US Energy Department offers $134M to boost rare earth recovery projects

The agency plans to fund efforts to draw rare earth metals from discarded electronics and other sources to strengthen the domestic critical mineral supply chain.

By Antone Gonsalves • Dec. 8, 2025

Material recovery considerations: Corrugated containers and reusable plastic systems

New LCA reveals environmental trade-offs between corrugated recycling and closed-loop RPC systems

By Fibre Box Association • Dec. 8, 2025

Explore the 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

Illinois launches paint stewardship program

Now the 11th state with a PaintCare program, Illinois expects to collect about 1 million gallons in its first year. Maryland will launch its program next year, while other state legislatures plan to introduce similar bills.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 5, 2025

Nova Scotia rolls out EPR for packaging program

The province’s new program took effect Dec. 1. Waste company REgroup will open a new Halifax-area MRF in 2027 to sort what’s expected to be higher volumes of materials from the program.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 3, 2025

Amcor eyes ‘dual end of life’ optionality for innovation investments

The company’s long-term R&D strategy includes seeking solutions that work in a future with recycling or composting infrastructure, explained Rebecca Meile, manager of corporate venturing and open innovation.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 1, 2025

NAW escalates Oregon EPR lawsuit, seeking preliminary injunction

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is asking a court to suspend enforcement of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act ahead of a next round of producer invoicing.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 26, 2025

Colorado’s diversion rate could get a boost in 2026 from EPR, other new laws

Colorado municipalities took the lead on improving the state’s recycling and organics diversion rates in 2024, according to a state report. Still, more “top-down” solutions stemming from EPR implementation could help.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 26, 2025

Inside the first year of NYC’s historic commercial waste reform plan

The franchise zone shift has yielded operational efficiencies and safety improvements. Meanwhile, NWRA sued the city, carters are paying millions in fines and advocates hope Mayor-elect Mamdani will speed up the rollout.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 26, 2025

Bottle bill talks gain momentum amid America First buzz, EPR

Eager to capture more high-quality material to incorporate into new packaging domestically, leaders from the competing plastic, glass and metal sectors are looking to jointly build on momentum from 2025’s legislative sessions.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 21, 2025

How much further can source reduction in packaging go?

U.S. packaging volumes reportedly fell by about 5 million metric tons between 2019 and 2024, despite population growth and an e-commerce boom. Future progress will require trade-offs, brand owners and packaging converters say.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 20, 2025

US Plastics Pact assesses pluses and minuses of chemical recycling

The group calls for chemical recyclers to consider environmental justice impacts and offer more data and transparency around operations, but says the technologies offer key circular economy opportunities for plastic.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 20, 2025

Visia AI expands X-ray tech to serve wide range of recycling facilities

Visia offers customizable AI tech to companies like Casella, LRS and Coastal Waste. The company has expanded its work to over 30 facilities and aims to solve problems like equipment optimization and fire prevention.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 19, 2025

Local grants and recognitions boost America Recycles Day 2025

American Beverage and Can’d Aid announced grant funding for local and municipal recycling projects, while Wisconsin recognized key recycling programs that helped drive diversion in the state. 

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 17, 2025

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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 14, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Nov. 14, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Nov. 13, 2025

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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 12, 2025

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

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 Jacob Wallace • Nov. 7, 2025

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 Jacob Wallace • Nov. 6, 2025

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 Megan Quinn • Nov. 5, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Updated Nov. 3, 2025

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 Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 4, 2025

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 Megan Quinn • Oct. 31, 2025

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 Jacob Wallace • Oct. 31, 2025