WasteExpo / Waste Leadership Summit
NWRA partners with Informa to deliver two complementary industry experiences: WasteExpo and the Waste Summit. WasteExpo provides a premier platform for major product showcases, expansive exhibits, and robust engagement across the waste and recycling sector.
The Waste Leadership Summit complements this by focusing on education, connection, and leadership development—creating a dedicated space for professionals to learn, collaborate, and grow. Together, these events strengthen our industry and advance innovation, excellence, and community.
Waste summit
Waste Leadership Summit
June 8-10, 2026
Washington, D.C.
The Waste Leadership Summit (WLS), organized by NWRA and Informa, is an exclusive, all-inclusive forum where waste and recycling decision-makers engage in meaningful dialogue, forge strategic relationships and gain timely policy and market insights. Held June 8–10, 2026, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., the Summit offers a premium setting designed for actionable outcomes, collaboration and leadership development.
At WLS, every conversation counts. The WLS is designed for executives, municipal leaders, suppliers, investors and innovators seeking a high-level environment where connections matter and industry leadership is cultivated.
Why attend WLS?
Service company executives
connect directly with peers, customers and investors to exchange strategies that strengthen operations and drive growth.
Public-sector leaders
gain policy insights and share perspectives with private operators on critical regulatory, environmental, and infrastructure issues.
Suppliers and technology partners
engage with decision-makers in a setting built for relationship-building, not trade-show traffic.
Investors and financial stakeholders
access market intelligence through the Waste360/Stifel Investor Summit, exploring trends and investment opportunities shaping the industry’s future.
Education and Connection
WLS offers a curated educational experience that blends strategic insights, peer learning and professional recognition in an environment built for senior-level engagement.
- Cutting-Edge Thought Leadership: Panels featuring industry experts, regulatory leaders and innovation pioneers help attendees anticipate and adapt to change while navigating evolving market and policy dynamics.
- Tailored Conference Programming & Deep Dives: Three concurrent education tracks – Leadership & Business Development; Safety, Advocacy & Policy; and Technology & Innovation – ensure content relevance and practical applicability to your role, delivering ideas you can implement immediately.
- Peer-to-Peer Networking & Mentoring: The integrated Investor Summit and focused breakout discussions provide direct access to top leaders and subject-matter experts, fostering mentorship, collaboration and real-world exchange.
- Recognition & Legacy Building: Awards, member spotlights, and visibility opportunities celebrate leadership, innovation and contribution, helping participants tell their story and build lasting brand equity within the industry.
The Waste Leadership Summit delivers a distinctive, leadership-focused experience for decision-makers who want to engage at the highest level of the industry.
Learn more about registration, agenda details and hotel information:
waste and recycling trade show
WasteExpo
May 3-7, 2027
Las Vegas, Nev.
WasteExpo is North America’s largest waste and recycling trade show, bringing together more than 13,000 industry professionals and nearly 600 exhibitors each year. Produced by Waste360 in collaboration with NWRA, WasteExpo is the premier event for discovering new technologies, strengthening professional networks and gaining insight into the future of the industry.
For attendees, WasteExpo delivers an unmatched opportunity for professional growth and business development. The expansive show floor highlights the latest equipment, vehicle, and technologies that are shaping the waste and recycling landscape, while the conference program offers targeted education for professionals at every level.
Educational Opportunities
Education is a cornerstone of WasteExpo, featuring dozens of sessions led by industry experts, operators, policymakers and innovators. NWRA plays a leading role in shaping content that directly supports the needs of its members. Conference highlights include:
Recycling & Landfill
sessions that explore advancements in materials recovery, diversion and sustainable landfill operations.
Operations, Fleet & Safety
topics that provide practical insights into fleet efficiency, workforce safety and operational excellence.
Technology & Innovation
sessions highlighting tools and data-driven approaches that improve performance and sustainability.
Business Insights & Policy
discussions covering regulation, compliance, market trends and the policies driving the industry forward.
WasteExpo also features specialized events that broaden its scope and audience, including the Healthcare Waste Conference, focused on medical waste management and compliance, and the Waste360/Stifel Investor Summit, which provides financial and market insights for decision-makers and investors.
Why attend WasteExpo?
Whether you’re an operator, supplier or public-sector partner, WasteExpo provides direct access to the people, products and ideas that keep the industry moving forward.
It’s where leaders connect, learn and position their organizations for success in a rapidly-evolving marketplace.
NWRA wasteexpo Benefits
Member Value
NWRA members enjoy exclusive benefits at WasteExpo, including discounted booth space and savings through the NWRA Member Savings Program—helping reduce costs on exhibits, sponsorships, and advertising.
- Member discounts of 10–15% off Exhibit Space at WasteExpo
- Priority onsite registration for NWRA members.