The 2026 outlook for the waste and recycling industry

Economic and policy shifts could impact waste and recycling business in 2026, including M&A deals, state recycling legislation, and regulations for PFAS and landfills.

By Waste Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

Is a better economy a worse environment for waste M&A?

The industry has become a safe harbor for investors seeking stable returns over the last five years. But as it matures, sellers are getting larger and buyers are getting hungrier.

By Jacob Wallace • Jan. 30, 2026

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

WM signals optimism in Q4 despite healthcare solutions integration

WM CEO Jim Fish says sustainability investments paid off in 2025, with six more RNG projects and four recycling projects due in 2026. Improvements to its Stericycle integration should help margins.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 29, 2026

Textile EPR back on the agenda in Washington, New York

Reuse and repair provisions are part of these states' proposed textile EPR bills. Meanwhile, California is mulling three options for its PRO as part of its textile EPR implementation process.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 28, 2026

Bottle bill supporters face same challenges, new economic conditions for 2026

Bottle bills will face the same hurdles as in years’ past, but supporters in places like Maryland and Washington hope new perspectives on domestic manufacturing and EPR can help make their case.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 28, 2026

Battery collection tech advances to mitigate fires, manage EPR volumes

Redwood Materials recently launched bins in San Francisco and plans to scale this year. This follows related innovations from The Battery Network to make battery collection safer at retail stores and facilities by using fire suppressant.

By Mary Catherine O’Connor • Jan. 27, 2026

CAA readies California EPR program plan without finalized rules or needs assessment

Circular Action Alliance says it’s forging ahead but is between a rock and a hard place, as business and environmental advocacy representatives also worry about the implications of pressing toward a Jan. 1, 2027, start date.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 26, 2026

Solid waste workers experienced higher injury rates in 2024

Solid waste workers experienced fewer recorded illnesses in 2024, but landfill workers reported higher illness cases. BLS injury and illness data for 2024 was delayed due to the government shutdown in the fall.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 22, 2026

California’s ‘truth in labeling’ law creates uncertainty about carton recycling

SB 343 is slated to take effect in October. Carton advocates and environmental groups disagree over future markets and labeling for the material.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Jan. 22, 2026

New Jersey adopts law to reduce restaurants’ plastic waste

The by-request-only policy for takeout utensils and condiment packets adds to similar laws in states including California and Washington and cities such as New York.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 21, 2026

BPI still seeking compost rulemaking at USDA

The Biodegradable Products Institute is focusing on bringing more clarity to compostable packaging’s future in California, dually advocating for rulemaking at USDA as well as new state legislation.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 21, 2026

Right-to-repair bills make a comeback in 2026

Advocates hope a wave of laws newly enacted in 2026 will boost momentum for repair bills addressing consumer electronics, wheelchairs, farm equipment and vehicles.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 20, 2026

Trump signs $8.8B EPA budget bill

The funding is about 4% less than last year but over 50% more than a previous White House proposal. It cuts funding for Superfund activities but maintains other research funding for landfill methane and PFAS.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Jan. 26, 2026

Recycling app Scrapp launches innovation pilot in Miami-Dade County

Scrapp, a company offering recycling education and data analytics, is partnering with Miami-Dade County to help divert waste from disposal. The pilot got a boost from a $100,000 county innovation grant.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 14, 2026

Call2Recycle rebrands as The Battery Network to reflect EPR, fire safety considerations

CEO Leo Raudys says the new name reflects the full picture of how factors such as EPR, supply chain logistics and domestic supply chains for critical minerals are impacting battery recycling in the U.S. 

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 13, 2026

US Plastics Pact charts progress toward 2030 targets

2025 marked a turning point for USPP, with focus shifting from foundational work to execution, according to the group’s newly released annual report.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 13, 2026

California packaging EPR rules delayed again

In the latest speed bump for implementing SB 54, CalRecycle withdrew proposed regulations from the Office of Administrative Law's review. It plans revisions related to packaging for food and agricultural commodities.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 12, 2026

5 themes that could shape waste and recycling in 2026

Macroeconomic trends, including cooling inflation and continued commodity headwinds, are expected to impact the industry. Regulations, especially around PFAS, EPR and landfills, will also play a role in the coming year.

By Jacob Wallace , Megan Quinn • Jan. 8, 2026

Arcwood Environmental acquires MXI Environmental Services

The deal is Arcwood’s third in six months and represents another acquisition that expands the company’s geographic reach.

By Jacob Wallace • Jan. 7, 2026

New Jersey court upholds key environmental justice law

Recyclers argued the state's Department of Environmental Protection overstepped its authority and blocked business operations. But an appeals court said DEP appropriately applied the EJ law.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 7, 2026

Toxic substances in PET bottles scrutinized by researchers

Virgin and rPET bottles in Michigan and California leached additives and hazardous chemicals, per a study funded by the Alliance for Mission-Based Recycling. It’s the latest research to raise questions about plastic packaging.

By April Reese • Jan. 6, 2026

Federal bill aims to reclassify chemical recycling as a manufacturing process

Supporters say the Recycling Technology Innovation Act, backed by ACC, would streamline permitting and strengthen domestic supply chains for recycled plastic. But critics say reclassification could erode Clean Air Act protections.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 6, 2026

Where new 2026 recycling and waste laws are taking effect

Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Vermont and Washington have new laws, including electronics and battery EPR and right-to-repair policies.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 5, 2026

Macquarie-backed DTG for sale as C&D recycler navigates a complex year

The Washington-based company’s CEO recently departed. Meanwhile, DTG is navigating complex facility permitting in Yakima but may avoid a fine for an investigation led by the state’s Utilities and Transportation Commission.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 23, 2025

2025’s notable waste and recycling acquisitions

The year saw notable deal announcements involving GFL Environmental, Veolia, Enviri, WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, Casella Waste Systems, FCC Environmental Services, LRS and more.

By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 23, 2025