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WasteExpo’s conference program is your professional development opportunity of the year! The education and training that you’ll receive will help you sharpen your skills, learn best practices, and find innovative waste solutions. see first-hand in Las Vegas why over 90% of attendees report being satisfied with our conference program!
In 2007, Patrick Dovigi had a vision to create a company that is a "one-stop shop" provider of environmental solutions. Dovigi has achieved just that, driving GFL to become the fourth largest environmental services company in North America. Michael E. Hoffman, National Waste & Recycling Association’s President and CEO will lead a candid conversation with Patrick Dovigi, discussing the company’s path to success. Hear about the entrepreneurial culture Dovigi has instilled in their leadership team, and more on GFL’s core values of operational excellence, sustainability and safety. The Founder, President and CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and a 2017, Waste360’s 40 Under 40 Award Winner will address opportunities, meeting needs, growing holistically and via acquisitions, and succeeding in the industry we all serve in both the short- and long-term.
Speakers:
Patrick Dovigi, Founder & CEO, GFL Environmental Inc.
Michael E. Hoffman, President & CEO, NWRA
Join us for an insightful Spotlight Session featuring a distinguished panel of executives from the waste industry, both men and women, as they discuss the vital role of company culture in driving organizational success. This session will explore how a strong culture fosters employee engagement, encourages innovation, and enhances safety.
Our panelists will share their experiences and best practices for building a workplace culture that attracts top talent and empowers teams to make a meaningful impact. Discover how prioritizing culture can lead to greater collaboration and success within the waste industry.
Speakers:
Jason Craft, Regional Vice President, Southern Region, Waste Connections
Maria Frizzell, President, Schaefer Plastics North America
Patti Hamilton, Vice President, Brand & Culture, Coastal Waste & Recycling
Paul Ross, Vice President, American Waste Control
William J. Rumpke Jr., President & CEO, Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Moderator:
Erin Huber, Vocational Truck Sales Manager, Southeast Region, International Motors, LLC
Managing waste in the public sector has not been easy in the last few years. Governments are battling rising costs, an endemic homeless problem, and unprecedented natural disasters, all after surviving and recovering from a global pandemic. CDL driver wages are up 25%, the cost of diesel fuel has risen 33%, and tipping fees have increased by 15% since 2018. Customer demand and recent legislation have created an ever-expanding list of materials for curbside collection, including organic food waste. Cities are also now facing elevated levels of illegal dumping and more frequent, multi-year cleanup operations resulting from natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. But despite the headwinds, the public sector continues to deliver on its mission to keep America clean and healthy.
Hear directly from municipal waste leaders sharing their stories of how governments across the US are harnessing the latest smart waste technology to help them deliver cost-effective results in our changing world. From electric garbage trucks to cleaner recycling to AI, learn how America’s cities are putting technology to work to deliver better outcomes.
Moderator:
Conor Riffle, Entrepreneur & Software Executive
Speakers:
Michael Shaw, Director of Public Works, City of Kansas City, MO
Nicholas Trout, Senior Supplier Development Executive, Sourcewell
Dive into the essential data and daily realities shaping fleet operations in the waste collection industry. This session begins with a concise overview of the U.S. waste collection fleet, highlighting key demographics: the number of vehicles in operation, their geographic distribution, ownership structures (public vs. private), and the fuel types powering these vehicles.
Following this foundation, a panel of seasoned experts will explore the practical challenges and opportunities in fleet management. Topics include procurement strategies, operational efficiencies, and maintenance practices critical to keeping fleets running smoothly. Panelists will address common causes of vehicle breakdowns, fleet replacement cycles, and the evolving landscape of transitioning to electric vehicles. Gain insight into how organizations are adapting to new technologies and meeting sustainability goals while maintaining reliable service.
Whether you're navigating fleet operations in a public works department, a private waste collection company, or simply interested in the logistical backbone of waste management, this session offers actionable insights and data-driven perspectives to help you optimize your approach.
