09/10/2026
MEET OUR WASTECON 2026 SPEAKER: Patricia Schröder
With an impressive 30-year career in environmental management and waste, Patricia Schröder has established herself as a respected leader and influential voice in South Africa’s environmental services sector.
Patricia holds an MBA, BSc in Chemical Engineering and a master’s degree in environmental management. She is a Chartered Environmental Manager and a Certified Director® with the Institute of Directors Southern Africa.
A passionate advocate for environmental protection and SMME development, Patricia has founded and established multiple successful, sustainable and award-winning companies operating nationally and internationally.
Currently she is the CEO of Circular Energy, a Producer Responsibility Organisation focused on EPR, circular economy principles, waste management, take-back and recycling solutions, social initiatives, environmental best practice and training.
Patricia is also a Past President of the IWMSA and serves on various Boards, professional organisations and Environmental Committees.
Her expertise extends well beyond South Africa having worked as an environmental expert on projects for organisations including the World Resources Forum, GIZ, UNIDO, UNEP and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat.
WasteCon 2026 | 20 – 22 October | Emperors Palace
With a career built around innovation, environmental responsibility and sustainable solutions, Patricia brings a wealth of practical experience and international perspective to WasteCon 2026.
