US Plastics Pact urged to remove 2 polystyrene items from ‘problematic’ list

The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance calls for the changes based on its newly released end market survey that shows the items are recyclable. USPP told Packaging Dive it’s reviewing this new information.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 22, 2026

Maryland battery commission to continue work on fire safety efforts

The commission will renew its research later this year after meeting a short deadline for its first report. It advocates for battery EPR and will also research recycling regulations, insurance complications and transportation safety. 

By Megan Quinn • May 22, 2026

Explore the 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

Oregon updates responsible end markets verification process

Among the agreed-upon updates to the EPR program plan are a benchmarking process for third-party certifications and PRO verifications, certain adjustments to performance criteria and a variance for glass furnaces.

By Maria Rachal • May 22, 2026

WM Canada, Ecomaine, Lautenbach and Tomra investing in recycling facilities

Notable investments include a $36 million project by Maine’s largest MRF operator, as well as the official opening of Circular Services’ $61 million MRF in Frisco, Texas.

By Megan Quinn • May 20, 2026

Kenvue tracks packaging through recycling stream with Greyparrot’s AI

The collaboration spotlights use cases for AI in packaging, such as pinpointing the optimal hue for shampoo bottles to ensure recyclability. Identifying design changes gains importance as the packaging regulation landscape widens.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 20, 2026

Polystyrene recycling group cites medical, transport packaging as key end markets

The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance is also working on a PS recycling initiative with the Mexican Plastics Pact and on an EPS collection project in Tennessee, both meant to boost recycling end market uses for PS.

By Megan Quinn • Updated May 20, 2026

More litigation expected over California recycling regulations

Packaging EPR law SB 54 could spark lawsuits from environmental groups and businesses alike. Meanwhile, certain industry groups are seeking a preliminary injunction with recyclability labeling law SB 343.

By Maria Rachal • May 13, 2026

WM names sustainability officer Hemmer as next COO

Tara Hemmer will continue to oversee recycling and renewable energy initiatives. Previous COO John Morris will remain president and assume responsibility for WM’s healthcare solutions business due to another departure.

By Megan Quinn • May 13, 2026

EPA pitches Congress on best practices for recycling batteries

A report to lawmakers highlights how waste companies, municipalities and states are diverting batteries from disposal. It’s part of a larger agency initiative to study battery recycling in effort to raise recycling rates and reduce fires.

By Megan Quinn • May 13, 2026

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 Katie Pyzyk • May 11, 2026

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 Maria Rachal • May 11, 2026

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 Megan Quinn • May 8, 2026

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 Megan Quinn • May 7, 2026

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 Megan Quinn • May 6, 2026

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 Maria Rachal • May 6, 2026

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 Maria Rachal • May 4, 2026

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 Megan Quinn • May 1, 2026

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 12, 2026

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 Cole Rosengren • April 29, 2026

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 Megan Quinn • April 29, 2026

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 Megan Quinn • April 28, 2026

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 Jacob Wallace • April 23, 2026

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 Megan Quinn • April 23, 2026

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 Megan Quinn • April 22, 2026

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