RCon 2026 explores the latest innovations in waste management

The Solid Waste Association of North America's (SWANA) annual conference — RCon 2026 — is scheduled from September 29 to October 2 at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri. 

RCon brings together waste and resource management professionals for a highly energetic and informative program designed to facilitate collaboration and solutions to the industry's most pressing challenges. Attendees have begun to build their own RCon agenda, choosing from dynamic general sessions, training courses, experiential learning tours, concurrent sessions, and networking events. 

This year's program highlights timely topics, including safety, PFAS, landfill gas and landfill management, recycling, circularity, extended producer responsibility, workforce development, emerging technologies, operational innovation, and more. 

"RCon brings SWANA's community together in a way that is both practical and inspiring," said Carolyn Muller, acting CEO of SWANA. "From educational sessions and facility tours to networking events and the Exhibit Hall, attendees will experience our industry in action. RCon showcases the people, technologies, and innovations shaping the future of waste and resource management by creating a dynamic learning environment where attendees can explore emerging trends and leave inspired by what's possible."

Keynote presentations 

RCon's main stage general sessions will feature industry leaders and experts exploring the challenges and opportunities ahead in waste and resource management.

"Safer by Design: How Technology Is Transforming Waste Industry Safety," the opening general session, will examine how technology is enabling organizations to identify hazards earlier and strengthen decision-making to build safer workplaces. Other keynote topics throughout the week include strengthening recycling systems, packaging design, innovation, and workforce development.

Tours 

Experiential learning tours will take learning outside the convention center to see waste and resource management, sustainability, recycling, and reuse in action throughout the St. Louis region. Washington University and Energizer Park will host sustainability-focused tours, highlighting their circularity in action. Other tours include visits to the City of St. Peters Environmental Campus — home to Recycle City, and the Waste Connections' Champ Landfill, which is one of Missouri's busiest landfills.

The Exhibit Hall 

The RCon Exhibit Hall will be a hub for connection, discovery, and engagement with more than 200 exhibitors and solution providers. The Exhibit Hall will also include Rapid Insight sessions with headsets for an optimal experience, SWANA Central, and interactive attendee activations such as a community giveback project, pickleball, disc golf, live demonstrations, and more.

Networking opportunities

Attendees will experience the city of St. Louis while strengthening professional relationships with networking events such as the Opening Reception in the Exhibit Hall, a Volunteer Appreciation Bash at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and a conference-wide event at City Museum.

Young Professionals (YPs) will have dedicated sessions and opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved throughout RCon. SWANA also holds its annual Awards Celebration during RCon to recognize the individuals and organizations advancing innovation, safety, leadership, and excellence in waste and resource management.

Last year, networking was one of the most highly rated aspects of RCon thanks to the variety of structured and informal opportunities to connect with peers, colleagues, exhibitors, sponsors, chapter leaders, technical division members, and SWANA volunteers.

Explore the Midwest 

RCon puts the Midwest at the center of national and international conversations while highlighting the people, facilities, and ideas impacting Missouri and the surrounding region. SWANA is joined by leaders with the Missouri and Illinois Land of Lincoln Chapters in welcoming attendees to St. Louis.

"As someone who joined SWANA early in my career, I know firsthand the impact that education, mentorship, and professional connections can have," said Lynsey Baer, PE, BCEE, SWANA Board President. "RCon brings all of those opportunities together in one place, while also offering unique experiences you won't find anywhere else. From hands-on learning and facility tours to live demonstrations, peer exchange, and an energetic Exhibit Hall, RCon blends learning, innovation, and engagement in ways that make it much more than a conference."