Texas law showed electronics repair is bipartisan. What’s next?

Some manufacturers and tech companies such as Google are starting to shift their thinking on right-to-repair laws for consumer electronics, farm equipment and other categories as the policy passes in more states.

By Marissa Heffernan • Aug. 22, 2025

Lawmakers, recyclers call for SB 54 regulations that reflect intent of EPR law

CalRecycle is expected to open the 45-day public comment period on SB 54 rulemaking soon. Stakeholders say some draft revisions undermine the law's ability to hold producers responsible for litter.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 20, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

The Rise of Recycling AI

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common at MRFs, in collection trucks and even as a tool for consumer education at the point of generation.

By Waste Dive staff

Blue Polymers takes over food-grade rPET pellet production in California

“Whereas we sell flake to folks that create pellets, now we can sell pellets to folks that create packaging,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services, a partner in the Blue Polymers venture.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 20, 2025

Waste and recycling groups ‘disappointed’ by lack of plastics treaty

Recycling groups will monitor the next round of talks for clues on infrastructure and end market impacts. Plastics groups will push recycling over environmentalists’ calls for plastic production caps.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 19, 2025

Driven by EPR, brands to offer film and flexibles funding to California recyclers

General Mills, Mars, PepsiCo and other brands are investing in film and flexible packaging recycling in the state as California implements stricter recycling regulations for the materials under its EPR law. 

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 18, 2025

Lithium-ion battery recyclers see challenges, opportunities under Trump

While the administration has moved to strip electric vehicle incentives and cancel some grants, it remains focused on lithium’s value as a critical mineral for manufacturers.

By April Reese • Aug. 18, 2025

EREF report calls for more data, better reporting on EPR metrics

As more states and countries adopt EPR programs, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation says data is difficult to evaluate — but it doesn’t cast doubt on the effectiveness of EPR as a whole.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 15, 2025

Exports pulled down 2024 paper recycling rate: AF&PA

Decreased fiber exports, especially to Asia, affected both paper and OCC recycling rates in the U.S., according to the American Forest & Paper Association. But domestic mills increased their fiber consumption.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 13, 2025

Prairie Robotics expands its AI truck tech to more North American cities

Its recent partnership with Tacoma, Washington, was funded by a $1.8 million U.S. EPA recycling education grant. The company aims to expand its on-truck contamination detection services.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 13, 2025

Battery recycling facilities and programs ramp up in U.S. and Canada

Princeton NuEnergy’s black mass facility has opened, while Washington seeks comments on its battery EPR rulemaking and two Canadian programs join forces on battery recycling education.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 12, 2025

GreenWaste’s new CEO eyes M&A, California facility expansion for growth

GreenWaste appointed former COO Clete Elms to permanently serve as CEO of the private equity-backed company. He brings experience leading Australian waste firms and a focus on sustainability.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 11, 2025

Glencore completes takeover of Li-Cycle battery recycling assets

Li-Cycle filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and was down to a skeleton staff in North America. European commodities firm Glencore submitted a bid of approximately $40 million to acquire the assets.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 8, 2025

Connecticut’s beverage container redemption rate rose 21% in 2024

The Container Recycling Institute says improvements like a 10-cent deposit, more return locations and a broader range of accepted containers boosted redemption rates. Meanwhile, some other bottle bill states saw declines of 1% to 3%.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 8, 2025

On-site sortation and valet services aim to fix multifamily waste contamination

Service providers such as Ally Waste, WasteXperts and Trash Logic are seizing opportunities as San Francisco and other cities focus on reducing contamination rates in their recycling and organics streams.

By Mary Catherine O’Connor • Aug. 6, 2025

After Oregon packaging EPR law launches, wholesaler lawsuit follows

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors filed a complaint last week. The trade group is “reviewing all of the various proposals to implement EPR programs wherever they are being discussed,” a spokesperson said.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 4, 2025

Casella raises revenue guidance, previews West Virginia growth plans

Executives noted stable performance in the Northeast and anticipated annualized revenues from acquisitions, but pointed out headwinds from labor costs and truck delays in the mid-Atlantic. 

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 1, 2025

ERI CEO’s growth plan balances politics, sustainability

John Shegerian aims to set his company apart from other electronics recyclers with sustainability efforts, personalized partnerships with OEMs and a balance of domestic and international projects on the way.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 1, 2025

What does ReMa’s new paper cup specification mean for packaging companies?

The addition is expected to boost acceptance in recycling streams and at mills. It comes as Graphic Packaging International preps a new recycled paperboard mill to accept 15 million cups per day as feedstock.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 31, 2025

GFL down to 2 bidders for sale of stake in infrastructure business, boosts guidance

CEO Patrick Dovigi confirmed that the company is rapidly nearing a deal to sell a stake in its privately held Green Infrastructure Partners business. GFL posted growth that beat expectations in the second quarter.

By Jacob Wallace • July 31, 2025

Q2 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2025

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella, Enviri and Clean Harbors.

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Aug. 5, 2025

Cities and facility operators turn to AI for recycling education revamp

Artificial intelligence, already common in MRFs, could have potential upstream. Los Angeles is seeing early success with an organics recycling chatbot and Oscar Sort is scaling its customer base for AI-enabled bin cameras.

By Leslie Nemo • July 30, 2025

Republic expects Teamsters strike to cost at least $25M amid steady quarter

Executives detailed the impact from headwinds like lower commodity prices, continued softness in manufacturing and the ongoing labor disputes it faces in several markets. 

By Jacob Wallace • July 30, 2025

What recycling and packaging groups are looking for in global plastic treaty talks

At a SWANA roundtable, speakers from WM, SC Johnson and the U.S. Chamber underscored how treaty negotiations will impact recycling supply chains and future business opportunities.

By Megan Quinn • July 30, 2025

WM decreases 2025 revenue guidance but logs strong quarter

The company reported revenue gains for the quarter, fueled largely by internal growth in the collection and disposal business and the ongoing integration of Stericycle. Commodity prices weighed on the outlook.

By Jacob Wallace • July 29, 2025

Coastal Waste pilots AI-powered robot to stop facility and fleet fires

The AI-powered robot, a custom build from neighboring Florida technology company Guident, could help prevent battery fires. It also performs other safety checks so employees can spend more time with customers.

By Megan Quinn • July 28, 2025