So far this year, U.S. recycling policy has seen a wave of activity, particularly around battery safety and EPR implementation. Recently approved laws are also exploring new frontiers in recycling hard-to-manage materials like vapes. 

Waste Dive staff Megan Quinn and Cole Rosengren partnered with waste education nonprofit be Waste Wise for a June 16 webinar to discuss key updates and preview how these trends could play out in later months.

EPR bills for paint, mattresses and other materials saw mixed results this year, while EPR for packaging legislation experienced a more muted legislative season. Meanwhile, states with existing packaging EPR laws like Oregon, Colorado, California and Maine are navigating implementation challenges and lawsuits targeting these programs. 

At the federal level, the U.S. EPA continues to advance recycling priorities related to chemical recycling, battery fire prevention guidance and grant funding for infrastructure and education. 

This event was the second part of a two-part webinar series. Watch the first part, which delves into updates on greenhouse gas emissions and PFAS policy, in this video.