Plastic film recycling has a problem with staying power

As technological advancements contribute to more facilities mechanically or chemically recycling film, lacking end markets and overall economics are holdbacks — including for a short-lived plant that closed this week.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 24, 2025

California’s labeling law resets the market for recyclability claims

SB 343 loomed large at the recent SPC Advance and How2Recycle Summit events, leading to concerns about packaging categories such as cartons, small format, flexibles, film and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 24, 2025

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

Waste Connections reports Florida acquisitions, stable pricing

CEO Ron Mittelstaedt noted the company weathered economic headwinds but got a boost from its E&P business and rail improvements meant to help boost the Arrowhead Landfill, which takes about 7,500 tons a day.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 22, 2025

Prioritizing end markets key to taming EPR tension: PPRC speakers

While some aspects of EPR programs, like ecomodulation, won’t be a priority until later, end market identification should be done up front, according to speakers at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 22, 2025

One year after acquisition, GDB details revival strategy for Minnesota film recycling plant

Since acquiring the Myplas USA plant that shuttered after only months in operation, GDB Circular says it has turned the site into a “flagship” facility.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 22, 2025

Oregon rolls out drop-off recycling sites as part of EPR program

The state's new drop-off depots are meant to collect harder-to-recycle items not accepted in curbside bins. By 2027, the state aims to open more than 140 such sites. 

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 21, 2025

China’s new pulp import restrictions create ‘black swan event’ for OCC

The announced restrictions on dry-milled recycled pulp imports could set the table for a full ban on the material. While OCC prices dropped, many industry participants are in wait-and-see mode, sources say.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 20, 2025

CPGs and suppliers discuss the ‘magic’ of melding packaging design with policy

Sustainable packaging innovation is a balancing act between regulation and eye-catching design, said speakers during The Future of Food & Packaging Innovation virtual event hosted by Food Dive and Packaging Dive.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 17, 2025

UBQ Materials partners with Virginia waste authority to supply carts made from MSW

The new carts, manufactured by Cascade Engineering, are made of a plastic alternative from solid waste. UBQ aims to expand partnerships and production the U.S., with plans to build two new facilities in the next few years.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 16, 2025

EPR anxiety: CPGs and regulators prepare for generational policy shift

Costs, policy divergence and relationships were a big focus at recent events hosted by GreenBlue and the Northeast Recycling Council. CalRecycle, Oregon DEQ, Circular Action Alliance and others weighed in on what’s next.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 15, 2025

Recyclers call for Ontario’s finalized EPR regulations to move up enforcement deadline

The province’s finalized Blue Box regulations set phased-in recycling rates for plastics but delay enforcement on other standards until 2028, a move that drew criticism from some in the industry, including GFL Environmental and APR.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 15, 2025

California governor signs organics, glass recycling market bills into law

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills meant to expand composting options for certain growers, extend recycled glass market incentives for beverage bottle production and clarify the role of RNG in state diversion goals.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Oct. 14, 2025

Waste Pro reports $170M in M&A for 2025, ‘record year’ for municipal contracts

The Florida-based company logged 24 acquisitions and focused on growing its disposal and processing capabilities. It also noted significant municipal contracts worth $520 million in major Florida counties.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 9, 2025

Apex, WM and others upgrade MRFs, spurred by EPR

Recyclers have invested millions this fall on projects in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Glacier, Waste Connections and BLT Enterprises are other companies with recent upgrades.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 8, 2025

New York’s commercial waste program expands with Bronx launch

Carters earned $16.5 million during the first six months of a pilot zone in Queens. Meanwhile, the industry is pushing back on a proposal to exempt medical waste generators and the city announced 2026 zone launch timing.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 8, 2025

California EPR stakeholders keep pushing through regulatory gray area

A turbulent year of rulemaking has discouraged some on the SB 54 advisory board. Circular Action Alliance says companies should engage now to be ready for a quick turnaround.

By Marissa Heffernan • Oct. 7, 2025

‘Innovative’ recyclers will weather economic challenges: National Recycling Congress

Tariffs and other headwinds in labor and commodity markets are hitting recyclers hard, but some global manufacturing and domestic recycling infrastructure trends offer a silver lining, said ReMA Chief Economist Emily Sanchez.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 6, 2025

8.5M tons of packaging entered California landfills in 2024: CalRecycle study

The study is mandated by the state’s SB 54 EPR for packaging regulations. It sheds light on how covered materials might be diverted from landfills after the program starts in 2027.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 3, 2025

Casella sustainability update highlights recycling, safety improvements

The progress report, a supplement to the biennial sustainability report, notes the company is behind on its GHG emissions goals but is increasing waste diversion and expanding safety programs.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 2, 2025

American Battery, Call2Recycle, partner on lithium-ion battery collection program

ABTC says the partnership offers more sources of lithium-ion batteries to recycle, namely through Call2Recycle’s consumer-facing collection service, and can help strengthen domestic supply chains for critical materials.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 1, 2025

APR launching its 1st total-package recyclability assessment tool

Citing demand from members and EPR-related needs, the Association of Plastic Recyclers’ tool will test packages against the most up-to-date versions of the longstanding Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 1, 2025

2026 waste and recycling industry conferences

Mark your calendars for conferences in 2026 that will cover key topics such as recycling, waste management, compost, biogas and more. 

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Oct. 10, 2025

Vape waste pilot in Missouri aims to shed light on long-term disposal solutions

Data will be used to craft suggestions for permanent vape waste programs, such as statewide collection sites or an EPR program, said the Product Stewardship Institute and the Missouri Solid Waste Management District O.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 30, 2025

California recyclers look for new PET solutions in wake of rPlanet closure

Some recyclers are calling for more direct help from California state lawmakers and agencies, while others say they're choosing between holding onto the material or selling for little profit in the Eastern U.S. or elsewhere.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 29, 2025

Chemical recycler Resynergi announces plans to leave California

The company faced opposition from local residents. The company is moving to an unnamed industrial location it says offers more streamlined permitting, tax incentives and space to expand. 

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 26, 2025