Cartons are ready for their close-up in MRF image library project

The Carton Council has developed an open-source photo library of carton photos as they appear in MRF environments. They aim to grow the collection to help operators train AI on accurate identification.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 26, 2026

Moving past ‘hard to recycle’ hurdles takes accountability, creativity

Speakers at the virtual National Zero Waste Conference said solutions for hard-to-recycle materials like batteries or textiles are possible with transparent systems and processes.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 23, 2026

MRF upgrades for Republic, Circular Services harness AI and tech

Automation is key for recycling projects in Missouri and Florida, with Sarasota’s MRF adding Glacier tech. Meanwhile, communities weigh in on the fate of a Michigan facility, and recycling drop-offs expand in Oregon. 

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 21, 2026

Corrugated boxes maintain dominance despite shifting market dynamics: FBA

Trade, lightweighting and extended producer responsibility laws are changing certain dynamics within the U.S. corrugated box industry, according to the Fibre Box Association at Pack Expo.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 20, 2026

Updated TRUE zero waste standard makes business case for certification

The U.S. Green Building Council has updated its TRUE standard to streamline requirements and make it easier for companies to document, track and reduce waste. Sports stadiums and major brands have the certification.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 20, 2026

Bottle bill operators fight fraud through funding, accountability

Container redemption fraud happens across many North American programs, but Oregon and Alberta experts at a CRI webinar said auditing, enforcement and education interventions make a significant difference.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 19, 2026

New Jersey advances vape EPR bill

The Senate bill calls for creating a producer-run organization that would establish convenient collection options for vapes. It also has a unique ecomodulation feature charging lower fees for reusable vapes.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 14, 2026

CAA shares revised California EPR program plan, announces CEO change

Circular Action Alliance submitted the plan — with lower budget projections — to CalRecycle on Tuesday. It also announced an upcoming CEO change.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 14, 2026

Pro Disposal receives ‘multimillion dollar’ MRF loan from Closed Loop

The hauler and MRF operator used the funding for optical sorting equipment at its new 20-ton-per-hour MRF in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. The company said it once relied on hand sorting for some materials. 

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 13, 2026

Fight over DC’s proposed bottle bill heats up as council considers action

Proponents, including numerous D.C. council members and an environmental coalition, say the program would reduce pollution. But the National Waste & Recycling Association and American Beverage oppose the bottle bill.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 12, 2026

Minnesota drafts EPR needs assessment, ‘responsible’ end market rule

Eunomia recommends the state use an upcoming national end market standard from the Circular Action Alliance. The state is accepting comments on its plan through Nov. 13.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 8, 2026

MRF upgrades leverage tech in North Carolina, California and Colorado

Upgrades to a Circular Services-operated MRF are complete, and AI improvements for California Waste Solutions are also helping detect illegal dumping. A major MRF project in Colorado is set to open in December.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Oct. 9, 2026

Chasing clarity: SB 343 uncertainty influencing labeling, packaging choices

The law’s go-live date is here, five years after California adopted this first-in-the-nation truth in labeling policy for recyclable packaging. But the situation is muddied by an ongoing court case.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 6, 2026

2027 recycling and waste management conferences

Start planning for next year’s notable conferences, which cover recycling, waste management, biogas, policy and more.

By Waste Dive Staff • Oct. 6, 2026

Landfill tonnages are increasing even as facilities close, EREF finds

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation tallied open U.S. landfills for a report last month. It also previewed new data on where municipal solid waste is going during a panel at RCon.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 5, 2026

Phone recycling changes could spur $2.2B in critical minerals recovery

An Ellen MacArthur Foundation report calls for better phone design, repair options, recycling infrastructure and secondary processing locations, but opportunities are uneven.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 30, 2026

Federal EPR could cut waste management costs in half: WWF

Producer compliance costs could be roughly halved by following one framework instead of individual states’ EPR laws, according to an economic analysis from World Wildlife Fund and SC Johnson.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 30, 2026

EFS, Merlin, GreenWaste, Valemi get flex film recycling contracts

The US Flexible Film Initiative says it has moved more than 3 million pounds of flexible plastic packaging from California collection programs to reclaimers in the U.S. and Canada for processing.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 29, 2026

Newsom signs law banning single-use vapes that pose fire risk

Waste and recycling groups support the ban to help curb vape-related facility fires caused by the devices’ batteries. Newsom also signed another vape-related bill meant to look into better disposal methods.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 29, 2026

Newsom vetoes recycled content claims bill, blaming ‘economic headwinds’

In another win for industry groups, the California governor said he didn’t want to “unduly burden manufacturers and suppliers” already affected by recent trade policy changes.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 28, 2026

Kanopy integrates recycling monitoring and AI tools under new parent company

Recycle Coach and Re-Trac will become brands of Kanopy to streamline information and data services. It will launch a new waste information app, Curb Coach. Prairie Robotics will become a strategic partner.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 25, 2026

Greyparrot, Circular Services, pilot AI technology at New York MRF

Greyparrot says 89% of aluminum at Circular Services’ Sunset Park MRF is recoverable. The two companies plan to collaborate on projects at the site this fall. 

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 23, 2026

Potential increase of AI-driven e-scrap higher than previously estimated

A Basel Action Network report sought to include the entire universe of electronics used in AI applications, including servers and power supplies. Data sovereignty laws and upgrades could also increase tons generated. 

By Marissa Heffernan • Sept. 23, 2026

Circular Services acquisition bets on integrating reuse with recycling

The Closed Loop Partners offshoot acquired Re:Dish. The long-term vision is that “we are offering reuse services everywhere that we provide recycling or food waste services today,” said Circular Services’ Jessica Long.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 23, 2026

California governor signs battery recycling, landfill temperature laws

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest moves update the state’s battery EPR law, as well as aspects of its bottle bill program. He also gave CalRecycle more authority following a high-profile issue at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 22, 2026