August 15: The most recent update to this list is the Hazardous Materials Management Conference, held Sept. 21-25 in Naperville, Illinois.

What sort of waste and recycling topics can you learn more about in 2025? The industry is navigating a variety of challenges and opportunities, from PFAS and EPR to waste collection technology and disposal capacity. Industry organizations are planning a plethora of in-person events for the summer and fall of 2025 to discuss many of those trends.

A variety of upcoming conferences are meant to attract targeted audiences, such as those in organic waste disposal, electronic waste solutions, recycling technology and more.

Here are some of the notable waste management conferences planned for the rest of the year. Our list includes most major national or regional events, and we’ll plan to update details on the events we’ve confirmed as they become available. 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 2025

BPI Summit

Sept. 16-18
Loudermilk Conference Center, Atlanta, Georgia

The Biodegradable Products Institute aims to convene attendees involved in zero waste programs, collection and hauling, composting operations, product and material development and policy to discuss ideas for organics waste diversion, including for compostable products and packaging. 

Hazardous Materials Management Conference

Sept. 21-25

Chicago Marriott Naperville, Naperville, Illinois

The conference, hosted by the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association, offers training, networking and presentations. Topics include pollution prevention, household hazardous waste, collection programs, batteries, PFAS and business management.

Paper & Plastics Recycling Conference

Oct. 15-16
Hyatt Regency, Chicago

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.

Business of Biogas

Oct. 21-23
Four Seasons Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri

This American Biogas Council event is marketed for project developers and investors interested in best practices for both biogas production and profitability. 

E-Scrap Conference

Oct. 27-29
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas

The E-Scrap Conference, produced by Resource Recycling, features events and discussion of the electronics recycling industry. Prior iterations have included speakers from private companies and regulators.

RCon

Nov. 12-15
Columbus, Ohio

This conference, combined the events previously known as Wastecon and SOAR, is the Solid Waste Association of North America’s premier gathering. SWANA said the new event “will focus on advancing the understanding of waste as a resource, and it will be the go-to platform for cutting-edge discussions, technologies, and practices.” The U.S. Plastics Pact will co-locate its Activator Action Summit at RCon this year. The summit aims to discuss challenges and barriers to plastics circularity.

Corporate Growth Conference

Nov. 12-13
Fairmont Chicago Millenium Park, Chicago

This conference, produced by Waste Today events, takes a look at the business landscape within the environmental services sector. Discussions typically cover both prospective sources of capital and potential growth opportunities for investors.