Prescription bottle recycling a real pill for the industry

Not many pill bottles are getting recycled in the U.S. despite them being made of commonly recyclable material. A new Closed Loop Partners report calls for collaboration across the value chain to increase recycling rates.

By Megan Quinn • March 18, 2026

Paper industry joins Oregon EPR lawsuit

After the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors secured a preliminary injunction in February, the American Forest & Paper Association, plus groups representing grocers and other businesses, want in.

By Maria Rachal • March 17, 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

ReMA advances HDPE beverage carrier spec following PakTech petition

PakTech, a recycled HDPE beverage carrier manufacturer, submitted a request for ReMA to consider adding this spec as part of its work “to ensure the circularity and sustainability of our products.”

By Katie Pyzyk • March 16, 2026

Recyclers target ‘hibernating devices’ to feed urgent critical minerals demand

At Remade’s annual conference, recyclers and refiners said they’re working as fast as they can to meet demand for domestic supplies of critical materials. Closer partnerships and government support can help.

By Megan Quinn • March 13, 2026

Tennessee packaging EPR bill sidelined for 2026

The bill faced pushback from groups like Ameripen and bottlers. Vowing to return stronger next year, state Sen. Heidi Campbell said she’s proud of how the bill has put EPR awareness on the map in the Southeast.

By Maria Rachal • March 12, 2026

Montgomery County, Maryland, explores alternatives as incinerator struggles

Two of three units at the county’s Resource Recovery Facility have come offline amid serious dioxin leaks. The issues have renewed pressure on long-gestating plan for landfilling and diversion projects.

By Jacob Wallace • March 11, 2026

MRF upgrades by WM, Coastal, FCC and Circular Services aim to optimize tech

Recent facility investments in California, Florida and Texas seek to capitalize on high-tech efficiencies, adjust to market demands and prepare for new recycling regulations.

By Megan Quinn • March 11, 2026

Oregon Gov. Kotek signs battery EPR bill

The law will establish a producer responsibility program for certain batteries and products by 2029. It had backing from many of the state’s major haulers and recyclers due to fire safety concerns.

By Marissa Heffernan • Updated April 8, 2026

Landbell to launch California’s nation-leading textile EPR program by 2030

Landbell, which has experience with European programs, was selected over two other groups. It aims to launch nearly 16,000 collection bins, starting with pilots in five counties, over a multiyear period.

By Marissa Heffernan • March 6, 2026

Washington taps Circular Action Alliance as PRO for packaging EPR

The latest appointment means CAA now serves as the approved producer responsibility organization in six states. A draft program plan is due in 2028 to implement in 2030.

By Maria Rachal • March 5, 2026

With help of EPR, aerosol can groups push for recycling acceptance

A new playbook from trade groups addresses concerns about safety and consumer education. Eureka Recycling weighs in on an issue dividing MRF operators.

By Marissa Heffernan • March 4, 2026

Regulators, PROs sort through responsible end market complexities

Developing and following these rules is a new frontier for states with EPR for packaging laws. Speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference offered a snapshot of what’s at stake as recyclers prepare for regulations.

By Megan Quinn • March 2, 2026

John Busterud, head of EPA waste office, to depart in March

The OLEM assistant administrator, who cited health concerns for his exit, leaves the top role just months after his nomination was confirmed. The office leads Superfund, RCRA and other waste-related programs.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 26, 2026

Reclaimers: No quick fix to weather plastics markets storm

Speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference said they're more positive on longer-term solutions like recycled content mandates, contract changes and other supply drivers from policies like EPR.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 25, 2026

NLRB applies Browning-Ferris joint employer standard at court’s direction

Following the D.C. Circuit’s instructions, the board agreed to apply its embattled 2015 framework in one case, but said it still adheres to its stricter 2020 interpretation. The case traces back to a California MRF.

By Emilie Shumway • Feb. 25, 2026

Macquarie exits DTG Recycle with sales to founder, Waste Connections

The investment firm purchased the Washington-based C&D company in 2022. Founder Dan Guimont has returned to run the business, with select assets divested to Waste Connections.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Feb. 24, 2026

Casella gives landfill and organics facility updates after strong 2025

In his first earnings call since becoming CEO, Ned Coletta highlighted 2025 acquisitions and offered updates on landfill optimization strategies and an organics facility closure in the Northeast.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 20, 2026

Ahead of the demand curve? What’s behind the rPET slump.

A recent spate of rPET facility closures follows a slightly premature ramp-up, said one converter. But renewed investment is needed to ensure “we still have an rPET industry on this continent,” according to NAPCOR.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2026

Waste worker fatalities fell in 2024, but industry still 5th deadliest: BLS

The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed fewer fatalities for the refuse and recyclable materials collection occupation. The number of fatalities in MRFs also decreased in 2024.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 19, 2026

Chemical recycling debates influence state and legal discussions in California, New York

California's AG is appealing a judge's ruling that ExxonMobil can continue its chemical recycling defamation suit, while a New York EPR bill could get hung up over chemical recycling restrictions.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 19, 2026

Clean Harbors looks to spend record cash on M&A and internal growth

The company met its guidance for full-year 2025 and looks to act on growth levers. That includes capital investments and M&A, such as a new $130 million deal with Depot Connect International.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 18, 2026

Republic misses 2025 earnings projections but promotes underlying strength

The company fell short of guidance issued a year ago for revenue, but reported strong free cash flow and a business positioned for growth in environmental services.

By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 18, 2026

Will EPR actually increase recycling?

Skeptics sparked debate about the value of extended producer responsibility for packaging at The Packaging Conference in Austin, Texas. Perhaps the only clear thing is that a lot is still unclear about the emerging legislation.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 18, 2026

Carton recycling options expanded for about 2.5M households in 2025: Carton Council

About 63% of households now have access to some kind of carton recycling program, the Carton Council says. It attributes major expansions to Circular Services’ MRF upgrades and Oregon’s new EPR program launch.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 18, 2026

Combined policy options needed to remedy plastic waste in US, Pew report finds

The adoption of any new policies such as bottle bills, reuse systems, EPR or certain food packaging bans could reduce disposal by 10% to 20% by 2040. Such changes could influence new jobs and investments, Pew said.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 17, 2026