9:45 AM)

A panel of executives from the waste industry will discuss the importance that company culture has on driving success in individual organizations. Experts in the industry will investigate how a strong culture can advance employee engagement, support innovation, and increase safety in the industry. Panelists will share their experiences of attracting top talent while making a meaningful impact as a team. 

7. Cleaner Streets, Smarter Routes: How AI is Shaping Waste Collection (Wednesday, May 7 | 8:30 - 9:30 AM)

Municipalities are using AI and technological advancements to improve curbside waste and recycling collection. AI has been integral in route optimization to improve efficiency for businesses and in data collection, leading to lower contamination rates in households. Experts from the waste industry with a focus on tech advancements will share how their companies are utilizing AI and other tech to improve curbside collection, fleet management, and route optimization.

8. Driving Safety Forward: Reducing Fatalities in the Waste and Recycling Industry (Wednesday, May 7 | 10 - 11 AM)

This session will explore the innovative safety initiatives and best practices being implemented across the waste and recycling industry to reduce fatalities and protect workers. Industry leaders and safety experts will discuss strategies, technologies, and policies aimed at moving the industry off of the top 10 most occupational fatalities list.