The top recycling events, trade shows, and conferences of 2025

Attending trade shows and conferences is a good way to dive deep into innovations, issues, and advancements in the recycling industry. Professional events like these are also a great way to connect with new people in the industry; check out and test new machines and technologies; share ideas with peers; build on training and education through educational sessions; and more.

With so many events happening, it can be tough to decide which ones are best for you and your colleagues to attend. Here's a rundown of just some of the exciting recycling industry events that are taking place in 2025. 

USCC Compost Conference

January 27-30 | Phoenix Convention Centre | Phoenix, Arizona

https://www.compostconference.com/

The US Composting Council's COMPOST2025: Thirsty for Solutions will happen in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2025. This event brings together composters, industry leaders, and sustainability experts from across the nation. With seven interactive workshops, three tours, 75 speakers, an equipment demonstration day, and over 100 exhibitors, COMPOST2025 is one of the biggest events of the year for everyone in the composting industry. 

Demolition New Orleans

March 5-8 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans, Louisiana

https://www.demolitionassociation.com/Education-Events/Demolition-New-Orleans-2025

The National Demolition Association's annual conference for 2025, Demolition New Orleans, features the latest innovations and technology solutions. Attendees can visit the Expo Hall for one-stop access to a full range of products and service offerings that can help add efficiencies, capture new opportunities, and increase profits. At the Live DEMOlition Event, participants will have the opportunity to test the latest and greatest equipment in the industry. This unique, hands-on experience lets participants meet with leaders providing innovative solutions that are pushing demolition forward.

C&D World

March 11-14 | Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel | Dallas, Texas

https://www.cdraconference.com/

The Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) supports the recycling of the more than 600 million tons of recoverable construction and demolition (C&D) materials generated in the United States annually. These materials include concrete, gypsum drywall, asphalt pavement, wood, asphalt shingles, and more. C&D World is the premier event for industry leaders to connect, share knowledge, and discover the latest advancements shaping the future of construction and demolition recycling. The event brings together waste management companies, construction material suppliers, C&D recyclers, demolition contractors, government agencies, consulting firms, and many more. 

Plastics Recycling Conference

March 24-25 | Gaylord National Resort and Conference Centre | National Harbor, Maryland

https://www.plasticsrecycling.com/overview

The Association of Plastics Recyclers' Plastics Recycling Conference brings together over 2,800 leaders, including plastic processors, recycled resin buyers and sellers, and other key stakeholders. Over the course of three days, attendees will delve into the latest market trends and insights through a comprehensive agenda curated by industry experts. The event features a dynamic trade show hall with over 250 exhibitors, including processors, compounders, and equipment vendors, creating an engaging environment for networking and collaboration. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from global brands and stay informed on the most significant developments shaping this evolving sector. 

OARA Convention & Trade Show

March 27-29 | Niagara Falls Hilton + Casino | Niagara, Ontario

https://oara.com/events/2025-oara-convention-trade-show/

The Ontario Auto Recyclers Association puts on Canada's largest auto recycling convention and trade show. The event includes a 65+ booth trade show, keynote presentations, industry panels, roundtables, networking, fundraisers, and fun. For 2025, the event is also hosting facility tours at two of Ontario's best auto recyclers: Thorold Auto Solutions in Thorold, Ontario, and Miller's Auto Recycling in Fort Erie, Ontario.

bauma 2025

April 7-13 | Trade Fair Center Messe München | Munich, Germany

https://bauma.de/en/trade-fair/

bauma is a meeting point for the global construction machinery, building material, and mining machine industry including processing equipment relevant to C&D recyclers. The 34th edition will focus on themes including the digital construction site, alternative drives, and tomorrow's construction methods. 

WasteExpo 2025

May 5-8 | Las Vegas Convention Centre | Las Vegas, Nevada

https://www.wasteexpo.com/en/home.html

At WasteExpo, visitors can engage with experts, discover top solutions, exchange best practices, and build valuable new connections with waste and recycling peers, experts, and top solution providers. The show will have an estimated 14,500 visitors — over 2,000 of which are international — and over 600 exhibitors. A conference program covers a variety of topics including operations and safety; recycling and landfill; business insights and policies; and more.

BIR World Recycling Convention

May 25-28 | Feria Valencia Convention Centre | Valencia, Spain
October 26-28 | location TBD

https://www.bir.org/events/upcoming-events

The BIR World Recycling Conventions in the spring and fall of 2025 will keep participants up-to-date with the most important trends on the international recycling markets. The two BIR exhibitions are a platform for BIR member companies providing information services and machinery and equipment to the recycling industry.

ReMA 2025 (formerly ISRI Convention and Exhibition)

May 12-15 | San Diego Convention Centre | San Diego, California

https://www.rema2025.org/

After more than 35 years, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has rebranded as the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA). The ISRI Convention and Exhibition has been rebranded as the ReMA Convention and Expo. The largest recycled materials industry event in the world is taking over the San Diego Convention Center. ReMA Convention and Expo will be bringing together close to 7,000 industry professionals. For four days the recycling community will come together to sharpen their skills, gain knowledge, build relationships, grow their businesses, and celebrate each other.

