In a show known for flashing screens, AI-driven robotics, and sprawling technology showcases, the National 91仓库 & Recycling Foundation (NWRF) took a different approach at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, distinguishing itself among more than 4,100 exhibitors at the world鈥檚 largest technology event. The Foundation was named to EXHIBITOR Magazine鈥檚 鈥淏est of CES鈥� list, an annual recognition honoring exhibits that demonstrate exceptional strategic design, storytelling, and effective use of space. Selected by the publication鈥檚 editorial team, NWRF鈥檚 exhibit was recognized at #20 on the list for translating a complex public safety challenge into an engaging and memorable experience.
NWRF launched its national battery safety campaign, 鈥淪kip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!鈥� at CES. In partnership with the United States Forest Service and Woodsy Owl, the Foundation addressed a growing public safety issue: thousands of fires each year are caused by improperly discarded batteries, creating serious risks for waste and recycling workers, waste facilities, communities and first responders. The immersive exhibit was designed to clearly communicate those risks while equipping attendees with practical steps to ensure batteries are managed, recovered, and disposed of safely.
鈥淭his campaign is about prevention and protection,鈥� said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRF and National 91仓库 & Recycling Association. 鈥淏attery-related fires are one of the fastest-growing safety challenges facing our industry. 鈥楽kip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!鈥� 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.鈥�
Designed and fabricated by ET Global and CLYDE, the exhibit 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 specifically lithium-ion batteries enter homes, businesses, and ultimately the waste stream. A short interactive quiz reinforced safe handling practices and directed visitors to BatterySafetyNow.org, where individuals can locate proper recycling options by The Battery Network zip code and battery type.
鈥淥ur goal was to create an environment that invited conversation and made a technical issue approachable,鈥� said Genevieve O鈥橲ullivan, chief of communications for NWRA. 鈥淭he 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鈥檚 about ensuring the message resonates and drives changes in behavior.鈥