Local Government at the Forefront of Australia’s Circular Economy: Why Waste Expo Australia 2025 is a Must-Attend
Local government is central to Australia’s transition towards a truly circular economy.
Councils manage the systems and services that most directly impact communities.
They are also at the sharp end of policy change, balancing increasing community expectations with limited budgets and rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks.
Waste Expo Australia 2025, returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29–30 October, provides councils with a dedicated opportunity to engage with the latest solutions, strategies and technologies shaping the resource recovery sector. As the nation’s largest free-to-attend event for the circular economy, resource recovery and sustainable materials management, the Expo is designed to help local government leaders address today’s challenges while preparing for the opportunities ahead.
This year’s conference will delve into some of the sector’s most pressing topics, including Procurement Driving Change, Breaking Free from Landfill and From
Prevention to Action – Tackling Illegal Dumping and Council-Led Solutions. Matt Genever, CEO of Sustainability Victoria, will open the Waste Expo for the third year running, setting the scene for two days of critical conversations.
“I’m once again excited to be part of Waste Expo Australia,” said Matt Genever.
“For local government leaders and the broader sector, Waste Expo Australia is an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with the latest thinking, innovation and partnerships driving Australia’s circular economy transition,” said Matt Genever.
Along with Tony Circelli, Head, Recycling Victoria, Matt Genever will highlight the priorities shaping the next phase of Victoria’s circular economy transition and set the stage for a thought-provoking program.
Alongside the conference program, more than 120 leading suppliers will be on the exhibition floor showcasing new products and services designed to support councils in delivering better outcomes for their communities. From advanced collection solutions to Waste-to-Energy innovations and organics processing systems, the Expo brings together the full spectrum of solutions available to local government in
one place.
A particular highlight for councils will be the Government Lounge, hosted by Sustainability Victoria, Recycling Victoria and EPA Victoria. Located within the
exhibition hall, the Lounge will provide delegates with direct access to key government agencies to discuss priorities, programs and funding opportunities that
support local government objectives.
New this year is Waste Expo Australia’s partnership with ecologiQ, creating one of Australia’s largest greener infrastructure events through an exciting co-location. The two-day event will bring together policymakers, contractors, builders, designers,
engineers and the broader supply chain to explore practical pathways toward a circular economy in infrastructure. A plenary agenda of keynote addresses,
presentations, panels and case studies will showcase tangible, real-world examples of sustainable infrastructure outcomes in design and construction, leaving attendees inspired to build purposely greener infrastructure.
Waste Expo Australia 2025 is more than an industry event; it is a platform for collaboration, inspiration and meaningful action. For councils, it represents a chance to connect with peers from across the country, learn from successful initiatives and help shape the conversation around the future of resource recovery and the circular economy.
Registration for Waste Expo Australia 2025 is open now. For more information or to secure your place, visit www.wasteexpoaustralia.com.au.
