The Casella cart display is hand-painted to represent a timeline of industry and recycling advancements, told through the lens of Casella’s growth and innovation.

Company: Casella
Artist: Joe Vyvial

Elvis returns to Vegas for a special appearance at Waste Expo 2025 to help promote recycling with a new jumpsuit and update to his hit song "Viva Las Vegas":

Viva Las Recycling,
Where the trash and waste stay out of sight,
We're sorting and cleaning,
Keeping Vegas looking bright!
Viva Las Recycling,
Let's recycle through the night,
A cleaner city, we're doin' it right!

Company: Toter / Wastequip
Artist: Wastequip Women's group from Toter's Statesville, NC location

This cart combines the power of music, recycling, and community to educate and inspire. Designed by American Waste Control, this eye-catching display takes the form of a retro jukebox to make sustainability sing.

Created in collaboration with Tulsa-based children’s band Hot Toast Music, The Recycling Jukebox features a video screen playing a fun, recycling-themed track, encouraging families to engage with recycling in a memorable and meaningful way. At the center of it all is Mr. Murph, American Waste Control’s beloved recycling mascot and the face of Oklahoma’s first Materials Recovery Facility.

Materials Used:
•    The cart’s exterior was painted by Tulsa artist Kouri Fowler, capturing the bold, retro spirit of a 1950s jukebox featuring iconic landmarks along the Route 66 Mother Road. 
•    Inside the cart is a colorful mix of real recyclables—aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and paper—as a playful nod to the idea that these items are the "coins" that power the music.
•    A video screen invites viewers to “insert recyclables to hear the song,” connecting the act of recycling to fun, education, and action.

Connection to the Theme:
This cart promotes the growth of the waste and recycling industry by blending art, sound, and sustainability. It turns everyday recyclables into a symbol of cultural change, showing that small actions—like feeding Mr. Murph—can make a big impact for the planet and future generations.

Want to take the music with you?
Find "Feed Mr. Murph" on iTunes and other streaming platforms. Turn up the volume, recycle right, and keep the beat going—wherever you are! https://feedmrmurph.com/hey-murph/ 

Company: American Waste Control
Artist: American Waste Control

The waste industry is growing every day, from the curb to the fleets. The trucks seen on the road every day are a vital part of our growth and help sustain cleanliness in our society. Our truck was created using a 65gall cart, recycled plastic materials from around our shops and spray foam.

Company: RDK Truck Sales
Artist: RDK Truck Sales Ladies

Trash and trees don’t usually go together—but we’re here to change that! Our contest entry is a living, breathing celebration of the growth of the waste industry, proving that even in garbage, something beautiful can take root.
At the heart of our display, a tree grows straight out of a decorated garbage can, showing how the waste industry is evolving, thriving, and branching out into the future. Surrounded with lush greenery and bold roots sprawling in every direction, this cart symbolizes the strong foundation and continuous expansion of the waste industry.
But growth isn’t just about what’s above the surface—it’s about the roots we put down in our communities. At Capital Waste Services, we’re more than just a waste company—we’re rooted in our communities and dedicated to serving the neighborhoods we call home. Just like strong trees rely on deep roots, we know that real growth comes from building connections, supporting local businesses, and keeping our cities clean.
A huge thank you to Schafer for providing the cart that made this vision possible! With partners like them, we can continue growing stronger, greener, and more connected to the communities we serve.
Just like a tree, the waste industry is always growing, adapting, and reaching for new heights—embracing sustainability, innovation, and a greener tomorrow. So come take a closer look, and remember: even waste can grow into something great!
♻️🌿 Stronger Roots. Bigger Impact. Greener Future. 🌍🚛
Designed by Kim Huckabee (CWS VP Sales & Marketing), Paige Holcomb ( CWS Director of Marketing), Jessica Beasley (CWS Director of Sales), inspired by Joy King (CWS Digital Marketing Specialist) “Rooted” CWS Ad campaign.

Company: Capital Waste Services
Artist: Capital Waste Services

This year’s entry transforms a 65-gallon Sierra roll-out cart into a tribute to space exploration and the spirit of innovation. Modeled after the iconic Saturn V rocket, the Sierra V stands as a symbol of forward momentum—not just in space travel, but in sustainability.

Constructed from a recyclable Sierra container, repurposed planters, and other reclaimed materials, this rocket highlights the importance of reimagining waste. As the world sets its sights on the stars—through SpaceX and the new era of exploration—Sierra’s message stays grounded: we can aim high while proving that durability, quality, and sustainability go hand in hand.

At Sierra, we believe building products that last is one of the most sustainable choices we can make.

Company: Sierra Container Group
Artist: Sierra Container Group

The Rehrig Pacific family celebrates our people and empowers them to create innovative solutions that effectively and responsibly move goods, resources, and ideas.  The theme of our cart is all about the growth and innovation of designing and engineering new products to improve the Waste Industry.  We turn creative ideas into concept sketches and then into engineered product solutions. We Never Stop Innovating!

Company: Rehrig Pacific Company 
Artist: Rehrig Pacific Company 

The cart will transform into a full-fledged rock star, complete with a guitar and a standing microphone, fully embracing the spirit of a true performer. On his Recycling Rocks tour, he uses the power of music to spread the message of sustainability and inspire others to go green!

Company: BTR
Artist: Emma Lail