Waste World

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.

This episode of the Waste World Podcast features a session from WasteExpo 2025, moderated by Gage Edwards. The session “Cleaner Streets, Smarter Routes: How AI is Shaping Waste Collection” explored how municipalities, fleet operators, and technology providers are applying AI to route optimization, maintenance, contamination detection, and curbside collection. 

Panelists included Craig Vanderhyde of Entangles, Kelly Schenkel of Battle Motors, sustainability analyst Charlotte Silverman, and Brian Bros of McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing.

During the discussion, panelists highlighted how AI is moving beyond theory and into practical applications that directly impact waste collection. Topics included predictive maintenance to reduce unplanned downtime, computer vision systems that improve safety and automate collection tasks, and route optimization tools that adapt in real time based on traffic, fleet availability, and driver feedback. 

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 week’s episode of the Waste World podcast, Gage Edwards breaks down key takeaways from the 2026 ReMA conference. This year’s discussions highlighted how industry is navigating increasing complexity, from operational safety risks to evolving regulatory frameworks and the growing role of advanced technologies. But one question remained: how can the industry scale effectively while managing new and emerging challenges?

Among the most pressing topics were the rise in lithium-ion battery incidents, ongoing uncertainty surrounding policy and extended producer responsibility, and the practical implementation of artificial intelligence in recycling operations. Together, these themes highlight an industry balancing innovation with risk, and long-term investment with short-term unpredictability. The following recap explores the key takeaways from ReMA and what they signal for recyclers, operators, and stakeholders moving forward.

 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 spoke with Alexis Wells Carpenter, Chief Innovation Officer at AxNano, about how PFAS are impacting the industry and what it will take to address them. Carpenter highlights how AxNano is focused on moving beyond traditional containment methods by developing technologies that can fully destroy PFAS, particularly through on-site, point-source treatment.

In this episode, Carpenter also discusses the broader “dual challenge” facing the industry: meeting growing energy and infrastructure demands while minimizing environmental impact, and how PFAS sits at the center of that issue. highlights how AxNano is focused on moving beyond traditional containment methods by developing technologies that can fully destroy PFAS, particularly through on-site, point-source treatment.

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.

Bank mergers are usually covered in terms of size, speed and regulatory approval. Yet sometimes the most important part is what they mean for the industries those banks serve.

That’s what makes this conversation with Joe Ursuy, Executive Vice President, National Businesses for Energy, Renewables, and Waste, so valuable.

Following Fifth Third’s acquisition of Comerica, Ursuy finds himself leading an expanded platform at a larger institution. “It’s been a fantastic last few months,” Ursuy said. “There’s been a lot of team get-togethers and relationship building.” 

And the word “relationships” came up again and again in our discussion. For Ursuy, the deal gave his team the ability to grow alongside some clients who have gotten bigger and more complex.

“The combination allows us to do some different things, particularly on the environmental and the waste sides,” he said, pointing to larger deals and expanded capabilities.

Ursuy is quick to point out that more capabilities don’t change the fundamentals. “Banking and lending—it’s not a complicated activity,” he said. “There are thousands of banks in this country.” So what separates one from another? “Do you add value, and do you have relationships?” Ursuy said. “And are you able to work with the best people in a certain industry?”

That mindset is shaping how he approaches integration by building trust across teams and with clients. “It starts at the top,” he said. “I have to talk to them about my values… the standard that I want our teams to be held to.”

Those standards are grounded in growth. Ursuy described both legacy businesses as strong performers and made it clear the goal now is simple: “We want to grow… and we have the scale to grow faster.”

For waste and environmental companies, that could mean more access to capital, more sophisticated financial tools and the ability to pursue larger, more complex projects.

But Ursuy’s message is that none of that replaces the basics. “If you can help solve their problems… beyond just lending money,” he said, “they’re going to be a loyal [partner] forever.” In an industry built on long-term relationships, that may be the most important takeaway from this deal. 

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 spoke with Valerie Bedrock, Senior Specialist, Material Profiling, Reworld, about how lithium-ion battery fires start and why they are becoming more frequent. Bedrock explained that once batteries are damaged, crushed, or exposed to heat, they can ignite quickly, often in collection trucks or processing facilities where they are difficult to detect and remove.

During the conversation, Bedrock highlighted the challenges operators face in identifying batteries once they are mixed with other materials, particularly smaller items like e-cigarettes that are easily overlooked. She emphasized the importance of improving awareness among both operators and the public, as well as implementing practical safety measures to reduce risk. The podcast also covers the emerging solutions and the need for continued innovation, as the industry works to better manage battery waste while protecting workers, facilities, and surrounding communities.

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 spoke with Stacy Grace, co-founder and CEO of KENT, about how the apparel industry contributes to plastic pollution and what it takes to create truly circular, compostable products. Grace shared that at least two-thirds of clothing today is made from synthetic materials, many of which contain hidden plastics that consumers may not even realize are present. 

During the conversation, Grace explained how KENT is working to eliminate those materials by designing garments made entirely from natural fibers that can safely return to the soil at the end of their life. She discussed the challenges of building a plastic-free supply chain, the importance of reading material labels when shopping, and how circular design is beginning to gain traction across the industry. 

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 spoke with Joseph Blackman, founder of Vitendo Training Solutions, about how video-based training can help utilities capture knowledge and pass it on to the next generation of workers. Blackman’s approach focuses on turning real-world expertise from veteran operators into short, practical training videos that can be accessed in the field when workers need guidance.

In the episode, Blackman explains how “just-in-time training” allows workers to learn tasks at the moment they need them rather than sitting through lengthy classroom sessions or manuals they may not remember later. By embedding quick instructional videos into workflows, utilities can give employees immediate access to operational guidance while improving consistency, safety and accountability across teams. The model mirrors how people already learn outside of work, using short online videos to troubleshoot problems and develop new skills, making training more accessible for the next generation entering the industry.

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.

Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly critical issue for utilities and infrastructure sectors as digital tools and artificial intelligence reshape operations. In this episode of the Waste World Podcast, Gage Edwards spoke with Brian Westnedge, who leads tech alliances and strategic partnerships for Red Sift, about the growing cybersecurity challenges facing water and wastewater utilities. With more than two decades of experience in email deliverability, authentication and digital security, Westnedge has worked closely with organizations to strengthen their defenses against phishing, impersonation and other cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.

Westnedge discusses how artificial intelligence is improving monitoring, predictive maintenance and operational efficiency across utilities, while also lowering the barriers for cyber attackers. As AI tools become more accessible, threat actors can more easily craft convincing phishing emails and impersonation attempts, increasing the risk for organizations that lack foundational protections such as email authentication protocols. 

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.