The top recycling events, trade shows, and conventions in 2026

Mark your calendars for the biggest recycling conferences and trade shows in 2026. These events showcase the latest developments in key topics, including advancements in material recycling and policy changes affecting the trade of raw and repurposed materials. Live demonstrations will include all-new high-production equipment, like material handlers, shears, and balers, along with the latest technologies in robotic-based optical sorters. Solutions can be found for the most complex waste streams, focused on delivering cleaner secondary raw materials and reducing energy use across the process.

Additionally, industry events provide an advanced networking platform. In 2026, making personal connections is more important than ever to maintaining a successful business. In a world that's more digitally connected than ever, the recycling industry continues to run on people, talent, and focused collaboration to solve emerging challenges.

COMPOST2026 

February 2-5 | SAFE Credit Union Conventions Center | Sacramento, California  

https://compostconference.com/attend/ 

Hosted by the US Compostign Council (USCC), this conference and trade show is a space where industry experts can gather to share ideas, participate in events, and engage with constantly emerging technologies. The ever-growing ecosystem of composting experts creates a welcoming environment for new advocates to join in the conversation. This annual event is the premier exhibition for composting, wood waste, and organics recycling in North America with a wide range of speakers and hands-on demonstrations of the latest machinery and tools. 

Demolition Phoenix 

February 4-7 | Phoenix Convention Center | Phoenix, Arizona 

https://www.demolitionassociation.com/Education-Events/Demolition-Phoenix-2026

The demolition convention exhibits the latest in demolition and wrecking equipment made to help businesses grow in scrap, recycling, and abatement. Education opportunities include addressing the current labour shortages in the industry as well as retaining and managing skilled workers while fostering a resilient team. As well, the Live DEMOltion event, sponsored by Liebherr, features excavators, shears, concrete breakers, dust control cannons, concrete laws, robotics, and even more tools to get a first-hand look at the newest tools. 

CDRA Conference & Tradeshow 

January 27 - 30 | Saddlebrook Resort | Florida 

https://www.cdraconference.com/ 

Renamed from the C&D World Conference to better reflect the strong connection between the event and the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA), the CDRA Conference & Tradeshow showcases the latest news in recycling to help attendees stay ahead of the curve. Special sessions focused on critical industry trends and topics from experts across the C&D recycling sector are the highlight of the event. The convention will also feature an exhibit hall with the latest equipment and services from top suppliers and vendors. Attendees can also look forward to unmatched networking with executives, managers, and decision-makers from the field.

Plastics Recycling Conference 

February 23-25 | Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center | San Diego, California 

https://www.plasticsrecycling.com/

The Plastics Recycling Conference is the best place to learn about key challenges and opportunities shaping plastics recovery, recycling, and circularity. The show will feature practical insights into PCR content laws, changes in long-term needs for producers, and what will be needed to successfully comply. As well, a panel will discuss the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws changing in California and across the country. Discover new insights and strategies to overcome fragmented knowledge. Attendees can also look forward to extensive networking, hands-on workshops, and exclusive exhibitions.

OARA Convention & Trade Show 

March 26-28 | Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre | Markham, Ontario 

https://oara.com/events/2026-oara-convention-trade-show-2/

One of Canada's largest auto recycling conventions and trade shows returns to Markham next March. The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) welcomes trusted automotive recyclers, OEMs, and innovators to trade the latest advancements in end-of-life vehicle processing for parts reuse and materials recycling at its annual Convention & Trade Show. The organization takes the highest regard for the environment and safety while continuing to boost the automotive recycling industry and enhance business opportunities and profitability. Attendees can also look forward to keynote presentations, industry panels, roundtables, fundraisers, and industry networking across the trade show.

ReMA Convention & Exposition 

April 13-16 | Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino | Las Vegas, Nevada 

https://www.rema2025.org/rema2026/ 

Professionals, suppliers, recyclers, and service providers will descend onto Las Vegas next to engage with conferences, workshops, and powerful networking events at the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) Convention. The 2026 curriculum is designed to address the most pressing issues facing the recycling industry today. Topics like material supply-chain resilience, emerging technologies in sorting and processing, circular-economy strategies, and regulations in trade policy developments will all be discussed across four days.

Recycling and Waste Management Conference

April 13-15 | Village Hotel | Singapore City, Singapore 

https://recyclingconference.org/

This international gathering of recycling experts, visionary researchers, and industry leaders serves as a dynamic platform to exchange ideas and showcase transformative solutions. The 3rd World Congress on Recycling & Waste Management in Singapore allows attendees to connect with global change makers while contributing to the conversation of building a cleaner, more resilient world. Session topics will include waste management techniques, environmental sustainability, and recovering energy from waste. 

SWANA Canadian Solid Waste Conference 

May 13-15 | Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa | Whistler, British Columbia 

https://swanabc.org/swana-canadian-solid-waste-conference-2026/

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Canadian Solid Waste Conference directly contributes to Canada's sustainable waste future. Based in Whistler, B.C., the conference will feature high-quality programming, inspiring conversations, and meaningful connections between professionals across the industry committed to advancing solid waste and resource management. Topics covered at the 2026 conference will include disaster management, composting and organics, and battery management and recycling (including EVs). SWANA events reflect the organization's mission to transform waste into a resource with advanced education, advocacy, and research. 

