Waste sector emissions ticked up in 2023, unreleased EPA report finds

The U.S. EPA only published partial information on the country’s greenhouse gas emissions this year. But newly available data suggests the waste industry’s emissions ticked up while overall emissions declined.

Nova Chemicals, Novolex open mechanical recycling facility for PE film

The Connersville, Indiana, facility will process up to 145,000 bales of postconsumer plastic film a year to produce recycled LLDPE for use in food-safe applications.

CalRecycle unveils new SB 54 text; Wagoner out as CAA’s California lead

The agency will host a public meeting May 27 to take feedback. Circular Action Alliance, the packaging EPR program’s PRO, plans to hire a new state lead as former CalRecycle director Rachel Wagoner steps aside.

Maine, Ohio, New Hampshire debate landfill restrictions

In recent weeks, several bills enhancing restrictions on landfills have advanced in state legislatures. They include new leachate management requirements and new disposal or host fees.

Plastics reduction advocate and former EPA administrator joins Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Jennie Romer, known for plastics pollution work at Surfrider and at the EPA's pollution prevention office, will address e-waste, textiles and circular economy policy in her new role at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Federal grantees reckon with loss of ‘generational’ recycling funding under Trump

The administration has canceled or limited grant awardees’ ability to access federal funding, changing how plastics and organics recyclers view the federal government.

Indigenous-led efforts bolster EPR collection in remote parts of Canada

A new partnership between the Stewardship Agencies of BC and the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group helps improve recycling programs and training.

Washington governor signs right-to-repair laws for electronics and wheelchairs

The new laws take effect July 26. Washington joins five other states with consumer electronics laws and two others with wheelchair repair laws.

Updated May 21, 2025

Jon Vander Ark: AI is ‘wildly oversold,’ but it can provide benefits

Vander Ark compared the current hype around AI to the dot-com era that collapsed in 2000. But he said there are still plenty of opportunities to drive cost efficiencies through digital improvements.

Veolia says incinerator test shows over 99% PFAS destruction

The company's research, shared with the U.S. EPA, aims to lend credibility to incineration. Veolia expects demand for PFAS management services to grow despite regulatory challenges.

WM President John Morris on AI, autonomous equipment and tech investments

John Morris, who is also the company’s chief operating officer, said AI and tech upgrades for fleets, new route optimization software and autonomous vehicle pilots are helping with labor retention and cost savings.   

Washington governor signs laws regulating landfills, expanding organics service and more

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed five laws, including ones that affected renewable natural gas, PFAS in biosolids and plastic bags.

Washington Gov. Ferguson signs packaging EPR law

Ferguson called it the "biggest overhaul of our recycling system in decades.” Washington’s law, the seventh in the U.S., drew opposition from the waste and recycling industry.

PFAS a ‘high priority’ for EPA waste office nominee Busterud

During a confirmation hearing, the Office of Land and Emergency Management nominee expressed support for passive receivers and called for more frequent updates to the EPA's destruction and disposal guidance.

How states are thinking about organic waste policy

Panelists from Divert, CalRecycle and NRDC discussed lessons that can be learned from a rising number of state organic waste policies in California and elsewhere.

California compostable packaging restriction could have ‘chilling effect’

The Biodegradable Products Institute says it’s still waiting to hear whether there could be a compliance extension for a key provision of AB 1201 poised to affect compostables in the state come 2026.

Updated May 19, 2025

3 tips for selling waste businesses in 2025: WasteExpo

Keeping up with maintenance and finances long before deal discussions begin can lead to more successful outcomes, said WasteExpo speakers from Kinderhook, WM, Wastequip and others.

EPA’s future PFAS manufacturing effluent limitation guidelines raise new questions

The Trump administration will pursue regulations for certain manufacturers of chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers after pausing implementation of a similar Biden-era proposal. Landfill regulations may come in the future.

EPA rolls back part of PFAS drinking water standards

The agency will continue regulating PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but will extend compliance timelines. It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals. 

As New England market consolidates, Boston Green Environmental Services expands

The family-owned company recently scaled with new locations in Maine and New Hampshire, with another one on the way. 

Ameripen names new executive director

The new head has a background in food service packaging and sustainability work and will lead the association “through one of the most consequential periods for packaging policy in U.S. history.”

How the Republican budget proposal affects biogas credits and waste funding

Programs funding climate initiatives would be slashed and eligibility for tax credits would shrink. But the proposal did extend one credit that the industry has been asking for.

Updated May 22, 2025

Maryland Gov. Moore signs packaging EPR into law

Maryland becomes the sixth state with an EPR for packaging law. It ramps up reimbursement between 2028 and 2030.

Hydrogen-fueled refuse trucks are ‘just a matter of when,’ manufacturers say

Manufacturers like New Way Trucks, Paccar and more believe the future for hydrogen fuel cell-powered refuse vehicles remains bright, despite setbacks for the technology.

WasteExpo: No ‘one easy fix’ for battery fires, but plenty of options

Industry professionals at this year’s conference called for coordinated battery fire prevention strategies, including integrating newer tech like x-ray sorters, to fight growing battery waste streams such as vapes.