With just over two weeks until Waste Expo Australia 2025, exhibition spaces are sold out and local government representatives across the nation are preparing to attend what has become an essential event on the waste management calendar.
The free two-day event on 29-30 October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre promises exceptional value for councils navigating the complex landscape of waste management, resource recovery, and circular economy initiatives.
Operating under the tagline “Advancing Towards Sustainable Resource Recovery,” Waste Expo Australia 2025 has grown to become the nation’s largest gathering of waste management professionals. This year’s exhibition features over 140 suppliers showcasing waste management products and services, while the Summit program provides thought-provoking conversation and learnings with 45+ sessions across three streams.
For the first time, Waste Expo Australia will co-locate with the ecologiQ Greener Infrastructure Conference, creating exciting opportunities for attendees. This strategic partnership bridges the gap between resource recovery and sustainable infrastructure, fostering collaboration and driving innovation. ecologiQ will have a dedicated area on the expo floor, as well as a paid-to-attend conference.
A highlight for council attendees is the Government Lounge on the expo floor, providing a dedicated space to engage directly with EPA Victoria, Sustainability Victoria, and Recycling Victoria. This unique zone eliminates the usual barriers to accessing government expertise, offering local government officers the chance to discuss strategic plans, clarify regulatory requirements, and explore collaboration opportunities in an accessible, face-to-face setting.
The Government Lounge represents a valuable opportunity for councils to stay ahead of policy changes and understand how state-level initiatives can be implemented at the local level. Whether seeking guidance on circular economy transitions, waste-to-energy schemes, or the Container Deposit Scheme, local government representatives can access expert advice from the agencies driving Victoria’s waste reform agenda.
The 2025 Summit will feature over 110 speakers from across academia and industry, delivering 45+ sessions across three key streams: circular economy, government policy, alternative waste technologies, and resource recovery innovations. For local government professionals, this program offers targeted insights into the challenges and opportunities facing councils today.
Sessions range from a keynote by the Danish Ambassador bringing international perspectives, to panels featuring representatives from several state EPAs discussing regulatory frameworks. The diverse program ensures that whether councils are focused on improving kerbside collection, exploring organics processing, or implementing circular economy initiatives at a regional level, there are relevant sessions to attend.
The free access to het high-calibre Summit program represents significant value for councils working within tight budget constraints while needing to maintain professional development for their teams.
With over 140 suppliers showcasing waste management products and services, the exhibition floor provides councils with a comprehensive view of available solutions. From large-scale equipment manufacturers like Bucher Municipal and Toro Waste Equipment to innovative technology providers, the exhibition offers councils the chance to compare offerings, understand emerging technologies, and source solutions for their specific operational needs.
AGL’s presence at the exhibition demonstrates the growing opportunities in the waste-to-energy space. As Brendan Weinert from AGL explains, the circular economy presents significant opportunities for organisations looking to decarbonise: “By rethinking waste, businesses can turn a challenge into a pathway for emissions reduction and cost savings. Our bioenergy solutions enable customers to convert organic waste, such as food scraps into renewable energy, supporting their decarbonisation journey and delivering tangible financial benefits compared to traditional disposal.”
The efficiency of having numerous suppliers in one location cannot be understated. Rather than scheduling multiple site visits and demonstrations throughout the year, council procurement teams and operational managers can evaluate options, ask technical questions, and build relationships with potential suppliers all in two days.
Waste Expo Australia’s exhibition and conference are free to attend, with registration still open online. There is also a VIP ticket option available, including catering and access to recordings of conference presentations. With exhibition spaces sold out and record attendance expected, Waste Expo Australia 2025 is shaping up to be the industry’s must-attend event of the year. Register online ahead of the conference to avoid queueing on the day, by visiting wasteexpoaustralia.com.au
