In this episode of the Waste World podcast, Gage Edwards is joined by Todd Thomas to examine how AI-driven growth is reshaping waste measurement, material recovery, and private-sector climate leadership. The conversation focuses on why 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for construction sustainability.

Todd Thomas is the founder and CEO of Woodchuck, a climate-tech company using artificial intelligence to track, sort, and divert construction and manufacturing waste, with a particular focus on wood. He is also a (now) four-time bestselling author and the author of Hyperscale: AI, Data Centers, and the Next Great Expansion of Global Energy Capacity, where he explores the intersection of digital infrastructure, energy systems, and sustainability.

During the podcast, Todd discusses how AI data centers are forcing new standards in construction sustainability, why “zero wood waste” commitments signal a broader industry shift, and how AI-enabled waste tracking is making material flows and climate impact measurable for the first time. The show also covers how sustainability is moving beyond compliance toward a true competitive advantage for builders, operators, and technology leaders.

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.

Construction and demolition debris continues to be one of the most significant contributors to global waste generation, presenting both environmental challenges and opportunities for innovation. This episode of the Waste World Podcast features the WasteExpo 2025 panel session titled “C&D Recycling Landscape: The What’s Now & What’s Next,” which brought together industry leaders to examine the evolving state of C&D recycling and what lies ahead.

The session was moderated by Terri Ward, Executive Director and CEO of the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA), and featured panelists Brandon Lapsys, President of Viably; Jerame Renteria, Director of Marketing at GreenWaste; Terrell Garrett, CEO of GreenWay Recycling; and Mark Molitor, Vice President of Post Collections and Operations at LRS. Together, the panel represented perspectives from recycling operations, hauling, equipment, and industry advocacy.

Throughout the discussion, panelists explored the multifaceted nature of C&D recycling, including material variability, market pressures, and the role of technology in improving recovery rates. They also addressed regulatory frameworks, regional differences, and the importance of collaboration across the value chain. The session emphasized that while challenges remain, continued investment, innovation, and alignment between public and private stakeholders will be critical to unlocking the full potential of C&D recycling.

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.

The importance of safety in the waste and recycling industry can’t be more obvious, but some of the most impactful risks are also the easiest to overlook. This episode of the Waste World Podcast features the WasteExpo 2025 session titled “Safety Within Your Walls & Beyond – Shop, Fleet/Equipment & On the Street,” which brought together industry leaders to explore how safety must be addressed holistically across operations.

The session was moderated by Bob Dick, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Director for Mid-Atlantic Operations at SCS Engineers, and featured insights from Glen Neary of All Star Incentive Marketing, Megan Raines, VP of Health and Safety at Reworld, Ruben Garza, Owner of Ayaque Consulting, and Steve Saltzgiver, Senior Fleet Consultant at RTA: The Fleet Success Company. Together, the panel represented expertise spanning shop safety, fleet and equipment management, driver behavior, and organizational culture.

During the session, the panelists emphasized the importance of proactive risk assessments, practical safety incentives, and leadership accountability, particularly in areas that don’t always receive daily focus. From identifying hazards in maintenance shops to improving on-the-street safety for drivers and frontline workers, the session highlighted actionable strategies companies can implement to reduce incidents while maintaining operational efficiency. The conversation served as a reminder that effective safety programs don’t live in silos; they extend across people, equipment, and environments.