The National Zero Waste Conference 2025 is an annual two-day virtual educational and networking event organized by Zero Waste USA. The event features national experts discussing hot topics and emerging trends – Zero Waste Businesses & Institutions on October 22 and Zero Waste Communities on October 23, 2025.
Earlier conferences attracted over 400 registrants each. A diverse range of sectors took part – including large and small businesses, NGOs, government agencies and universities.
National Zero Waste Conference 2025 Topics
- Zero Waste In Action: reuse hubs, furniture, and textile recycling, food recovery, zero waste events, and entrepreneurship opportunities for marginalized communities
- Local Implementation Success Stories: effective community engagement, technical assistance, and training programs, non-governmental efforts and projects, and investment in programs and enterprises
- Funding Options: state and local, foundations, innovative approaches
- Policy & Legislation: laws, legislative action (bottle deposits, bag bans), right to repair, how policies are passed, local government involvement, and working with or around agencies
- Consumer Behavior & Culture Change: consumerism, minimalism, social marketing, media perceptions, and engaging younger generations
- Global Solidarity: strengthening international relationships and information sharing
- Environmental & Climate Impact: microplastics, marine debris, contamination, and the link between waste and greenhouse gas emissions
- Metrics & Economic Impact: zero waste progress indicators, economic opportunities, circular economy entrepreneurship, and access to recycling markets
- Innovation & Technology: AI in waste management, data standardization, new waste innovations, and systemic zero waste solutions
