Waste World

In this episode of the Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards chats with Victoria Taylor, CEO of Probe Industries, about why odor management is becoming an increasingly important priority for waste and recycling operations. Taylor discussed how persistent odors can affect more than just neighboring communities, explaining that air quality also plays a role in employee well-being, operational performance, and regulatory compliance as facilities face growing expectations from both regulators and the public.Taylor also explores the science behind odor neutralization and how new technologies are helping facilities improve air quality while strengthening community relationships. She also shared insights into Probe Industries' latest innovations, including the use of neuroscience-informed fragrance design to create healthier working environments.Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Waste World podcast on Spotify and other podcast services. Also, watch the video version of the Waste World podcast on WasteExpo’s YouTube page.

In this episode of the Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards chats with Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging, about the rollout of California's SB 54 and the challenges businesses are encountering as the state's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program moves from legislation to implementation. Kelly discussed the law's intent to reduce packaging waste while shifting responsibility to producers, but explained how complex reporting requirements, evolving regulations, and communication challenges are creating confusion for businesses trying to comply. He also shared his perspective on how SB 54 is affecting small businesses and agricultural producers, many of whom lack the resources to manage increasingly detailed compliance and reporting obligations. Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Waste World podcast on Spotify and other podcast services. Also, watch the video version of the Waste World podcast on WasteExpo’s YouTube page.

In this episode of the Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards sits down with Todd Ellis, Vice President of Services and Solutions at The Battery Network, to discuss one of the fastest-growing challenges facing the waste and recycling industry: battery collection and recycling. Ellis explains why consumers often struggle to understand where batteries should be disposed of and how that confusion contributes to contamination, safety concerns, and fires throughout the waste stream.During the episode, Ellis highlights what successful battery collection programs look like, and the role municipalities, retailers and industry partners can play in creating safer and more accessible disposal options. He also discussed the growing impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs and how they could help improve battery collection infrastructure, increase consumer awareness and reduce risks for waste and recycling operators.Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Waste World podcast on Spotify and other podcast services. Also, watch the video version of the Waste World podcast on WasteExpo’s YouTube page.

In this episode of the Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards recaps his experience attending the Waste Leadership Summit and highlights some of the biggest conversations shaping the waste and recycling industry. From interviews, panel discussions, and other events at the show, he explores recurring themes that surfaced throughout the summit, including artificial intelligence, safety culture, PFAS management, and the growing challenge of lithium-ion battery fires. During the episode, Gage shares key takeaways from conversations with industry leaders such as AMCS CEO Eric Walsh and Reworld's Paul Ligon, along with insights from several sessions focused on operational excellence, emerging technologies, and environmental challenges.Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Waste World podcast on Spotify and other podcast services. Also, watch the video version of the Waste World podcast on WasteExpo’s YouTube page.

In this episode of the Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards sits down with Dave Riordan, chief customer officer at Lytx, and Ryan Brandos, senior director of strategic accounts, to discuss how AI, video analytics and connected technologies are reshaping fleet operations in the waste industry.Riordan and Brandos discuss emerging uses for AI-powered video systems, including service verification, contamination monitoring, pedestrian detection and 360-degree visibility around collection vehicles. They also examine the growing industry trend toward consolidating multiple technologies into unified platforms that simplify operations, reduce in-cab complexity, and provide a more complete picture of fleet performance.Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Waste World podcast on Spotify and other podcast services. Also, watch the video version of the Waste World podcast on WasteExpo’s YouTube page.

In this episode of the Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards chats with J.T. Marburger, CEO of Circular Solutions, about the importance of recycling verification and how better data can help improve transparency across the industry. The podcast centers on the company's deployment of its Circular OS™ platform at the Indianapolis 500, where Circular Solutions tracked beverage containers from collection through downstream processing to verify what was actually recycled. Marburger explains that while recycling performance is often estimated or self-reported, his company is focused on providing auditable data that gives venues, brands and event organizers a clearer picture of material recovery and diversion outcomes.Marburger also highlights the challenges of tracking materials at large-scale events and the industry's continued reliance on manual processes and fragmented reporting systems. He discusses how technology can help bridge those gaps by validating material flows, documenting recycling outcomes, and increasing confidence in sustainability claims.Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Waste World podcast on Spotify and other podcast services. Also, watch the video version of the Waste World podcast on WasteExpo’s YouTube page.

On this episode of the Waste World podcast, Gage Edwards is joined by Liz Bothwell, Head of Content at Waste360 and founder of the 40 Under 40 program, for a conversation reflecting on a decade of recognizing the waste and recycling industry’s rising stars. Together, they discuss how the awards program has evolved over the years, the changing face of leadership across the industry, and the impact the recognition has had on past winners and the industry as a whole.From innovation and technology to workforce development and culture-building, the duo explores what today’s emerging leaders reveal about the future of the industry and why celebrating young professionals remains more important than ever.Be sure to follow and subscribe to the Waste World podcast on Spotify and other podcast services. Also, watch the video version of the Waste World podcast on WasteExpo’s YouTube page.