Free registrations for Australia’s premier event for resource recovery and sustainable solutions are now open, offering local government professionals unparalleled access to the latest solutions, policy updates, and networking opportunities essential for effective council waste management.
Waste Expo Australia 2025 returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29-30 October, bringing together over 3,000 resource recovery professionals, government representatives, and key decision-makers. Focusing on “Advancing Towards Sustainable Resource Recovery,” the event promises to deliver critical insights for councils navigating increasingly complex waste management and resource recovery challenges.
The two-day event comprises an exhibition featuring over 120 national and international suppliers, alongside a robust conference program with 45 sessions led by industry pioneers. This year’s event places particular emphasis on government engagement, featuring a dedicated Government Lounge on the exhibition floor where council representatives can connect directly with EPA Victoria, Sustainability Victoria, and Recycling Victoria. This innovative space will facilitate one-on-one discussions about strategic plans, regulatory compliance, and initiatives for advancing circular economy outcomes at the local level.
The conference program includes a comprehensive Government & Policy stream, addressing regulatory changes, compliance requirements, and emerging opportunities that directly impact council operations. These sessions are designed to help local government professionals stay ahead of policy developments while identifying practical implementation strategies.
This year’s Waste Expo conference program will feature more than thought-provoking sessions across multiple streams, including Circular Economy, Government/Policy, Waste-to-Energy and Safety & Technology. Industry leaders will share insights on emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable practices that are reshaping the sector.
Council attendees will benefit from presentations by leading industry figures addressing critical resource recovery challenges. Among the featured speakers, Cleanaway will lead a panel discussion on the role of waste-to-energy in sustainable waste management, examining how energy recovery technologies can contribute to Australia’s circular economy goals while addressing growing waste volumes.
“Energy-from-Waste is a critical component of Australia’s sustainable waste management future,” said Cleanaway’s Executive General Manager for Energy from Waste, Preet Brar, “As we move toward a circular economy, we need to explore every avenue for resource recovery. This panel will examine how Energy-from-Waste can complement recycling and composting efforts and opportunities for industries to co-locate, creating an eco-system of symbiotic industries supporting Australian manufacturing, innovation and long-term job creation.”
ACCIONA will also join the conference lineup, presenting on energy recovery and establishing social licence, addressing one of the most important aspects of implementing new waste management technologies – gaining community acceptance and support.
“Establishing social licence is fundamental to the successful deployment of any new waste management technology in Australia,” commented Scott Reynolds, General Manager of ACCIONA’s Kwinana Energy Recovery project. “Our presentation will explore best practices for community engagement and transparent communication that builds trust and support for energy recovery projects.”
Waste Expo Australia 2025 continues to receive strong support from key industry associations. The Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA), ANZ Biochar Industry Group (ANZBIG), and Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) are all contributing to the event’s promotion and planning, ensuring comprehensive industry representation. The annual VWMA breakfast, held at the conference, provides an additional networking opportunity for council representatives to connect with peers and discuss shared challenges.
Going beyond representation, Waste Expo Australia 2024 saw over 500 government employees in attendance, with 2025 set to surpass that number. The event’s alignment with government sustainability initiatives makes it an essential platform for understanding policy developments and regulatory changes affecting the resource recovery sector, and a valuable investment in professional development.
Free registrations for Waste Expo Australia 2025 are now open, providing access to both the exhibition and conference sessions, alongside the paid ecologiQ conference registration. The event offers exceptional value for council employees involved in resource recovery and seeking to stay ahead of industry trends, discover new technologies, and build valuable business connections.
The full conference program will be released in the coming weeks, featuring additional speakers and session details. With just over three months until the event, early registration is recommended to secure attendance at the most significant waste management event of the year.
Register for free to attend Waste Expo Australia 2025 at www.wasteexpoaustralia.com.au
