US Plastics Pact removes transport EPS from ‘problematic’ list

This is the first time the group has removed an item from the approximately four-year-old list. A broader review of the materials on the list is underway.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 19, 2026

Widespread errors found in EPA’s E-Manifest hazardous waste system

The agency’s inspector general found that just 0.5% of hazardous waste shipments were recorded in the tracking system electronically, many of which had errors. EPA is mulling a switch forcing an end to paper manifests.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 19, 2026

Nearly 60 members of Congress call for aluminum pricing investigation

At issue is the Midwest Premium, which reportedly incorporates the 50% aluminum tariffs on domestic manufacturers — even those that use domestically recycled aluminum. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated 8 hours ago

Judges reject waste sector challenge to EPA’s PFAS hazardous designation

The decision maintains PFOS and PFOA as hazardous substances under CERCLA. NWRA and others sued the agency in 2024, saying EPA overstepped its authority and created industry liability.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 18, 2026

California compostables bills, opposed by BPI, won’t advance

“This is a major, but short-term, accomplishment in California,” said BPI Executive Director Rhodes Yepsen. Also this summer, USDA previewed plans to potentially update organics regulations.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 18, 2026

Environmental groups push for strengthened leachate rules in New York

New York River Watch, a group formed by riverkeeper advocates, seeks to expand a proposed state rule to require landfill leachate pretreatment. They tracked the fate of half a billion gallons of leachate in a new report.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 17, 2026

Washington regulators eye hauling rule changes following DTG settlement

A Washington commission will examine how MRF residuals are handled under state regulations, a move that stems from a legal settlement with DTG. WRRA, WM, Waste Connections and others weighed in.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 17, 2026

Circular Services eyes battery detection tech for proactive fire safety

The company discussed plans to test the tech during a webinar, while speakers from NWRA and other industry groups promoted state and federal bills meant to improve fire safety and collections for batteries.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 14, 2026

Tracking Plastic Act proposes advancing recycled content standards

The bill introduced by California Democrat Adam Schiff comes as debate swirls about what counts as recycled content in plastic packaging and how it should be labeled.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 3, 2026

NAW files lawsuit challenging Colorado EPR law

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors says the law lacks oversight accountability for Circular Action Alliance. NAW seeks to block the law’s enforcement, similar to its approach in Oregon. 

By Megan Quinn • Updated July 31, 2026

Washington proposes fee to implement landfill methane program

The Department of Ecology is looking for funds to implement its landfill methane rules. Since they were finalized two years ago, landfill operators have worked to meet enhanced requirements.

By Jacob Wallace • July 23, 2026

Ontario weighs new support for WTE amid disposal capacity questions

The province is analyzing comments on a proposal to categorize the biogenic waste burned in incinerators as renewable energy, which would subsidize the facilities. Environmental groups say that’s a step in the wrong direction.

By Jacob Wallace • July 22, 2026

California blocked from enforcing upcoming ‘truth in labeling’ law

Ahead of an October start date, a federal court has granted a preliminary injunction. The Flexible Packaging Association and American Forest & