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. 

LRS breaks into Indianapolis market with new collection contract

The Midwest company will take over collection contracts currently held by Republic Services and WM. LRS will also help roll out citywide recycling collection services in 2028.

EPA to end environmental justice programs, monitoring tools

As part of the Trump administration’s end to environmental justice programs, the waste industry no longer has access to EJScreen, a monitoring tool used to track environmental justice metrics near facilities. 

Quest names Moss as CEO, starts layoffs after ‘very disappointing year’

Quest Resource Management Group is elevating a former Rubicon leader to CEO and bringing in a former Republic executive. It reported “disappointing” results in 2024 despite earning its most new clients ever.

EPA revisiting dozens of climate, environment rules in ‘day of deregulation’

The agency said it would roll back a range of rules and programs, including some that are foundational to its climate change work. A new WOTUS definition is expected, as well as rollbacks to an emissions reporting program.

EPA reconsiders auto, truck emissions requirements

The agency is reevaluating stricter rules for model-year 2027 cars and trucks set by the Biden administration.

GHGSat research shows landfills are undercounting methane emissions

The satellite monitoring company’s 2023 site-level data underscores the importance of technology in obtaining a more accurate picture of landfills’ greenhouse gas emissions, executives said.

Navigating next steps on EPR in California and beyond

CalRecycle said it will revise the regulations and associated documents, and initiate a new formal rulemaking process, starting with a 45-day public comment period.

Updated March 13, 2025

Walmart says it’s unlikely to meet 2025 plastic, recycling targets

The largest U.S. retailer discussed challenges to increasing PCR adoption. More than two-thirds of its global private-brand packaging was recyclable, reusable or industrially compostable in 2023, according to a company update.