DOD guidance recommends hazardous waste landfills, incineration to manage PFAS

The DOD’s updated PFAS destruction and disposal guidance document offers insight into the methods it sees as best for managing AFFF, and no longer suggests solid waste landfills as viable compared to other options.

WM grants ex-CFO Rankin $1M cash bonus

The bonus is in association with a "successful" CFO transition effort, with Devina Rankin passing on the seat to company alum David Reed.

CDL rule affecting non-citizens taking effect despite waste hauler concerns

Haulers and reps from Teamsters and AFSCME hoped an emergency motion to block the rule would be heard in court, but that case has not yet been resolved. Waste Pro says the rule will affect up to 20% of its drivers in Southwest Florida.

Updated March 16, 2026

ReMA advances HDPE beverage carrier spec following PakTech petition

PakTech, a recycled HDPE beverage carrier manufacturer, submitted a request for ReMA to consider adding this spec as part of its work “to ensure the circularity and sustainability of our products.”

Recyclers target ‘hibernating devices’ to feed urgent critical minerals demand

At Remade’s annual conference, recyclers and refiners said they’re working as fast as they can to meet demand for domestic supplies of critical materials. Closer partnerships and government support can help.

Oregon fines Republic $3M over Coffin Butte Landfill gas violation

Regulators sent a pre-enforcement notice to Republic in November alleging the landfill had insufficiently operated several gas control measures.

Updated March 13, 2026

Farm bill draft heads to House floor with food waste provisions

The draft was approved by the House Agriculture Committee in a 22-hour markup session last week. It’s the third attempt in as many years to pass a long-term budget for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Tennessee packaging EPR bill sidelined for 2026

The bill faced pushback from groups like Ameripen and bottlers. Vowing to return stronger next year, state Sen. Heidi Campbell said she’s proud of how the bill has put EPR awareness on the map in the Southeast.

Montgomery County, Maryland, explores alternatives as incinerator struggles

Two of three units at the county’s Resource Recovery Facility have come offline amid serious dioxin leaks. The issues have renewed pressure on long-gestating plan for landfilling and diversion projects.

MRF upgrades by WM, Coastal, FCC and Circular Services aim to optimize tech

Recent facility investments in California, Florida and Texas seek to capitalize on high-tech efficiencies, adjust to market demands and prepare for new recycling regulations.

Safety-Kleen to pay $175K federal fine for maintenance, storage violations

Safety-Kleen, a division of Clean Harbors, has since remedied issues at its Linden, New Jersey facility. That included fixing leaking equipment and properly storing waste, the U.S. EPA said. 

Updated March 10, 2026

Oregon legislature passes battery EPR bill

The bill, if signed by the governor, would establish a producer responsibility program for certain batteries and products by 2029. It had backing from many of the state’s major haulers and recyclers due to fire safety concerns.

Vaulted Deep bets carbon storage can enable a waste solution

The company is using injection well technology developed in oilfields for long-term disposal of organic waste. With roughly $56 million raised, it’s looking to pitch its services around the country.

EPA sets municipal waste combustion rules for first time in 20 years

The limits for nine pollutants are tighter than the previous rule but are less stringent than a 2024 proposal. 

EPA properly awarded $1.5B of now-terminated grants, IG says

A report released by the U.S. EPA’s Office of the Inspector General validated the process used to award $1.5 billion in grant funding. Environmental groups say its further evidence they should not have been terminated.

Updated March 6, 2026

Landbell to launch California’s nation-leading textile EPR program by 2030

Landbell, which has experience with European programs, was selected over two other groups. It aims to launch nearly 16,000 collection bins, starting with pilots in five counties, over a multiyear period.

Republic expansion suffers setback; Noble nixes rail transfer station

Odor complaints continue to complicate expansion plans for Republic Services’ Coffin Butte Landfill in Oregon. Elsewhere, WM, Rumpke and others plan for the future of their facilities.

Washington taps Circular Action Alliance as PRO for packaging EPR

The latest appointment means CAA now serves as the approved producer responsibility organization in six states. A draft program plan is due in 2028 to implement in 2030.

With help of EPR, aerosol can groups push for recycling acceptance

A new playbook from trade groups addresses concerns about safety and consumer education. Eureka Recycling weighs in on an issue dividing MRF operators.

EPA delays greenhouse gas reporting as it moves to shut down program

Covered entities for the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program will not be required to submit 2025 emissions data until October. By then, the agency may have already repealed the requirement.

Veolia, Enviri receive FTC approval for Clean Earth deal

Bob Cappadona, Veolia North America's CEO of environmental services, said in a 2025 interview that the deal opens up an expansive hazardous waste transportation and processing network.

Updated March 4, 2026

New RNG facilities hit lowest level in years; Dem-Con breaks ground on Minnesota digester

A report finds that the biogas industry faced a slow year in 2025 amid regulatory uncertainty and the need for new market outlets. Companies like Maas Energy Works and Taurus RNG reported facility progress.

Regulators, PROs sort through responsible end market complexities

Developing and following these rules is a new frontier for states with EPR for packaging laws. Speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference offered a snapshot of what’s at stake as recyclers prepare for regulations.

CARB approves California’s climate disclosure regulations

The California Air Resources Board, tasked with enforcing the state’s climate disclosure laws, will require companies to report scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by August this year.

US Food Waste Pact reports progress on diversion

The data shows increased composting and anaerobic digestion in 2024, though retailers’ still wasted $26.9 billion worth of food.