National Waste & Recycling Foundation Recognized at CES 2026

NWRF exhibit named to 'Best of CES' list by Exhibitor Magazine

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:50pm

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The National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF) has been named to Exhibitor Magazine's 2026 'Best of CES' list, an annual recognition honoring exhibitors at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) whose exhibits demonstrated 'exceptional strategic design, storytelling and effective use of space.' The NWRF's immersive exhibit was designed to spotlight its national battery safety campaign, 'Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!' and communicate the risks of improper battery disposal.

Why it matters

The NWRF's recognition at CES 2026 highlights the growing importance of addressing battery safety and proper disposal, which is a major and increasing challenge for the waste and recycling industry. The 'Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!' campaign aims to raise awareness and empower individuals to reduce the risks of battery-related fires at waste facilities and in communities.

The details

The NWRF's exhibit, designed and fabricated by ET Global of Germany and Clyde, featured a restored 1971 Airstream trailer set within a campsite-inspired environment. Attendees were invited inside the trailer to identify the number of battery-powered devices in everyday life, reinforcing how frequently batteries and lithium-ion batteries enter homes, businesses and the waste stream. The exhibit included a short, interactive quiz to reinforce safe handling practices, and visitors were directed to BatterySafetyNow.org to locate proper recycling options.

  • The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show took place January 6-9 in Las Vegas.
  • The NWRF's exhibit was selected for Exhibitor Magazine's 'Best of CES' list in March 2026.

The players

National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF)

An organization based in Arlington, Virginia that focuses on waste and recycling industry issues, including battery safety and disposal.

Michael E. Hoffman

President and CEO of the NWRF and National Waste & Recycling Association.

Genevieve O'Sullivan

Chief of communications for the National Waste & Recycling Association.

Exhibitor Magazine

A publication that annually recognizes exceptional exhibitors at the Consumer Electronics Show.

ET Global

A German company that designed and fabricated the NWRF's exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“This campaign is about prevention and protection. Battery-related fires are one of the fastest-growing safety challenges facing our industry. 'Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!' provides clear, actionable guidance that empowers individuals to reduce those risks. Raising awareness at a global platform like CES helps extend that message beyond our industry and reinforces the shared responsibility to keep our frontline waste employees, waste facilities, communities and first responders safe.”

— Michael E. Hoffman, President and CEO of the NWRF and National Waste & Recycling Association

“Our goal was to create an environment that invited conversation and made a technical issue approachable. The exhibit combined storytelling, interactivity and clear calls to action so attendees could quickly understand the problem and leave with a practical next step. Our booth exemplified that effective engagement is not about scale or spectacle; it's about ensuring the message resonates and drives changes in behavior.”

— Genevieve O'Sullivan, Chief of communications for the NWRA

What’s next

The NWRF plans to continue promoting the 'Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!' campaign and providing resources to help individuals and communities safely dispose of batteries.

The takeaway

The NWRF's recognition at CES 2026 demonstrates the importance of addressing battery safety and disposal, which is a growing challenge for the waste and recycling industry. The 'Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!' campaign aims to empower individuals to be part of the solution by providing clear guidance on proper battery management and recycling.