Returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29–30 October, Waste Expo Australia 2025 is set to be the largest and most influential event on the country’s waste and resource recovery calendar. With a record 140 exhibitors and over 3,500 industry professionals including representatives from councils, major contractors, government agencies, and commercial operators expected to attend – the surge in demand reflects the urgency and momentum driving the sector.
This year’s strong exhibitor interest, from both returning participants and first-time organisations, highlights a growing focus on innovation, circular economy practices, and sustainable infrastructure. As environmental legislation tightens and community expectations rise, the expo provides a critical platform for collaboration, policy engagement, and commercial growth.
From global innovators to established local leaders, companies across the circular economy are reaffirming their commitment to the event. In fact, exhibitor retention is at an all-time high, bolstered by a sharp increase in first-time participants eager to connect with decision-makers and showcase new technologies in waste management, recycling, and sustainability.
Exhibitors, like HSR Southern Cross, say the event is more than just a trade show.
“Waste Expo is more than a trade event – it’s a strategic platform to champion local manufacturing and highlight the strength of Australian made solutions,” says Jake Henderson, national general manager – Sales & Business Development at HSR. “Last year’s Expo helped elevate HSR’s national profile and connect us with key decision-makers. As demand grows for transparent, locally supported equipment built for Australian conditions, this event is more important than ever.”
Prue Rowe, ANZ group marketing and public relations manager at EcoCycle, echoes this sentiment.
“Waste Expo Australia has become a key platform for the EcoCycle Group to showcase our specialised capabilities in battery, mercury, X-ray, lighting, metal, and e-waste recycling.” she said. “As a leader in the industry, the event allows us to engage with government and commercial partners, highlight advancements in our national recycling infrastructure, and demonstrate our growing capabilities in areas such as battery-in-device processing, safe storage solutions and our national collection network. It is an invaluable opportunity to stay informed, strengthen relationships, and support progress across the waste and recycling sector.”
This year will also see the return of the Government Lounge, featuring Sustainability Victoria, Recycling Victoria and EPA Victoria, alongside an expanded conference program and the partnership with ecologiQ Greener Infrastructure Conference, which draws a new audience. These additions reflect the industry’s shift toward integrated, cross-sector solutions and have helped elevate the expo’s relevance and reach.
Co-located once again with All-Energy Australia, the expo encourages cross-sector collaboration particularly between waste management, clean energy, and decarbonisation. This strategic pairing supports a more integrated approach to sustainability, enabling attendees to explore shared technologies and policy frameworks across industries.
The surge in demand for Waste Expo Australia 2025 reflects the industry’s proactive stance on sustainability and resource recovery. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, from policymakers to innovators, the expo serves as a pivotal platform for driving progress and fostering collaboration in Australia’s waste management sector.
Australia’s waste management landscape. Be part of the change and register your interest in exhibiting by applying here – Apply to Exhibit at Waste Expo Australia.