Moderator:
Bryan Staley, PhD, PE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF)
Panelists:
Scott Jenkins, COO, Apex Waste Solutions
Kerri Mead-Bell, President, Anchor Disposal LLC
Josh Thompson, Vice President – Fleet and Logistics, GFL Environmental
Thursday, May 8
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Room: W220
Registration Fee: $175
Workshop Leader: Celeste McMickle, Director of Client Solutions, TRUE Zero Waste certification program, United States Green Business Council (USGBC)
This workshop is intended for all who are looking for direction on achieving their sustainability and zero waste goals. Led by TRUE Director Celeste McMickle with USGBC, the workshop will be interactive and feature an overview of the TRUE Advisor which provides real life examples of how facilities, events, and construction projects can achieve certification for their project. The focus for the workshop will be on the achievement for all types of businesses including corporations, higher education, and operations as the target audience. Some of the activities will include a charrette on completing the TRUE planning tool for an example facility, along with group discussions and opportunities to problem solve unique challenges by implementing the TRUE program.
Key, workshop coverage areas will include:
Don’t miss this interactive workshop designed to jump-start your sustainability goal setting and attainment.
Thursday, May 8
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Room: W225
Registration Fee: $175
Instructor: Gary A. Bilbro, Director of Sales, Ecosafe Zero Waste. Surrey, BC
This workshop will be focused on helping the attendee understand the processes required to implement and achieve a successful organics diversion program, no matter the type of location generating the food waste. This workshop will include discussion of:
This workshop will help any municipality, business, educational institution, or commercial entity that generates food scraps and currently sends it to landfill or incineration. The process will be shown to be easy, concise and compliant with all municipal or state regulations.
Thursday, May 8
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Room: W223
Registration Fee: $175
Instructors: Richard Anthony, Vice President, ZWUSA and Ruth Abbe, Chair, Zero Waste International Alliance and President, Zero Waste USA.
Attendees will learn:
This class is lively, interactive, and taught by Zero Waste USA staff and board members, including Richard Anthony, a nationally renowned expert. The content is designed to be easy to retain, and the extensive resources are easy to access. It is valuable to municipal staff, haulers, decision-makers, advocates, and all interested in Zero Waste. Zero Waste USA awards certificates of completion to students who pass the open book exam and submit the evaluation.
Tuesday, May 6
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room: W303-306
Registration Fee: $0
Hazard Recognition: Fire Safety & Prevention in Recycling
Fire safety and prevention is a foundational part of safety programming. ReMA received grant funding through OSHA’s Susan Harwood Training grant program to develop these education and training materials.
ReMA developed this comprehensive 4-hour course on fire safety & prevention in recycling to address the important topic. This course will help recyclers to better understand the following:
Employees receiving this training will benefit by obtaining a greater knowledge and awareness of fire safety and prevention in the recycling workplace.
Each participant receives a copy of the ReMA Guide: Creating a Fire Prevention and Management Plan
This material was produced under grant number SH-000132-SH4 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Thursday, May 8
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Visit Terra Firma Organics, one of the only permitted composting facilities in Las Vegas, and learn how they transform thousands of tons of organic waste into high-quality compost. See firsthand how their composting process helps reduce landfill waste while creating blends that support healthier plants and more efficient water use. This tour provides a practical look at sustainable waste management and its benefits for the environment.
*Closed Toed Shoes must be worn
Thursday, May 8
8:30am – 12:30pm
Description:
Join us for a unique off-site experience at WasteExpo 2025 in Las Vegas, where you'll discover how landfills can be repurposed into thriving disc golf courses and play a round of Disc Golf! Hosted by SCS Engineers and Innova Champion Discs (the world's leading disc golf manufacturer) this event combines education, sustainability, and fun.
Attendees will:
*Sneakers are recommended & Individuals are welcome to bring their own discs
Learn ways to solve the social and environmental issues of wasted food as well as avenues to profit from its recovery and reuse. When you register for the Food Recovery Forum, you also receive 3 days of educational and technical sessions on Organics Recycling.
Sponsored by Stericycle, tackle the healthcare industry's biggest challenges at the only annual conference in the U.S. strictly devoted to healthcare waste! The conference focuses on regulatory, legislative and technical issues affecting the healthcare waste industry.
Presented by Stifel, get business advice from investors and leaders from top public and private waste companies. Gain insights to succeed with a full day of learning, analysis, and networking you won’t find anywhere else. Seating is limited!
Join industry leaders as they discuss how the waste and recycling industry takes on plastics, packaging, and other environmental challenges – and our role in building a sustainable future.
Make more out of your time at WasteExpo by participating in our special events! From lively welcome parties and happy hours, to memorable experiences like our Trashion show and Awards Reception, there are more opportunities than ever before to network and expand your waste horizons.
