EFS, Merlin, GreenWaste, Valemi get flex film recycling contracts

The US Flexible Film Initiative says it has moved more than 3 million pounds of flexible plastic packaging from California collection programs to reclaimers in the U.S. and Canada for processing.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 29, 2026

Newsom signs law banning single-use vapes that pose fire risk

Waste and recycling groups support the ban to help curb vape-related facility fires caused by the devices’ batteries. Newsom also signed another vape-related bill meant to look into better disposal methods.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 29, 2026

Newsom vetoes recycled content claims bill, blaming ‘economic headwinds’

In another win for industry groups, the California governor said he didn’t want to “unduly burden manufacturers and suppliers” already affected by recent trade policy changes.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 28, 2026

Kanopy integrates recycling monitoring and AI tools under new parent company

Recycle Coach and Re-Trac will become brands of Kanopy to streamline information and data services. It will launch a new waste information app, Curb Coach. Prairie Robotics will become a strategic partner.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 25, 2026

Greyparrot, Circular Services, pilot AI technology at New York MRF

Greyparrot says 89% of aluminum at Circular Services’ Sunset Park MRF is recoverable. The two companies plan to collaborate on projects at the site this fall. 

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 23, 2026

Potential increase of AI-driven e-scrap higher than previously estimated

A Basel Action Network report sought to include the entire universe of electronics used in AI applications, including servers and power supplies. Data sovereignty laws and upgrades could also increase tons generated. 

By Marissa Heffernan • Sept. 23, 2026

Circular Services acquisition bets on integrating reuse with recycling

The Closed Loop Partners offshoot acquired Re:Dish. The long-term vision is that “we are offering reuse services everywhere that we provide recycling or food waste services today,” said Circular Services’ Jessica Long.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 23, 2026

California governor signs battery recycling, landfill temperature laws

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest moves update the state’s battery EPR law, as well as aspects of its bottle bill program. He also gave CalRecycle more authority following a high-profile issue at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 22, 2026

Packaging has changed. Recycling systems haven’t kept up, report says.

U.S. households’ generation of cartons surged from 2020 to 2026, while mixed paper dropped notably. The Recycling Partnership released data intended to inform simultaneous evolutions of the packaging and recycling sectors.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 18, 2026

Massachusetts issues $2.8M in waste reduction grants in last month

The two funding rounds address a range of materials, including food waste, textiles and plastics. More than two dozen companies, including Casella and Black Earth Compost, received grants.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 17, 2026

House passes trio of waste bills, including lithium-ion battery updates

Other bills focused on recovering critical materials at contaminated waste sites and updating the Solid Waste Disposal Act. They are all moving to the Senate for consideration and involve new work led by the U.S. EPA.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 16, 2026

800K tons of film, flex end markets to accelerate PCR demand: report

A report from Eunomia and Delterra outlines the challenges and possibilities for scaling the market. It coincided with the launch of a demand accelerator project involving Amcor and Kraft Heinz.

By Marissa Heffernan • Sept. 16, 2026

Judge sets date for Colgate toothpaste tube recyclability trial

Attorneys now indicate they plan to subpoena MRFs and waste management companies, including WM and Republic Services, for additional information.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 16, 2026

Passing the sniff test: Overcoming PCR’s odor and color challenges

Sensory issues related to scent and tint pose unique hurdles for brands looking to incorporate more recycled plastic in consumer goods packaging. It’s spurring more creative applications for PCR.

By Shefali Kapadia • Sept. 15, 2026

New Jersey delays PCR requirements for food-contact packaging to 2030

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection said technologies still don’t exist at scale to reliably meet the requirements. The Association of Plastic Recyclers disagreed, citing concerns about stranded recycling assets.

By Marissa Heffernan • Sept. 11, 2026

Rare earths recycler opens first US facility in Arizona

Cyclic Materials’ $20 million site can recover magnets from wasted automotive parts, robotics and other electronics and repurpose them into rare earths and critical minerals.

By Nathan Owens • Sept. 10, 2026

In the bin or not? How MRF operators decide which packaging to take

As EPR laws and reputational concerns drive brands to push for their product packaging in accepted material lists, those debates have become increasingly complex.

By Marissa Heffernan • Sept. 9, 2026

Vermont, lacking PRO, gets assist on household hazardous waste EPR program

The Agency of Natural Resources is running the program itself. Reverse Logistics Group, a regulatory compliance company, will offer operational support such as billing and data collection.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 3, 2026

Rumpke, PureCycle talk polypropylene PCR partnerships

The companies say their work together has helped fuel new PCR uptake from packaging companies like IPL Schoeller, which needs to meet state mandates.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 1, 2026

Paper, cardboard recycling rates were flat in 2025: AF&PA

Recycling rates held steady despite declines in U.S. paper and paperboard production in 2025, which illustrates the industry’s resilience, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 31, 2026

Oregon EPR law doesn’t violate Constitution, judge rules

The federal judge disagreed with plaintiff National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors’ claims, saying Oregon showed “innovative leadership” with its EPR law. The decision could influence other in-progress litigation over EPR laws.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Aug. 28, 2026

Messy packaging EPR process provides opportunities for brands, recyclers

Moving forward with EPR implementation is a complex process, but one that offers new ways to build better systems for long-term recycling improvements, speakers said during a Be Waste Wise panel on Wednesday.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 27, 2026

Communities in Michigan, Florida and Utah seek recycling partnerships, RFPs

Plus, WM is building a MRF in Tampa, a new recycling drop-off facility is open in Oregon, and glass recycling infrastructure is on the way in one Virginia county.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 26, 2026

Battery recycling projects among DOE’s latest $500M grant funding round

Princeton NuEnergy and Nth Cycle are focusing on lithium-ion battery recycling projects to recover critical minerals for manufacturing. The funding comes amid new black mass export restrictions meant to boost domestic supplies. 

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 25, 2026

EverestLabs adds AI agent to its MRF robotics offerings

The Navigator tool aims to make data from sorting equipment easier to interpret through AI-powered recommendations and customized insights. Caglia Environmental and others are piloting the offering.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 24, 2026