Industry organizations will offer a variety of in-person conferences in summer and fall 2026 meant to cultivate conversations around some of the most pressing issues in the waste and recycling industry.
These upcoming conferences will cater to specific audiences, such as those in landfill operations, recycling, organic waste disposal, technology and more.
Conference-goers will discuss a range of topics, including capital markets, critical minerals supply chains, recycling innovations, policy matters, commodity markets, extended producer responsibility, labor issues and the role of AI, among others.
Below is a list of relevant waste management conferences planned for the second half of the year. Our list includes most major national or regional events, and the list is periodically updated with new events.
We won’t be able to accommodate every local conference, but would still love to hear about your upcoming event. Reach out at waste.dive.editors@industrydive.com.
Waste and recycling conferences in 2026
ISPA Sustainability Conference
September 23-24, Charlotte, NC
The International Sleep Products Association conference invites professionals in the mattress industry to discuss sustainability policy, circular mattress design, consumer education strategies and other topics.
EHS Hazmat Summit
Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2026
New Orleans
The Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals hosts this conference, which will include workshops, technical sessions and networking for those in the environmental, health, safety, and hazardous materials management sector.
RCon
Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, 2026
St. Louis
The recently rebranded conference hosted by the Solid Waste Association of North America will bring together industry professionals for “technical learning and collaboration on solutions for the industry.” The second annual RCon will include an exhibit hall and several days of events.
How2Recycle Summit
Sept. 30, 2026
San Diego
This one-day event is co-located with SPC Advance, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s fall event. The How2Recycle Summit features discussions of policy shifts, updates on labeling programs, compliance and recyclability for packaging, as well as an opportunity to connect with the How2Recycle team.
The Waste Haulers Summit
Oct. 5-7
Grapevine, Texas
The summit connects solid waste leaders and solution providers for networking, professional development and product and service showcases. Applicants are matched with other attendees and offered a personalized agenda.
Hazardous Materials Management Conference
Oct. 11-15, 2026
Nashville, Tennessee
The annual conference, hosted by the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association and now in its 41st year, explores themes like pollution prevention, product stewardship and the handling of hazardous waste.
Business of Biogas
Oct. 20-23, 2026
St. Louis
The Business of Biogas conference is hosted by the American Biogas Council, one of the industry's largest trade organizations. It brings together professionals focused on biogas production and profitability.
National Zero Waste Conference
October 21-22, 2026
Virtual
The online conference, hosted by Zero Waste USA, offers case studies, program implementation strategies, and ideas for zero waste systems for businesses, institutions and communities.
E-Scrap Conference
Oct. 26-28, 2026
New Orleans
The annual E-Scrap Conference hosted by Resource Recycling includes three days of learnings sessions and workshops. The conference highlights 1,200 leaders of the electronics recycling industry in attendance, and an exhibit hall that "brings together processors, ITAD insiders, material traders, equipment vendors" and more.
Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference
Oct. 28-29, 2026
Chicago
The Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference, produced by Recycling Today and supported by ReMA's Paper Stock Industries Chapter, is an event that combines recycling stakeholders across the feedstocks to discuss challenges and opportunities in the industry.
E-Waste World Expo, Critical Minerals Expo and Battery Recycling Expo
Oct. 28-29, 2026
Atlanta
The three co-located conferences will bring together players in the battery recycling, processing, reuse and sustainability sectors. Conference topics will cover battery applications for EVs, energy storage, consumer electronics, ITAD, and e-waste.
Corporate Growth Conference
Nov. 18-19, 2026
Chicago
The conference, produced by Waste Today, aims to connect the financial and environmental services sectors to learn more about waste industry business drivers and business development, as well as trends in industry innovations and M&A.
