Recycling: Page 3

  • A pile of plastic bottles.
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    Toxic substances in PET bottles scrutinized by researchers

    Virgin and rPET bottles in Michigan and California leached additives and hazardous chemicals, per a study funded by the Alliance for Mission-Based Recycling. It’s the latest research to raise questions about plastic packaging.

    By April Reese • Jan. 6, 2026
  • The exterior of Alterra's liquefaction plant in Akron, Ohio.
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    Courtesy of Alterra
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    Federal bill aims to reclassify chemical recycling as a manufacturing process

    Supporters say the Recycling Technology Innovation Act, backed by ACC, would streamline permitting and strengthen domestic supply chains for recycled plastic. But critics say reclassification could erode Clean Air Act protections.

    By • Jan. 6, 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➔
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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 close-up of an employee using tools to repair a cell phone in a warehouse.
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    Courtesy of ERI
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    Where new 2026 recycling and waste laws are taking effect

    Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Vermont and Washington have new laws, including electronics and battery EPR and right-to-repair policies.

    By • Jan. 5, 2026
  • Side view of blue DTG Recycle trucl
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    Retrieved from DTG Recycle on May 16, 2024
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    Macquarie-backed DTG for sale as C&D recycler navigates a complex year

    The Washington-based company’s CEO recently departed. Meanwhile, DTG is navigating complex facility permitting in Yakima but may avoid a fine for an investigation led by the state’s Utilities and Transportation Commission.

    By • Dec. 23, 2025
  • A bright green GFL (Green For Life) garbage truck is driving down a city street, passing a crosswalk. The truck has the GFL logo with a leaf design and website URL “www.gflenv.com” on the side. Office buildings and pedestrians are visible in the background.
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    Alamy
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    2025’s notable waste and recycling acquisitions

    The year saw notable deal announcements involving GFL Environmental, Veolia, Enviri, WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, Casella Waste Systems, FCC Environmental Services, LRS and more.

    By • Dec. 23, 2025
  • Rear view of a waste collection vehicle, with the word "caution," next to empty collection carts.
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    By the numbers: What impacted waste and recycling in 2025

    Take a look back at the year's notable data points on policy, regulation, labor, recycling trends and more.

    By , , • Dec. 23, 2025
  • Entrance to a neoclassical building facade that reads "Environmental Protection Agency. "
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    Alamy
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    How the EPA affected waste and recycling in 2025

    The agency under the Trump administration signaled changes to how it regulates PFAS and greenhouse gas emissions and appointed key new leadership.

    By Waste Dive Staff • Dec. 22, 2025
  • An aerial photo of a recycling facility surrounded by plains and trees.
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    Courtesy of 2025 WM Intellectual Property Holdings, L.L.C.
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    Waste operators seize opportunities as Ontario updates packaging EPR in 2026

    Companies like GFL Environmental and WM have made major investments in Ontario’s new EPR for packaging model, but the province may contend with transition growing pains after it starts on Jan. 1.

    By • Dec. 22, 2025
  • Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, speaks at a press conference, alongside members of the Second Amendment Caucus, outside the U.S. Capitol Building on March 8, 2022 in Washington, D.C.
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    Pack Act introduced in Congress to cut through labeling confusion

    The bill, championed by Ameripen, would preempt state laws and call on the FTC to require certain parameters such as third-party certifications for recyclable, compostable and reusable claims on consumer products.

    By • Dec. 18, 2025
  • A closeup of beverage cans and bottles for recycling
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    The evolving role of statewide recycling needs assessments

    These reports are a common tool for driving EPR for packaging programs. But who should lead the process and decide the data strategy and timeline?

    By • Dec. 17, 2025
  • A recycling bin on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
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    Megan Quinn/Waste Dive
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    US EPA announces recipients of $58M in recycling infrastructure grants

    The second round of Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants, or SWIFR, will support 17 programs meant to avoid illegal dumping, build reuse centers, establish commercial recycling programs and more.

    By • Dec. 16, 2025
  • Three blue, green and gray waste carts out on a street in Fort Collins, Colorado, on pickup day for household trash, backyard trimmings and recyclable materials.
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    Getty Images
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    Help wanted: State agencies and producers staff up to implement packaging EPR

    Headcount varies widely across the seven states implementing extended producer responsibility programs, with some facing budget limitations. California, Colorado, Minnesota and Washington share their latest plans.

