Recycling

  • A hand holding a coffee cup
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    WM now accepting polypropylene plastic and paper cups curbside

    WM says recent automation upgrades and changes to bale specifications helped spur the change, along with market demand for the materials. WM is asking customers to also add the materials to their lists. 

    By • Nov. 14, 2025
  • A pile of mixed recyclables of different materials, including bottles and containers
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How packaging producers and CPGs stacked up in EMF’s 2025 progress report

    As the Ellen MacArthur Foundation engages businesses on an updated 2030 agenda, its 2024 data tracks how companies fared on integrating recycled content, increasing packaging recyclability and other metrics.

    By • Nov. 14, 2025
  • A tightly packed bale of crushed plastic bottles, compressed into a rectangular block and wrapped in clear plastic film. The bale contains various colored plastic bottles, flattened and compacted together, ready for recycling. Explore the Trendlineâž”
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alamy
    Image attribution tooltip
    Trendline

    The Rise of Recycling AI

    Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common at MRFs, in collection trucks and even as a tool for consumer education at the point of generation.

    By Waste Dive staff
  • A closeup of beverage cans and bottles for recycling
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Aluminum beverage can recycling rate hit 75% globally: report

    The update at COP30 comes two years after the industry pledged to recycle at least 80% of these containers worldwide by 2030 and nearly all by 2050. The picture is weaker in the U.S. and North America.

    By • Nov. 13, 2025
  • Human workers next to a conveyor line sort plastic packaging such as bottles.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    By the numbers: How America recycles in 2025

    As public and private entities continue efforts to boost recycling rates, there are numerous infrastructure investments, curbside programs and new state laws that have also played a role this year.

    By • Nov. 12, 2025
  • Tetra pak
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Tetra Pak
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by Tetra Pak

    Carton recycling options are expanding: Here’s what to know

    Carton recycling collection and end markets continue to evolve, opening new doors for recovered cartons.

    Nov. 10, 2025
  • The exterior of a rear-loading garbage truck with the New York City Sanitation Department's logo emblazoned on the side.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Jacob Wallace/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    New York City’s plan for the next decade of waste looks to boost diversion

    The city supports practices such as extended producer responsibility and codigestion of organic waste to reduce the amount of material sent to disposal.

    By • Nov. 7, 2025
  • A demonstration hauler with GFL's logo outside a conference center
    Image attribution tooltip
    Jacob Wallace/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Early EPR tailwinds propel GFL to highest-ever margin

    GFL Environmental reported its highest-ever margin for adjusted EBITDA. In addition to volume growth related to EPR, the company is retooling its pricing strategy to better reflect internal inflation.

    By • Nov. 6, 2025
  • The flag of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hangs outside the agency building in Washington, D.C.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Continued government shutdown could threaten key waste, manufacturing projects

    Industry groups say the situation has put critical EPA recycling, waste and manufacturing priorities in limbo, along with federal jobs. But the EPA says there’s “zero uncertainty” on such programs.

    By • Nov. 5, 2025
  • Bundled stacks of flat corrugated boxes.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Containerboard production continued downward slide in Q3

    Containerboard capacity cuts could tee up an environment ripe for price increases in early 2026. Conversely, recent boxboard production expansions have resulted in an oversupply.

    By • Updated Nov. 3, 2025
  • A large garbage container with the Waste Connections Logo sits on a concrete lot with palm trees and other vegetation behind it.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Octavio Jones via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Waste Connections acquiring Florida Express Environmental

    The family-run company has one of the larger privately owned fleets in the Ocala region and is also affiliated with a C&D landfill. Marion County approved a transfer of the company’s franchise agreement on Nov. 4.

    By • Updated Nov. 4, 2025
  • Casella's Mack LR Electric truck
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Casella Waste Systems
    Image attribution tooltip

    Casella again raises revenue guidance, notes improvements in mid-Atlantic region

    Casella increased the lower end of its guidance ranges for revenue and adjusted EBITDA, citing limited commodity exposure. The company says it is also making headway on key New York landfill permits.

    By • Oct. 31, 2025
  • A Republic Services truck and dumpster.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Republic Services
    Image attribution tooltip

    Republic Services retools environmental services pricing after segment decline

    The company saw better performance in its core recycling and waste business that powered another quarter of overall revenue growth.

