Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the association’s outstanding leaders.

Formerly the awards breakfast, we’re elevating this tradition with a new evening format—an elegant awards gala that celebrates the best of our industry! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, this event honors the Drivers and Operators of the Year as well as the NWRA Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Tuesday, May 6

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Room: W311

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:  

• Emergency action procedures
• Fire extinguisher usage 
• Ignition and fuel sources
• The importance of inbound source control
• Relationship building with the local fire department
• Fire protection systems
• General housekeeping and storage.

 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.  

A Conversation with GFL’s Patrick Dovigi

Tuesday, May 6

09:00 AM - 09:45 AM

Room W325

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

Why Join NWRA?

1. Protect your bottom line. The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) is the only trade association advocating for your interests in chapters across the nation with active lobbyists.

2. Enhance your Waste Expo experience. As Waste360’s partner, NWRA members can save on booths during Waste Expo. Find out more when you book for the next show. 

3. Get involved with others in the industry. NWRA has a variety of communities  that members can participate in to help move the Association and the industry forward. In addition, the Association holds more than 60 events every year across the country where you can network with fellow industry and Association members. Our strategic priorities are:

• Advocacy: NWRA is committed to advocating at the local, state, and federal levels on rule making, regulations, and legislation. Priorities are focused on packaging EPR, battery EPR, bottle bills, and solid waste act updates.
• Safety: Committed to being out of the Top 10 in five years. NWRA is focused on education, training, and standards, serving as the Z245 secretariat for ANSI. We host the focus safety training for fleets of 100 trucks and smaller.
• Engagement: Committed to an expanded endorsed partner program, revitalized communications strategy focused on “telling our story”, battery EPR and recycling. Implementing a national PSA to drive awareness. Targeted research to support advocacy initiatives.             

Stop By the Women’s Council Boutique!

The NWRA Women’s Council Boutique is back at WasteExpo!

Stop by the boutique to shop industry-related and recycled items, and to connect with Women’s Council leaders and members.

The boutique will be open Tuesday, May 6, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 7, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Located on the Atrium Concourse.

The proceeds from the NWRA Women’s Council Boutique support the Council’s programs.

Culture at the Core: Driving Success in the Waste Industry

Culture at the Core: Driving Success in the Waste Industry

Wednesday, May 7
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Room W308

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

Carts on Display Voting

The NWRA Women’s Council is pleased to present Carts on Display, a sponsored art competition that will take place at WasteExpo 2025! Throughout the show, take a moment to check out all the creative cart artwork and cast your vote for People's Choice!

Carts on Display will be located next to the Women's Council Boutique in the South Lobby

The National Waste & Recycling Association’s Future Industry Leaders Alliance (FILA) is a special interest group that provides both in-person and virtual professional development opportunities in leadership, finance, human resources, operations, safety, public policy and advocacy and business development. These opportunities help prepare future leaders for executive advancement and professional leadership within the industry.

View the FILA Fact Sheet and apply to become a member. For more information about FILA, contact Kirk Sander, ksander@wasterecycling.org.