    By Marissa Heffernan • Dec. 16, 2025
  • four blue recycling carts stand next to each other
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    Virginia to update state solid waste plan for first time in 46 years

    The draft plan aims to modernize the state’s waste strategy with an emphasis on better data collection, diversion and economic growth efforts. That might include pursuing an EPR for packaging law.

    By • Dec. 15, 2025
  • blue plastic bottles crushed together
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    Getty Images
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    4 insights on the state of PET recycling and rPET in packaging

    Thermoforms have a bigger role, and multiple changes are afoot in the rPET landscape — tempering recycled content growth in bottles, explained Lauren Laibach, director of data services at NAPCOR.

    By • Dec. 11, 2025
  • Massachusetts State House dome behind container of waste
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    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
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    Massachusetts commission endorses some EPR plans, punts on packaging

    A legislative commission, convened by MassDEP, endorsed the idea of a needs assessment for packaging. The group also endorsed EPR for paint, mattresses, batteries and electronics.

    By • Dec. 11, 2025
  • A close up image of recycled material moving along a belt
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    Courtesy of Amp
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    What’s next with Amp’s MSW contract in Southern Virginia

    Southeastern Public Service Authority and Amp signed an agreement to process the region’s MSW, recycling and organics. The deal includes a pledge to divert 50% of materials from the nearby landfill.

    By • Dec. 10, 2025
  • An extreme closeup of a piece of fiber packaging with "100% compostable" stamped into the material.
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    Success for composting and EPR programs go hand in hand: report

    Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium laid out a composter reimbursement framework that PROs could build on. Incentives correlate to greater acceptance of compostable packaging.

    By • Dec. 10, 2025
  • plastic goes down a conveyor belt at a MRF
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Commodity values further decline for Northeastern MRFs

    Blended commodity prices fell about 22% in Q3, according to a new report from the Northeast Recycling Council. Waste companies reported similar trends in the quarter amid infrastructure investments.

    By • Dec. 9, 2025
  • Rare earth ore held in partially closed hand
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    Getty Images
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    US Energy Department offers $134M to boost rare earth recovery projects

    The agency plans to fund efforts to draw rare earth metals from discarded electronics and other sources to strengthen the domestic critical mineral supply chain.

    By Antone Gonsalves • Dec. 8, 2025
  • Stacked layers of corrugated cardboard presented in a close-up view, emphasizing the textured zigzag pattern.
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    Image by Rafal from Pixabay

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    Sponsored by Fibre Box Association

    Material recovery considerations: Corrugated containers and reusable plastic systems

    New LCA reveals environmental trade-offs between corrugated recycling and closed-loop RPC systems

    By Fibre Box Association • Dec. 8, 2025
  • People unload paint containers from the trunk of an SUV onto a wheeled cart.
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    Courtesy of PaintCare
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    Illinois launches paint stewardship program

    Now the 11th state with a PaintCare program, Illinois expects to collect about 1 million gallons in its first year. Maryland will launch its program next year, while other state legislatures plan to introduce similar bills.

    By • Dec. 5, 2025
  • An illustration of the exterior of a MRF building
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    Courtesy of Circular Materials
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    Nova Scotia rolls out EPR for packaging program

    The province’s new program took effect Dec. 1. Waste company REgroup will open a new Halifax-area MRF in 2027 to sort what’s expected to be higher volumes of materials from the program.

    By • Dec. 3, 2025
  • An Amcor sign on a building
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    Courtesy of Amcor
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    Amcor eyes ‘dual end of life’ optionality for innovation investments

    The company’s long-term R&D strategy includes seeking solutions that work in a future with recycling or composting infrastructure, explained Rebecca Meile, manager of corporate venturing and open innovation.

    By • Dec. 1, 2025
  • Exterior of a large marble building with a gold statue on top
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    Stevens, M.O.. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
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    NAW escalates Oregon EPR lawsuit, seeking preliminary injunction

    The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is asking a court to suspend enforcement of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act ahead of a next round of producer invoicing.

    By • Nov. 26, 2025
  • Workers at Eco-Cycle MRF in Boulder, Colorado
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    Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
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    Colorado’s diversion rate could get a boost in 2026 from EPR, other new laws

    Colorado municipalities took the lead on improving the state’s recycling and organics diversion rates in 2024, according to a state report. Still, more “top-down” solutions stemming from EPR implementation could help.

    By • Nov. 26, 2025