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

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

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

By the numbers: What impacted waste and recycling in 2025

Take a look back at the year's notable data points on policy, regulation, labor, recycling trends and more.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace , Cole Rosengren • Dec. 23, 2025

How the EPA affected waste and recycling in 2025

The agency under the Trump administration signaled changes to how it regulates PFAS and greenhouse gas emissions and appointed key new leadership.

By Waste Dive Staff • Dec. 22, 2025

Waste operators seize opportunities as Ontario updates packaging EPR in 2026

Companies like GFL Environmental and WM have made major investments in Ontario’s new EPR for packaging model, but the province may contend with transition growing pains after it starts on Jan. 1.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 22, 2025

Pack Act introduced in Congress to cut through labeling confusion

The bill, championed by Ameripen, would preempt state laws and call on the FTC to require certain parameters such as third-party certifications for recyclable, compostable and reusable claims on consumer products.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 18, 2025

The evolving role of statewide recycling needs assessments

These reports are a common tool for driving EPR for packaging programs. But who should lead the process and decide the data strategy and timeline?

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 17, 2025

US EPA announces recipients of $58M in recycling infrastructure grants

The second round of Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants, or SWIFR, will support 17 programs meant to avoid illegal dumping, build reuse centers, establish commercial recycling programs and more.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 16, 2025

Help wanted: State agencies and producers staff up to implement packaging EPR

Headcount varies widely across the seven states implementing extended producer responsibility programs, with some facing budget limitations. California, Colorado, Minnesota and Washington share their latest plans.

By Marissa Heffernan • Dec. 16, 2025

Virginia to update state solid waste plan for first time in 46 years

The draft plan aims to modernize the state’s waste strategy with an emphasis on better data collection, diversion and economic growth efforts. That might include pursuing an EPR for packaging law.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 15, 2025

4 insights on the state of PET recycling and rPET in packaging

Thermoforms have a bigger role, and multiple changes are afoot in the rPET landscape — tempering recycled content growth in bottles, explained Lauren Laibach, director of data services at NAPCOR.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 11, 2025

Massachusetts commission endorses some EPR plans, punts on packaging

A legislative commission, convened by MassDEP, endorsed the idea of a needs assessment for packaging. The group also endorsed EPR for paint, mattresses, batteries and electronics.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 11, 2025

What’s next with Amp’s MSW contract in Southern Virginia

Southeastern Public Service Authority and Amp signed an agreement to process the region’s MSW, recycling and organics. The deal includes a pledge to divert 50% of materials from the nearby landfill.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 10, 2025

Success for composting and EPR programs go hand in hand: report

Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium laid out a composter reimbursement framework that PROs could build on. Incentives correlate to greater acceptance of compostable packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 10, 2025

Commodity values further decline for Northeastern MRFs

Blended commodity prices fell about 22% in Q3, according to a new report from the Northeast Recycling Council. Waste companies reported similar trends in the quarter amid infrastructure investments.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 9, 2025

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

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