Recycling

  • The state capitol in Augusta, Maine
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Maine’s packaging EPR implementation lags

    The Maine Department of Environmental Protection still expects producers will owe money this year. But the process of contracting with a stewardship organization has repeatedly been pushed back.

    By • May 11, 2026
  • Stacks of upside down paper cups with integrated brown holders.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    20% of US residents can now recycle paper cups, FPI says

    Paper cup recycling access has nearly quadrupled during the last decade, according to FPI. But more work is needed, including on end markets as some mills that accepted the material have recently left the pool.

    By • May 11, 2026
  • Plastic waste is carried out on conveyor belts in a modern industrial recycling plant. The interior is a maze of green and yellow metal structures, including stairs, bins and rooms. Explore the Trendline➔
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alamy
    Image attribution tooltip
    Trendline

    Navigating Modern MRF Operations

    Recycling facility operators are increasingly investing in new technology to keep up with evolving regulations and customer demands.

    By Waste Dive staff
  • A worker sorts paper at a MRF
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Recology
    Image attribution tooltip

    CAA seeks to standardize responsible end market requirements

    CAA seeks public comments on a proposed REM standard meant to be cohesive across packaging EPR states. It ensures materials are handled in an environmentally sound way.

    By • May 8, 2026
  • A truck dumps bales of plastic at a construction site.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Light House
    Image attribution tooltip

    Could construction sites be the next source for recycled plastic?

    Canadian researchers with Light House found that 77% of plastic collected at construction sites was recyclable. It recommends parallel investments in end markets and recycling infrastructure.

    By • May 7, 2026
  • Metal sign that says Environmental Protection Agency on stone wall of building.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    EPA promotes chemical recycling amid polarizing public comment period

    Stakeholders are split on an EPA proposal to remove pyrolysis from an air emissions rule, a move that will have direct implications for the chemical recycling industry.

    By • May 6, 2026
  • Tennessee state Sen Heidi Campbell speaks on stage
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by GreenBlue
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 predictions as US packaging EPR progresses

    The last 18 months “feels sort of like 18 years,” said Circular Action Alliance’s CEO. Political, PRO and packaging leaders discussed where EPR is headed, including implications for data and design and how to measure success.

    By • May 6, 2026
  • California state flag and state capitol building in Sacramento
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    At long last, California publishes SB 54 EPR rules

    The milestone gives way to next compliance steps for the sweeping extended producer responsibility and source reduction law. Circular Action Alliance also published estimated fees for obligated producers.

    By • May 4, 2026
  • Casella collection truck
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Casella Waste Systems
    Image attribution tooltip

    Casella updates outlook amid positive pricing and acquisitions in Q1

    During an earnings call on Friday, executives offered updates on the Star Waste deal, tech upgrades and landfill permitting progress.

    By • May 1, 2026
  • Waste Connections truck in Brooklyn, NY
    Image attribution tooltip
    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Q1 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2026

    Catch up with the latest results from Republic Services, Casella, Waste Connections, WM and GFL Environmental.

    By Waste Dive Staff • Updated May 8, 2026
  • View of an alley in Providence, Rhode Island, with dumpsters
    Image attribution tooltip
    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Providence, Rhode Island, updates recycling, organics with $3.6M in grants

    A combination of EPA and USDA funding has resulted in numerous changes throughout the city, including free commercial recycling service, residential recycling carts, and organics collection and processing infrastructure.

    By • April 29, 2026
  • A close up of the WM - Waste Management logo
    Image attribution tooltip
    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    WM’s mixed Q1 led by strong core business trends, health care improvements

    Company executives noted operational improvements in the healthcare sector and advancements in sustainability infrastructure, but lower overall volumes due to severe winter weather. 

    By • April 29, 2026
  • A box of e-waste including an old keyboard and cords
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    The US wants to shore up critical mineral supplies. A new tool aims to measure it.

    With few options to assess how critical minerals are diverted from disposal, e-Stewards and Bloom ESG aim to offer granular data.