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition 

May 31 - June 3 | Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre | Gothenburg, Sweden 

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

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) will host the first of its two biannual events in Sweden next Spring. This global event brings together the best and the brightest from every major sector in the recycling industry. Sessions will take a deep dive into current challenges facing paper, plastics, ferrous and nonferrous metals, trade, and rubber. 

With a truly international environment, BIR will host more than 70 nationalities, creating excellent opportunities for networking and building partnerships. Attendees can look forward to watching lively debates during keynote sessions with high-profile guest presentations. BIR events reflect the company's mission: to create a unified approach to recycling. 

Battery and Universal Waste Recycling Conference 

June 8-9 | Nashville, Tennessee 

https://www.batteryrecyclingconference.com/

With a drastic increase in the amount of electronic consumer goods, industrial and commercial equipment, along with the rise of electric vehicles, there has also been an increase in the need to recycle these goods. Surprisingly, the recycling industry has had a difficult time catching up. The Battery and Universal Waste Recycling Conference attempts to solve these issues by creating innovative solutions to repurpose used batteries and harness their raw materials. Attendees can look forward to hearing from experts advising on actionable education that can be applied directly to operations. 

E-Waste World Conference & Expo 

June 17-18 | Messe Frankfurt | Frankfurt, Germany 

https://ewaste-expo.com/

E-Waste World Conference and Expo is the ideal place to connect with recycling companies, critical raw material suppliers, and electronics manufacturers and supplies in Europe. The electronic waste recycling supply chain comes together to discuss new ways to create circular systems and a sustainable supply chain for the future. In addition to the expo and keynote speeches from industry leaders, the exhibit hall demonstrates solutions targeting the latest e-waste challenges. Topics will cover everything from collection and take-back strategies, circular electronics, design for recycling, and urban mining to recycling of industrial, commercial, and post-consumer electronics. 

CARI  

June 8-10 | Hilton Lac-Leamy & Casino | Gatineau, Quebec 

https://cari-acir.org/85th-annual-convention/ 

CARI events are designed to bring together a wide network of peers to meet and discuss changes in the recycling industry, innovations, and products. Among a wide range of networking opportunities, attendees can look forward to visiting the exhibit hall filled with cutting-edge equipment and educational session led by experts. The keynote speaker at this year's annual event is Dr. Jody Carrington; a psychologist and bestselling author focused on helping professionals build a foundation of resilient leadership, strong teams, and healthy communities. This session is meant to equip recycling leaders with the ability to acknowledge hard work, connection, and drive performance retention. 

IFAT Munich 

May 4-7 | Trade Fair Center Messe Munchen | Munich, Germany 

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

Attendees to IFAT's water, recycling, and circularity tradeshow can visit more than 3,000 exhibitors from over 60 countries, presenting new strategies and innovations. Discover pioneering solutions for the waste management and recycling sector through digitalization, climate resilience, and municipal technology. Current challenges and possible outcomes will be discussed, along with opportunities currently available in the industry, at educational sessions and speeches from politicians, business leaders, and scientists. The goal of the show is clear: to showcase solutions for closing raw material cycles and further advancing the circular economy.

Waste Leadership Summit 

June 8-10 | Washington Hilton | Washington. D.C. 

https://thewastesummit.com/

The Waste Leadership Summit is the perfect place to meet and connect with industry peers during the planned receptions, lunches, and breaks. This exclusive forum for waste and recycling leaders offers a space to connect and collaborate. Attendees can expect to gain insights into the state of the market, discuss strategic outlooks, and discover emerging trends shaping the future of the industry at the Investor Summit. 

Scrap Expo 

September 8-10 | Kentucky Exposition Center | Louisville, Kentucky 

https://www.scrapexpo.net/

Scrap Expo is a completely unique event that allows metals recycling to come to life. With hands-on high-energy demonstrations and keynote speeches, scrap metal dealers, processors, auto dismantlers, and other ferrous and nonferrous scrap handlers can get caught up with the latest in the industry. The indoor exhibit area will feature a wide range of cutting-edge equipment, material handlers, and services tailored to processing scrap. As well, insightful education sessions will allow attendees to grow their industry expertise in just a few short days. 

MRF Operations Forum 

October 26-27 | Hyatt Regency Chicago | Chicago, Illinois 

https://opsforum.recyclingtodayevents.com/

The MRF Operations Forum is an experience specially designed for plant operators looking for new solutions to enhance operations. With valuable insights on optimizing plant efficiency, improving material recovery, and purity and exchange ideas, fellow operators who understand the challenges of complex, capital-intensive equipment can radically change markets and material streams. Hear from the gurus of plant optimization during the invaluable sessions and meet with peers during networking events. 

Waste & Recycling Expo Canada 

Date TBD | Toronto, Ontario 

https://waste-recycling-expo-canada.us.messefrankfurt.com/canada/en.html 

The Waste & Recycling Expo of Canada brings together every sector in the waste, recycling, and public works industries. Manufacturers and suppliers from across the world will come together to showcase the laest in transportation, heavy equipment, composting, construction, road safety, sustainable solutions for MRFs, and more. Attendees can exect to hear about engaging ideas, new regulations, best practices, and key trends in the waste and recycling industry.