Massachusetts considering residential organics disposal ban by 2030

The state was one of the first to require large commercial food waste generators to divert the material. Now, it's seeking input on a plan to possibly extend the mandate to more businesses and residents.

CPGs and suppliers discuss the ‘magic’ of melding packaging design with policy

Sustainable packaging innovation is a balancing act between regulation and eye-catching design, said speakers during The Future of Food & Packaging Innovation virtual event hosted by Food Dive and Packaging Dive.

UBQ Materials partners with Virginia waste authority to supply carts made from MSW

The new carts, manufactured by Cascade Engineering, are made of a plastic alternative from solid waste. UBQ aims to expand partnerships and production the U.S., with plans to build two new facilities in the next few years.

Multistate labor fight ends after Republic, Teamsters reach contract in Georgia

The contract brings an end to a conflict that once involved roughly 2,000 workers. Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said the strike strengthened “every waste worker in America.”

Recyclers call for Ontario’s finalized EPR regulations to move up enforcement deadline

The province’s finalized Blue Box regulations set phased-in recycling rates for plastics but delay enforcement on other standards until 2028, a move that drew criticism from some in the industry, including GFL Environmental and APR.

EPR anxiety: CPGs and regulators prepare for generational policy shift

Costs, policy divergence and relationships were a big focus at recent events hosted by GreenBlue and the Northeast Recycling Council. CalRecycle, Oregon DEQ, Circular Action Alliance and others weighed in on what’s next.

Mill partners with DC hauler to take the ‘ick’ out of curbside organics

Mill will offer its devices to customers who sign up for a collection contract with Compost Crew starting at $39 per month. The latter company, based in Maryland, will collect the organic waste and compost it at its existing facilities.

USDA and FDA food recalls are on the rise. What happens to the waste?

The Food and Drug Administration recalled nearly 85 million units through the first half of the year and managing this organic waste can be complicated. Misfits Market is one company focused on upcycling safe, edible food.

California governor signs organics, glass recycling market bills into law

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills meant to expand composting options for certain growers, extend recycled glass market incentives for beverage bottle production and clarify the role of RNG in state diversion goals.

Newsom blocks bill that would further limit PFAS in packaging

While packaging groups opposed the PFAS bill, it was ultimately derailed by pushback from the restaurant industry. The California governor also vetoed a bill to further limit plastic microbeads in certain products.

Updated Oct. 16, 2025

Apex, WM and others upgrade MRFs, spurred by EPR

Recyclers have invested millions this fall on projects in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Glacier, Waste Connections and BLT Enterprises are other companies with recent upgrades.

VLS Environmental ramping up elemental mercury disposal site in Texas

The company says it now has the only facility in the U.S. capable of providing disposal for the element, which cannot be exported due to a 2013 law. It has experience managing 70 million gallons of other types of mercury waste.

Waste software company Sourgum looks to expand nationwide in 2026

The company was started in 2022. Joe DiNardi-Mack, its co-founder and a fourth-generation waste industry member, said he hopes to enable small and large haulers alike to better connect with customers through the platform.

Palm Beach County, Florida, approves $1.5B plan for second incinerator

The facility will replace an aging refuse-derived fuel plant operated by Reworld. Pinellas County also approved an operations contract with FCC.

Updated Oct. 14, 2025

Waste Pro reports $170M in M&A for 2025, ‘record year’ for municipal contracts

The Florida-based company logged 24 acquisitions and focused on growing its disposal and processing capabilities. It also noted significant municipal contracts worth $520 million in major Florida counties.

California EPR stakeholders keep pushing through regulatory gray area

A turbulent year of rulemaking has discouraged some on the SB 54 advisory board. Circular Action Alliance says companies should engage now to be ready for a quick turnaround.

David Keeling confirmed as new head of OSHA

The former Amazon and UPS safety executive takes on the role as the agency is expected to advance a heat safety regulation. Keeling has said OSHA needs both regulatory and technology updates.

New York’s commercial waste program expands with Bronx launch

Carters earned $16.5 million during the first six months of a pilot zone in Queens. Meanwhile, the industry is pushing back on a proposal to exempt medical waste generators and the city announced 2026 zone launch timing.

Senate confirms John Busterud to lead EPA waste office

Busterud has a background in environmental law and previously served as administrator for EPA Region 9. This is the first time the position has been filled since 2021.

Updated Oct. 7, 2025

With multifamily pilot, Mill hopes to prove customers use its device even when it’s free

The company shared the results of a multifamily pilot it ran in California. Mill hopes to convince municipalities and corporate partners that its devices earn strong participation, even from customers who didn’t pay for their own device. 

Veolia North America names new CEO

Nadège Petit, formerly of Schneider Electric, will help lead the company toward its goal to grow by 50% in North America. The company has focused on acquisitions and facility investments in the region in recent years.

‘Innovative’ recyclers will weather economic challenges: National Recycling Congress

Tariffs and other headwinds in labor and commodity markets are hitting recyclers hard, but some global manufacturing and domestic recycling infrastructure trends offer a silver lining, said ReMA Chief Economist Emily Sanchez.

New Mexico begins debating clean fuels program; plus RNG news from Vanguard, Ameresco ​​​​​​

Stakeholders are weighing in on how the country’s fourth state clean fuels program will be shaped. As in other states, environmental groups are hoping to nix a policy that benefits renewable natural gas produced on farms.

Food waste advocates are learning a new language in the Trump era

Food waste reduction proponents like the Natural Resources Defense Council are shifting their messaging to continue winning support. In Congress, Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree said conversations are changing.

Updated Oct. 3, 2025

Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies

Casella reported an uptick in emissions from a 2022 baseline. Previously, Clean Harbors reported it had surpassed a recycling goal early and Denali reported its scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Updated Oct. 7, 2025