Waste World

Waste360
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Waste World is a podcast hosted by Gage Edwards, featuring in-depth discussions on the world of waste from experts, professionals, influencers, and community members involved in the waste and recycling industry.

  1. 2D AGO

    Waste World - Episode 60: Relationships Win & What Fifth Third’s Comerica Deal Means for the Industry

    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.

    38 min

  2. MAR 31

    Waste World - Episode 59: Valerie Bedrock on Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in the Waste Stream

    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.

    22 min

  3. MAR 24

    Waste World – Episode 58: Plastic-Free Fashion and Compostable Clothing

    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.

    26 min

  4. MAR 17

    Waste World - Episode 57: Preserving Knowledge in Wastewater Operations

    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.

    41 min

  5. MAR 10

    Waste World - Episode 56: Breaking Down Wastewater Cybersecurity with Brian Westnedge

    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.

    37 min

  6. MAR 3

    Waste World - Episode 55: Driving Success in the Waste Industry

    This week’s episode of the Waste World podcast features a session from WasteExpo 2025 titled “Culture at the Core: Driving Success in the Waste Industry.” The discussion centered on one of the most influential forces behind organizational performance: company culture. From safety and accountability to employee engagement and growth, panelists shared how culture shapes not only internal operations but long-term competitive advantage. The panel featured Patti Hamilton of Coastal Waste & Recycling, Paul Ross of American Waste Control, William J. Rumpke Jr. of Rumpke Waste & Recycling, Erin Huber of International Motors, Jason Craft of Waste Connections, and Maria Frizzell of Schaefer Plastics North America. Together, they explored how clearly defined values, trust-based leadership, and consistent communication drive measurable outcomes, including improved safety performance, stronger employee retention, and more cohesive teams.  Panelists stressed that culture is not slogans on a wall, but behaviors that are taught, modeled, and celebrated. Whether through structured leadership training, safety initiatives, open communication, or community engagement, the message was clear: organizations that define and protect their culture are better positioned to attract talent, retain employees, and sustain long-term success. 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.

    1h 12m

  7. FEB 24

    Waste World - Episode 54: Todd Mathes on Turning Food Waste Into Opportunity

    In this episode of the Waste World podcast, Gage Edwards sits down with Todd Mathes, CEO of Denali, to explore the fast-evolving world of organics recycling and food waste diversion. The conversation dives into how companies are rethinking waste as a resource and why landfill diversion is gaining urgency across the U.S. Mathes brings more than three decades of operational experience across food manufacturing and environmental services. As CEO of Denali, he leads a mission-driven organization focused on repurposing organic waste while helping customers meet sustainability goals and improve operational efficiency. In the episode, Mathes discusses the growing infrastructure needed to scale organics recycling, how data and technology are improving waste tracking, and why sustainability can also drive cost savings. He also shares insights on the future of food waste diversion and the role education plays in helping communities better understand the value of repurposed materials. 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.

    24 min

  8. FEB 17

    Waste World - Episode 53: M&A Pulse Check with Jim Cocita and Sam Keenan

    In this episode of the Waste World podcast, Gage Edwards sits down with Jim Cocita and Sam Keenan to unpack the forces shaping mergers and acquisitions across the environmental services sector. The podcast covers what defined 2025, how investor priorities are evolving, and why consolidation continues to reshape the industry.  Jim Cocita, managing director at Brown Gibbons Lang & Company, brings nearly two decades of advisory experience across waste, recycling, and environmental services transactions. Sam Keenan, managing director at Kinderhook Industries, has spent more than 15 years backing and building businesses across the space, helping scale companies like Capital Waste, Ecowaste, Apex Environmental, ACV Environmental, Circon, and Jack Doheny. Together, they provide both advisor and investor perspectives on where capital is flowing and why.

    36 min
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About

Waste World is a podcast hosted by Gage Edwards, featuring in-depth discussions on the world of waste from experts, professionals, influencers, and community members involved in the waste and recycling industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Waste360
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Waste World
  • Show Website
    Waste World

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