MassRecycle urges faster waste reduction action amid climate change

The group’s annual conference included perspective from Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer, as well as an update on a possible universal organics disposal ban and efforts to advance EPR for batteries.

Hitting a plateau: Circular packaging designers face flexibles hurdle

Many companies have targets to make 100% of their packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. Now, as they face the hardest categories to transform, some are weighing whether it’s feasible.

Data, transparency could shed light on curbside collection challenges

To fight decreasing curbside collection volumes, speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference emphasized embracing hard conversations with customers and investing in data collection.

After the fires: Managing piles of ash and lost homes in California

The Los Angeles County fires destroyed thousands of properties. Local residents, including a National Recycling Coalition member, now face cleanup and rebuilding decisions.

Fort Worth, Texas, ends Synagro’s biosolids contract early

The city council voted to terminate their 10-year contract with Synagro early and will take over a biosolids drying facility. The decision comes amid questions over PFAS contamination and responsibility in the region.

California poised to ramp up landfill emissions regulations

The state just announced a new satellite monitoring program, and key officials are lining up in support of a new landfill methane rule. Advocates are eager for that process to start.

US states renew push for tethered bottle caps to help recycling

Since last July, companies selling single-use plastic beverage containers in the EU have had to tether caps or lids. California legislators advanced a similar regulation that beverage makers oppose.

Glass Half Full opens facility to boost Southeast glass recycling

The new site offers 30 times more capacity and expands the company’s offerings into the cullet market.

Trump nominates former Florida Highway Patrol chief as FMCSA head

The trucking industry had lobbied for Derek Barrs' nomination to lead the safety regulator. 

What a new ‘waters of the United States’ rule could mean for waste facilities

The U.S. EPA plans to solicit feedback and tighten the language on its “waters of the United States” definition, which guides federal water permits. Changes could ease the permitting process for waste facilities.

AI-enabled MRF technology aids food-grade polypropylene recovery: report

A study led by Closed Loop Partners, in collaboration with Greyparrot, analyzed more than 650 tons of material from four U.S. MRFs. 

Breaking down what deregulation means for landfills

The U.S. EPA has already issued new language regarding enforcement of landfill emissions rules and reporting requirements. Experts say other impacts could take months or years to unfold.

Updated March 24, 2025

Packaging groups back bipartisan recycling bill in Congress

Ball, Kraft Heinz, SC Johnson and other companies pledged their support. This adds to other packaging-related bills in the 119th Congress, including the Steward Act and the Farewell to Foam Act.

California packaging EPR implementation moves ahead amid regulatory redo

State officials shared updates in the first SB 54 advisory board meeting since Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a regulatory restart. CalRecycle said it will continue working on other statutory requirements in the meantime.

Three ways to refresh workplace safety initiatives

Mixing up employee safety programs, taking a fresh look at data and getting leadership more involved can add pep to flagging safety initiatives, said speakers at the Waste Advantage Safety Summit.

Waste and recycling is now a $100B industry, report says

The industry continued to see consolidation among public companies, especially in disposal activities, in 2024.

Circular Services and Balcones break ground on $61M Texas MRF

The facility is meant to expand Balcones’ MRF operations in the state by entering a region with notable population and business growth.

Republic opens Indianapolis plastics complex meant to fuel recycled content markets

This location houses the company’s second polymer center, along with a Blue Polymers facility. Together, they’re expected to process 175,000 pounds of recycled plastic annually.

PET thermoform recycling is rising, but still not matching PCR demand

Only 54% of U.S. residents with recycling programs have access to thermoform recycling. That must increase to meet growing postconsumer recycled content demand, according to the National Association for PET Container Resources.

Updated March 20, 2025

Synagro seeks to dismiss lawsuit over PFAS in its biosolids, citing new research

The company, backed by a Goldman Sachs fund, argues its treated sludge from the Fort Worth, Texas, wastewater system could not have caused harmful contamination on farmland.

Brightmark files for bankruptcy at Indiana chemical recycling facility

The Ashley pyrolysis facility is expected to remain in operation as it undergoes a possible sale process. The facility is only at 5% capacity, according to court documents.

Divert announces 3rd C-suite appointment of 2025

The company is in the midst of permitting and growing new facilities in multiple states to achieve its vision of a national anaerobic digestion network. CEO Ryan Begin said the hires would help Divert meet that goal.

Recyclers give packaging designers a glimpse into limitations, opportunities in today’s MRFs

Leaders from Republic Services, Rumpke Waste & Recycling and elsewhere discussed their role in recycling plastics at the Sustainability in Packaging US conference.

WM eyes growth from healthcare trends as it integrates Stericycle

WM sees future healthcare trends, such as the growth of at-home healthcare, as a business opportunity as it works to ramp up Stericycle’s McCarran incinerator and plans a rebrand, said Rafa Carrasco.

Toyota subsidiary to acquire Radius Recycling in $907M deal

The deal is expected to expand Toyota’s closed loop system for materials like steel, precious metals and batteries used by automotive manufacturers.