Battery and Critical Metals Recycling Conference

Dates TBD | location TBD

https://www.batteryrecyclingconference.com/

This event will examine the issues surrounding battery and critical metals recovery and recycling. Topics will include the increasing need for sustainable handling of batteries from electric vehicles, consumer electronics and the stored power industry. BCMRC boasts attendees from across the United States and beyond, offering a powerful networking opportunity.

Recycling & Waste Management 2025

June 9-10 | Intercity Hotel Zurich Airport | Zurich, Switzerland

https://recyclingconference.org/

Recycling & Waste Management 2025 provides a unique platform for academics and professionals globally, fostering awareness and encouraging sustainable practices to promote an eco-friendly environment. The congress will delve into advanced topics in recycling and waste management, drawing participation from researchers, ecologists, environmental experts, and professionals in chemical, civil, and mechanical engineering, environmental science, and recycling. Leaders from industries such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, and textile recycling, along with business entrepreneurs, esteemed professors, association representatives and students, will find this an ideal forum to exchange and gain the latest insights in these fields.

E-Waste World Conference & Expo

June 11-12 | Messe Frankfurt | Frankfurt am Main, Germany

https://ewaste-expo.com

E-Waste World Conference & Expo 2025 is an opportunity for recycling companies, critical raw material suppliers, electronics manufacturers and suppliers, ITAD companies, and the entire electronic waste recycling supply chain to come together to discover the latest innovations and solutions to create a circular economy and help create sustainable supply chains for the future. Covering everything from collection and take-back strategies, circular electronics, raw materials, design for recycling, sorting solutions, urban mining, IT asset disposition, and recycling of industrial, commercial, and post-consumer electronics.

CARI Conference 2025 

June 17-20 | Fairmont Winnipeg | Winnipeg, Manitoba

https://cari-acir.org/

Canadian Association of Recycling Industries' annual three-day convention attracts recyclers across Canada, the United States, and abroad. Attendees have access to an exhibit hall, educational sessions led by experts, and numerous networking opportunities. 2025's program includes a wide range of sessions, optional activities, and a special event on the final evening.

ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit

June 23-25 | Hyatt Regency Seattle | Seattle, Washington

https://summit.refed.org/

This is a growing gathering of thought leaders and innovators who are driving change across the food system, which has become one of the premier food waste events of the year. This summit brings together people and businesses from across the food supply chain to discuss solutions to food waste, including opportunities for composting and anaerobic digestion. The summit is organized by nonprofit ReFED.

ReMA Roundtables

September 10-12 | location TBD

https://www.isri.org/events-training/chapter-events-old/2025/09/10/default-calendar/the-roundtables-2025

More details coming in spring 2025

Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference

October 15-16 | Hyatt Regency | Chicago, Illinois

2025 website coming soon

Supported by ReMA and organized by Recycling Today, this conference is the longest-running in its industry. Expect discussions of EPR, MRFs, commodity markets, and more. More information coming soon.

Waste and Recycling Expo Canada

Dates TBD | location TBD

2025 website coming soon

Waste & Recycling Expo Canada brings together all sectors of the waste, recycling, and public works industries: from transportation, heavy equipment, composting, and MRFs, to construction, road safety, sustainability solutions, and more. Manufacturers and suppliers from across Canada, Germany, China, the US, and more will be unveiling the latest products and advancements including new vehicles, new software, and new resources. Leaders across diverse fields will share their knowledge on the latest topics such as new regulations, best practices, and key trends.

E-Scrap Conference

October 27-29 | Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center | Grapevine, Texas

https://www.e-scrapconference.com/

The E-Scrap Conference is a chance to delve into key topics like designing for end-of-life, sustainable recycling practices, and mitigating Scope 3 emissions, while networking with leaders committed to driving positive change. Attendees can explore practical solutions and actionable strategies for advancing sustainability and connect with fellow professionals to foster collaboration and reimagine the future of electronics recycling.

SWANA Conference (formerly WASTECON)

November 12-15 | location TBD

https://swana.swoogo.com/WC-2025 (2025 conference webpage coming soon) 

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)'s annual conference features the dynamic technical components of solid waste and resource management. Formerly called WASTECON, it is the premier platform for both leaders and engineers to converge, collaborate, and innovate towards a more sustainable future.

ReMA Shredder Ops 2025

Dates TBD, location TBD

https://www.remanews.org/course-spotlight-isris-annual-shredder-operations-and-safety-forum/

This program is designed to bring together the best and brightest in shredder operations professionals. For people who are interested in shredder equipment specifics, downstream, logistics, safety, air quality, or environmental controls, this ReMA event will be informative.