2026 Zero Waste Forum to be held in Park City, Utah during Earth Day
organized by Race to Zero Waste
Join Race to Zero Waste and partners for the 3rd annual Zero Waste Forum, in Park City, Utah from April 21-23, 2026. The hybrid Zero Waste Forum includes a Zero Waste Expo, plastic-free living solutions, toxics-free wellness workshop, engaging speakers, and an awards ceremony, which will all take place at the Jim Santy Auditorium.
The 2026 Zero Waste Forum is Race to Zero Waste’s annual flagship event and a notable part of Earth Month events. Hosted in a new region each year, the Forum brings together changemakers, local leaders, and international voices for two days of panels, workshops, networking, and activities that advance zero waste practices and systems.
This year’s theme, “Circular Strategies for Local Impact,” describes the overarching goal of the 2026 Forum to bolster local zero waste efforts for longevity and sustainability. Highlighted will be conversations on zero food waste, data-driven solutions, zero waste events, and reuse in the built environment.
Coinciding with 2026 Earth Day activities, the Zero Waste Forum will be an event that motivates attendees to be steadfast stewards of our natural resources.
Key Partners for Local Impact
Local partners GreenEducation.US and Park City are instrumental in bringing zero waste to the local context. Green Education.US led the development of the Zero Waste Forum program to bring topics and speakers that are most relevant to the zero waste movement as it exists in Utah. Park City is an actively involved host, providing help with logistics and local speaker and facilitator suggestions. National partner National Recycling Coalition is working with Race to Zero Waste to reach out to a diverse array of audience members across the state and beyond.
Sponsor the Forum
Race to Zero Waste is committed to providing scholarships and sliding-scale pricing to improve access to the 2026 Forum, especially for local attendees. Sponsorships help ensure participation of community groups that are interested in supporting zero waste programs in the Salt Lake region and beyond. Send your interest in becoming a sponsor through the Forum website: Sponsor the Forum.
“Our vision of a zero waste future is one that is accessible and convenient for everyone, so providing scholarships [to the Forum] is part of that commitment,” said Teresa Bradley, Chief Executive Officer at Race to Zero Waste.
Voices of Change
The Zero Waste Forum has a proud history of featuring changemakers who are shaping the future of sustainability. Notable speakers from the 2025 South Florida program included:
Iuliia Markhel (Ukraine): The visionary leader of Let’s Do It Ukraine, a movement uniting over 3.5 million Ukrainians in environmental activism. Iuliia has also organized humanitarian projects and raised awareness about the ecological consequences of war.
Lael Kylin Judson (USA): Lael is a passionate advocate for environmental justice, rooted in her personal connection to the realities of Cancer Alley. As a proud member of Rural Roots Louisiana, she is determined to be a voice for marginalized communities and to fight for a healthier, more equitable future.
Michael Karapetian (USA): In his early twenties, Michael has led efforts to remove millions of pounds of trash globally as the Great Global Cleanup Coordinator for EARTHDAY.ORG. He advocates for systemic change to reduce plastic waste and works to build long-term solutions.
Zero Waste Forum Partners
About Race to Zero Waste
Race to Zero Waste is a woman-founded and -run 501(c)(3) environmental conservation nonprofit dedicated to advancing a circular economy. Their mission is to empower individuals, businesses, and governments to reduce waste, implement reuse, and promote sustainable practices through education, outreach, and policy advocacy. By fostering community empowerment, leadership, and job creation, they aim to build a just and equitable future rooted in zero waste principles.
About GreenEducation.US
GreenEducation.US makes it easy to learn about zero waste and sustainability. With so many changes happening in legislation, processes, and technology, they created a better way to connect professionals and provide training. GreenEducation.US is the perfect solution for those who are new to the field as well as seasoned professionals looking to grow into new areas.
About National Recycling Coalition
NRC serves its members by developing and sharing best practices and policies that support sustainable materials management and the transformation to a circular economy. NRC’s vision is a society where everyone has access to, consistently participates in, and benefits from high-performing, environmentally responsible, and equitable waste prevention, redesign, reuse, recycling, and composting programs supported by the policies and infrastructure needed to maintain a prosperous and productive circular materials economy throughout North America.
About Park City, Utah
Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is a place where people live, work, and gather year-round. Park City Municipal is here to serve both residents and visitors by keeping the city safe, connected, and vibrant. From maintaining roads and trails to providing clean water, public safety, recreation, arts, and cultural opportunities, they work to support the quality of life that makes Park City unique.
