Regulators, PROs sort through responsible end market complexities

Developing and following these rules is a new frontier for states with EPR for packaging laws. Speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference offered a snapshot of what’s at stake as recyclers prepare for regulations.

By Megan Quinn • March 2, 2026

John Busterud, head of EPA waste office, to depart in March

The OLEM assistant administrator, who cited health concerns for his exit, leaves the top role just months after his nomination was confirmed. The office leads Superfund, RCRA and other waste-related programs.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 26, 2026

Reclaimers: No quick fix to weather plastics markets storm

Speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference said they're more positive on longer-term solutions like recycled content mandates, contract changes and other supply drivers from policies like EPR.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 25, 2026

NLRB applies Browning-Ferris joint employer standard at court’s direction

Following the D.C. Circuit’s instructions, the board agreed to apply its embattled 2015 framework in one case, but said it still adheres to its stricter 2020 interpretation. The case traces back to a California MRF.

By Emilie Shumway • Feb. 25, 2026

Macquarie exits DTG Recycle with sales to founder, Waste Connections

The investment firm purchased the Washington-based C&D company in 2022. Founder Dan Guimont has returned to run the business, with select assets divested to Waste Connections.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Feb. 24, 2026

Casella gives landfill and organics facility updates after strong 2025

In his first earnings call since becoming CEO, Ned Coletta highlighted 2025 acquisitions and offered updates on landfill optimization strategies and an organics facility closure in the Northeast.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 20, 2026

Ahead of the demand curve? What’s behind the rPET slump.

A recent spate of rPET facility closures follows a slightly premature ramp-up, said one converter. But renewed investment is needed to ensure “we still have an rPET industry on this continent,” according to NAPCOR.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2026

Waste worker fatalities fell in 2024, but industry still 5th deadliest: BLS

The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed fewer fatalities for the refuse and recyclable materials collection occupation. The number of fatalities in MRFs also decreased in 2024.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 19, 2026

Chemical recycling debates influence state and legal discussions in California, New York

California's AG is appealing a judge's ruling that ExxonMobil can continue its chemical recycling defamation suit, while a New York EPR bill could get hung up over chemical recycling restrictions.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 19, 2026

Clean Harbors looks to spend record cash on M&A and internal growth

The company met its guidance for full-year 2025 and looks to act on growth levers. That includes capital investments and M&A, such as a new $130 million deal with Depot Connect International.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 18, 2026

Republic misses 2025 earnings projections but promotes underlying strength

The company fell short of guidance issued a year ago for revenue, but reported strong free cash flow and a business positioned for growth in environmental services.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 18, 2026

Will EPR actually increase recycling?

Skeptics sparked debate about the value of extended producer responsibility for packaging at The Packaging Conference in Austin, Texas. Perhaps the only clear thing is that a lot is still unclear about the emerging legislation.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 18, 2026

Carton recycling options expanded for about 2.5M households in 2025: Carton Council

About 63% of households now have access to some kind of carton recycling program, the Carton Council says. It attributes major expansions to Circular Services’ MRF upgrades and Oregon’s new EPR program launch.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 18, 2026

Combined policy options needed to remedy plastic waste in US, Pew report finds

The adoption of any new policies such as bottle bills, reuse systems, EPR or certain food packaging bans could reduce disposal by 10% to 20% by 2040. Such changes could influence new jobs and investments, Pew said.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 17, 2026

Q4 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2025

Catch up with the latest results from Enviri, WM, Waste Connections, Casella, Republic Services, Clean Harbors and GFL Environmental.

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Feb. 24, 2026

Recycled content claims bill introduced in Congress

The bipartisan Recycled Materials Attribution Act aims to establish federal standards and ensure the Green Guides are updated accordingly.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 13, 2026

Domestic markets and policy could help weather rPET woes

Speakers addressed domestic rPET’s market challenges during a webinar hosted by The Recycling Partnership. The discussion comes in the wake of recent PET reclaimer closures.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 13, 2026

Waste Connections previews AI, RNG investments for 2026

During a Q4 earnings call, executives highlighted about $330 million in acquired annualized revenue from 19 acquisitions in 2025. CEO Ron Mittelstaedt previewed AI projects for routing and customer experience.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 12, 2026

GFL details headquarters move, EPR and RNG plans

The company is officially relocating its headquarters to Miami Beach, but will maintain its presence in Canada. The company reported strong underlying business but foreign currency translation headwinds to end 2025.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 12, 2026

EPA’s upcoming battery EPR framework aims to guide state consistency

The U.S. EPA expects to publish its framework for battery EPR programs this summer. Industry stakeholders informed the voluntary guide for states implementing the programs.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 11, 2026

Tennessee packaging EPR bill revamped with small business, county exemptions

The bill takes a business-centric approach to recycling, a key difference from other state EPR programs. It also allows certain small businesses and counties with fewer than 200,000 residents to opt out of the program.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2026

Oregon judge grants wholesalers preliminary injunction in packaging EPR case

The latest court development shields National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors members for the coming months and tees up a trial in July.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 9, 2026

WM to acquire Waste Resources in California

The company, which offers residential and commercial hauling in parts of Southern California, has franchise agreements in several cities that have provided approval to change contracts over to WM service.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2026

Agilyx, ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell to split up chemical recycling joint venture

The companies will restructure Cyclyx International. Agilyx will take ownership of the Dallas-area circularity center, while ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell will own the Houston location.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 5, 2026

Recycle BC rolls out curbside flexible plastic recycling to meet 50% collection goal

The producer responsibility organization for British Columbia will offer curbside options in the Central Okanagan region, as well as dedicated bins for apartments in Vancouver.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Feb. 4, 2026