RCon™ 2025: A Landmark Success in Waste and Resource Management

SWANA has officially concluded the inaugural RCon™, marking a pivotal moment for the waste and resource management industry. Hosted by SWANA, RCon brought together nearly 1,700 industry professionals to Columbus, Ohio, to reimagine the future of waste as a valuable resource. 

“SWANA is leading the industry to reframe waste as a resource, and we were pleased to deliver RCon attendees with a wide range of learning experiences and opportunities to connect," stated SWANA CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE. “It is wonderful to see how the launch of RCon is inspiring waste and resource management leaders to reinnovate in their work and to find new resources."

RCon showcased cutting-edge solutions, fostered strategic collaborations, and set the stage for ongoing transformation in resource management.  

RCon featured:

• Nearly 1,700 attendees;
• 211 supporting organizations;
• Four expert-led keynote sessions on safety, EPR, reinnovation, and the future of waste and resource management;
• More than 100 learning opportunities, from concurrent sessions and roundtables to poster presentations and Rapid Insight Sessions in the New Way Theatre;
• A host venue, the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and city committed to sustainability;
• The annual Ohio EPA America Recycles Day Art Show;
• Unique networking events like the Fun Run, Talkin' Trash Trivia, and Night at the North Market;
• Local experiences at the Center of Science and Industry and the High Line Car House; and
• Immersive experiential learning tours at Rumpke Recycling and Resource Center, Franklin County Sanitary Landfill operated by SWACO, The Ohio State University's Ohio Stadium, Revive Environmental, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and even back-of-house at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

"The innovation and technology adoption is progressing at a staggering pace, and I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about these rapid developments to make plans now to join us next year at RCon in St. Louis, Missouri,” shared Lestition Burke. “We are so pleased with the success of RCon, and we extend our gratitude to all participants, exhibitors, and sponsors.”

RCon 2026 will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, September 29 – October 2. SWANA has been impressed by all that St. Louis has to offer and is thrilled to bring RCon to this vibrant city. Looking ahead, RCon 2027 will take place in Portland, Oregon, from September 21 – 24. Exhibitors have already signed up for their 2026 booth and planning is underway, with additional details on registration and programming to be announced early 2026.