    By • April 28, 2026
  • Aerial view of an industrial facility with a smokestack on the bank of a river.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Arcwood Environmental
    Image attribution tooltip

    Arcwood Environmental eyes 2030 target in sustainability report

    The company said it plans to “responsibly manage” 50% more waste by 2030 versus a 2024 baseline. The company also reported rising carbon intensity but noted investment in sustainability projects.

    By • April 23, 2026
  • Waste Connections truck in Brooklyn, NY
    Image attribution tooltip
    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Waste Connections notes positive Q1 despite rising fuel prices

    The company insulated itself somewhat from higher fuel costs through hedging and surcharges. It is also seeing benefits from AI-related cost savings, recovering recycled commodities prices and RNG activity.

    By • April 23, 2026
  • A view of the Houston skyline shows a park and buildings
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Houston expands multifamily recycling pilot

    About half of Houston residents live in apartments, but most lack recycling access. A pilot supported by The Recycling Partnership and Alliance to End Plastic Waste aims to change that.

    By • April 22, 2026
  • Plastic Coca-Cola bottles lined up inside a refrigerated case
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Navigating PCR procurement? A new tool could help.

    Given recent shifts in recycling markets, the Northeast Recycling Council hopes the PCR Material Demand Hub will help organizations with purchasing, explained Executive Director Megan Schulz-Fontes.

    By Marissa Heffernan • April 21, 2026
  • recycled plastic
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Colorado mass balance debate underscores industry faultlines

    The American Chemistry Council withdrew a lawsuit, but the larger question on recycled content verification remains.

    By Marissa Heffernan • April 17, 2026
  • Massachusetts State House dome behind container of waste
    Image attribution tooltip
    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Massachusetts Senate passes bill with numerous waste, packaging impacts

    A broader $3.6 billion bond bill includes paint EPR, but no policy for batteries as the waste industry hoped. Meanwhile, it also seeks to limit plastic bags, provides funding for state waste projects and targets a select transfer station.

    By • April 16, 2026
  • Recycling Partnership CEO Keefe Harrison stands behind a podium on a small stage in front of a crowd of seated people
    Image attribution tooltip
    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Keefe Harrison stepping down as CEO of The Recycling Partnership

    This summer, Harrison will leave the organization she founded 12 years ago. TRP will conduct a search for its next CEO.

    By , • April 15, 2026
  • A worker separates out recycling at a machine
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of TerraCycle
    Image attribution tooltip

    TerraCycle launches $75M funding round to fuel expansions

    The company, known for managing niche waste streams like cigarette butts and cosmetics, has its eye on future M&A and a possible plan to go public.

    By • April 15, 2026
  • a worker disassembles a mattress in a warehouse filled with mattresses
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Mattress Recycling Council
    Image attribution tooltip

    Virginia Gov. Spanberger vetoes mattress recycling bill

    Spanberger criticized the proposed recycling fee consumers would pay when buying a new mattress, saying it would make the products more expensive.

    By • April 14, 2026
  • Close up of dentist hands in white sterile gloves holding dental tools for surgical use packed in a protective foil at dental office
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Next step in recycling more healthcare plastics: Better labeling

    Leaders of a Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council project in 2026 want to empower hospitals to divert more material through clearer, more standardized labeling of packaging flowing through healthcare settings.

    By • April 13, 2026
  • a close-up of recycled consumer batteries
    Image attribution tooltip
    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Wisconsin, Kentucky governors latest to approve battery EPR laws

    Both plans cover certain medium-format and rechargeable batteries, including some lithium-ion types, but Kentucky’s is unique because the program is voluntary.  

    By • April 13, 2026
  • Workers hold large scissors to cut a ribbon inside a recycling facility. Bales of recycled plastics can be seen in the background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Republic Services
    Image attribution tooltip

    MRF upgrades from Republic, WM and Athens target efficiency in fast-growing regions

    As state and local diversion laws get stricter, companies continue centering building plans on newer, faster automation meant to help process larger volumes and get cleaner end products.

    By • April 10, 2026
  • Bales of crushed plastic bottles, most of them green in hue.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Q&A

    NH Recycles looks to continue recycling work with fresh leadership

    NH Recycles, the oldest organization of its kind, is designed for the long game, said Reagan Bissonnette, the outgoing executive director, and Andrea Folsom, who will take on the role in May.

    By • April 9, 2026