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2025 Conference Program

Expand Your Knowledge Here

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!

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2025 Spotlight Sessions

CEO Spotlight

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

Public Sector Spotlight

Smart Waste: Delivering Efficiency in the Public Sector

Tuesday, May 6
02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Room W308

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

NWRA Women's Council Spotlight

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

EREF Spotlight

Fleet Operations & Management – Data Through Day-to-Day

Wednesday, May 7
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Room W308

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

2025 Conference Agenda

Click on any session for additional details. All sessions and speakers subject to change.

Workshops and Tours

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:

  • Actual examples of how facilities and varied projects achieved goals.
  • Full overview of the USGBC’s TRUE certification program
  • Honest and open discussion of the real barriers
  • Steps for identifying where is best to start in your facility, business, organization
  • Strategies for successfully moving toward goal completion

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: 

  • Benefits to our environment when we divert organics from landfill 
  • A to Z process of how to easily divert food waste from landfill 
  • Edible foods and feeding hungry people 
  • More requirements to do the right thing – Legislation is making it required and easier  
  • Benefits of compost for soils 

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:

  • The international, peer-reviewed definition of Zero Waste and the Zero Waste Hierarchy of Highest and Best Use
  • Why Zero Waste is the fastest, most cost-effective way communities can reduce climate change impacts, promote local sustainability, and create green jobs
  • How more than 250 U.S. municipalities are systematically pursuing high diversion and Zero Waste
  • What Zero Waste businesses – now in the thousands, are doing to help lead the way
  • How your community could move toward Zero Waste
  • Where to find the resources needed to further your knowledge and practice of Zero Waste

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:  

  • 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; and  
  • 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.  

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: 

  • Learn about the environmental and community benefits of converting landfills into disc golf courses 
  • Get an introductory lesson from experienced players, including a disc golf pro from Innova 
  • participants will receive a disc made of recycled plastic 
  • Play a round of disc golf in a team-based format, ensuring a great experience for all skill levels & great networking!  
  • This engaging and interactive tour is perfect for those interested in innovative landfill redevelopment, outdoor recreation, and sustainability.  

*Sneakers are recommended & Individuals are welcome to bring their own discs 

Co-Located Events

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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.

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.

Special Events

 

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.