Recycling: Page 2

  • An outside photo of the California State Capitol.
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    The image by Jim Bowen is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    California advances compostables, recycled content labeling bills

    The legislation divided major recyclers, organics recyclers and trade groups over mass balance accounting, plastics in compost and more.

    By • May 29, 2026
  • a close-up of film plastic and plastic bags
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    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
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    California EPR deadlines spur urgent flexible film recycling solutions

    Film recycling systems need rapid upgrades to meet California's strict recycling rules under SB 54. Speakers on a recent NERC webinar noted new pilot programs and funding initiatives to help.

    By • May 29, 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 Trendlineâž”
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    Alamy
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    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 person wearing gloves installing a device into an electric vehicle battery.
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    Courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.
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    Colorado governor signs EV battery EPR bill

    It will be the first EV EPR law in the country to set specific recovery rates for nickel, cobalt and lithium. It received bipartisan support from lawmakers and recyclers.

    By • Updated June 5, 2026
  • Two women pose near bales of recycled paper
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    Courtesy of Emterra
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    Q&A

    Emterra is still growing its own way after 50 years

    The Canadian company has expanded from a one-woman paper recycling operation to a business with five divisions, 19 MRFs and its own producer responsibility organization. CSO Paulina Leung talks future growth.

    By • May 27, 2026
  • People in protective gear manage household chemicals dropped for disposal and recycling
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    The image by Montgomery County Planning Commission is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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    Vermont takes the lead on first household hazardous waste EPR plan in US

    The Agency of Natural Resources is running the program with a 10% surcharge after no producer group stepped up. Regulators hope this can alleviate high collection costs for an especially toxic waste stream.

    By Marissa Heffernan • May 27, 2026
  • Two hands place two purple plastic reusable cups toward a receptacle that says "Thanks for dropping your reusable cup here."
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    Permission granted by Kellyann Petry/Berry Global
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    California’s SB 54 kicks off a fresh look at reuse and refill collection

    Source reduction reports outlined steep costs to redesign packaging and invest in new systems. While haulers weren’t part of CalRecycle’s study, Recology and the City of Berkeley offer a preview of how they could fit in.

    By Mary Catherine O'Connor • May 26, 2026
  • A variety of packaging, including expanded polystyrene foam next to cardboard boxes.
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    Getty Images
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    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 • May 22, 2026
  • Old battery packs for mobile phones
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    Getty Images
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    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 • May 22, 2026
  • Person in hard hat and safety vest stands over fast-moving conveyor belt with recyclables in Oregon
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    Natalie Behring via Getty Images
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    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 • May 22, 2026
  • an artist rendering aerial shot of the exterior of a recycling facility
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    Courtesy of ecomaine
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    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 • May 20, 2026
  • An electronic device positioned over collected recyclable materials on a conveyor belt.
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    Permission granted by Greyparrot
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    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 • May 20, 2026
  • Styrofoam containers
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    Getty Images
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    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 • Updated May 20, 2026
  • The facade of a building with a dome.
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    Getty Images
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    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 • May 13, 2026
  • Kathleen Koch and Tara Hemmer sit on a stage with a screen describing the Washington Post speaking event behind them
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    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
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    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 • May 13, 2026
  • a close-up of recycled consumer batteries
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    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
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    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 • May 13, 2026
  • The state capitol in Augusta, Maine
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    Getty Images
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    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.
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    Getty Images
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    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
  • A worker sorts paper at a MRF
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    Courtesy of Recology
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    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.
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    Courtesy of Light House
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    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.
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    Getty Images
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    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
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    Permission granted by GreenBlue
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    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
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    Getty Images
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    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
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    Courtesy of Casella Waste Systems
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    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
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    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
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    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
  • View of an alley in Providence, Rhode Island, with dumpsters
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    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
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    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