    By • Oct. 31, 2025
  • A trash truck on display at a convention
    Image attribution tooltip
    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Q3 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2025

    Follow the latest results from Casella Waste Systems, Republic Services, WM, Waste Connections, Clean Harbors, GFL, Montrose Environmental and Enviri.

    By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 10, 2025
  • Large bundles of plastic bags, cans and milk containers await processing at a recycling center.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Pennsylvania MRF receives ‘multi-million dollar’ loan from Closed Loop

    MRF operator Superior Fine Grind upgraded its facility to accommodate higher volumes of material coming in from rural regions of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. 

    By • Oct. 29, 2025
  • WM trucks
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by WM
    Image attribution tooltip

    WM healthcare integration affects results in otherwise profitable quarter

    Strong collection and disposal business helped boost WM in the quarter, but the company faced headwinds in the Healthcare Solutions segment and a $152M impairment charge for the closure of Natura PCR.

    By • Oct. 28, 2025
  • The exterior of an industrial park facility
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Cyclic Materials
    Image attribution tooltip

    Cyclic Materials signs recycling agreement with rare earth magnet manufacturer

    Under a 10-year deal, Cyclic will recycle byproducts from Vacuumschmelze’s new Sumter, South Carolina, manufacturing processes. Cyclic is working to open its own new facility in Arizona.

    By • Oct. 27, 2025
  • Bales of plastic film packaging are piled next to bales of other plastics and cardboard.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Plastic film recycling has a problem with staying power

    As technological advancements contribute to more facilities mechanically or chemically recycling film, lacking end markets and overall economics are holdbacks, including for a short-lived plant that announced last week it closed.

    By • Oct. 24, 2025
  • Two people sit on stage in front of a background that reads "Redefining Recyclability"
    Image attribution tooltip
    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    California’s labeling law resets the market for recyclability claims

    SB 343 loomed large at the recent SPC Advance and How2Recycle Summit events, leading to concerns about packaging categories such as cartons, small format, flexibles, film and more.

    By • Oct. 24, 2025
  • Waste Connections truck on display at WasteExpo 2022
    Image attribution tooltip
    Maria Rachal/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Waste Connections reports Florida acquisitions, stable pricing

    CEO Ron Mittelstaedt noted the company weathered economic headwinds but got a boost from its E&P business and rail improvements meant to help boost the Arrowhead Landfill, which takes about 7,500 tons a day.

    By • Oct. 22, 2025
  • Four people sit in chairs on a stage in front of a background that says Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference, while one person speaks.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Prioritizing end markets key to taming EPR tension: PPRC speakers

    While some aspects of EPR programs, like ecomodulation, won’t be a priority until later, end market identification should be done up front, according to speakers at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference. 

    By • Oct. 22, 2025
  • Wide shot of a building exterior with the "Myplas" logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Myplas
    Image attribution tooltip

    One year after acquisition, GDB details revival strategy for Minnesota film recycling plant

    Since acquiring the Myplas USA plant that shuttered after only months in operation, GDB Circular says it has turned the site into a “flagship” facility.

    By • Oct. 22, 2025
  • A woman speaks at a poduim in front of a shipping container converted into a recycling drop-off space.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Circular Action Alliance
    Image attribution tooltip

    Oregon rolls out drop-off recycling sites as part of EPR program

    The state's new drop-off depots are meant to collect harder-to-recycle items not accepted in curbside bins. By 2027, the state aims to open more than 140 such sites. 

    By • Oct. 21, 2025
  • A close-up view of various old corrugated boxes that are flattened.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    China’s new pulp import restrictions create ‘black swan event’ for OCC

    The announced restrictions on dry-milled recycled pulp imports could set the table for a full ban on the material. While OCC prices dropped, many industry participants are in wait-and-see mode, sources say.

    By • Oct. 20, 2025
  • A screenshot of people speaking during a webinar
    Image attribution tooltip
    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive, data from Screenshot
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • Oct. 17, 2025
  • A person holds a handful of solid waste.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of UBQ Materials
    Image attribution tooltip

    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.

    By • Oct. 16, 2025