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 22 hours ago

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 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

Senate passes $8.8B EPA budget

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 • Jan. 16, 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

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