Waste management professionals from across the country gathered in St. Louis this week to confront a hazard that has been quietly smoldering inside America's garbage system: lithium-ion batteries that ignite inside collection trucks and landfills. The gathering, hosted by the Solid Waste Association of North America, brought together industry experts to evaluate emerging technologies and safety procedures aimed at heading off the problem before it starts fires.
The event, known as RCon 2026, ran from September 29 through October 2 at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri, according to SWANA. As reported by FOX 2, the conference's central focus was the risk posed by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries. Carolyn Muller, the association's CEO, said public misunderstanding of battery disposal is fueling the trend, per that same report.
Everyday Gadgets, Outsized Danger
Consumers often associate lithium-ion batteries with electric vehicles, but the batteries are also used in phones and headphones, the EPA says.
Improperly discarded batteries cause significant fires in waste collection trucks and landfills. The EPA has reported lithium-ion battery fires in waste systems from 2013 to 2020. Fire Rover demonstrated its technology at the conference.
Robotic Arms Replace Manual Lifting
New Way Trucks held system-level panels on urban automation at RCon 2026.
Beyond the exhibit floor, SWANA's own event materials describe a broader slate of programming. RCon 2026 included technical training, roundtable discussions, keynote and concurrent sessions, and networking opportunities, according to SWANA's conference page. The exhibit hall alone featured more than 200 exhibitors and solution providers, the association said in a separate announcement.
Field Trips Built Into the Conference Schedule
Conference attendees were also slated to head out into the field. Per the conference schedule, members planned day trips to the Champ Landfill, a visit to a city park to review local recycling programs, and a tour of the City Museum in St. Louis. The conference also included tours.
A Nationwide Problem Beyond St. Louis
The concerns raised in St. Louis mirror warnings from federal regulators. The EPA has compiled and analyzed publicly available news reports on fires caused by lithium-ion batteries across municipal recycling facilities, waste vehicles, landfills and other sites, according to the EPA. The agency warns that lithium-ion batteries in household trash and curbside recycling can pose a fire danger.
The conference focused on the risks of improperly discarded batteries and the importance of safer disposal habits.
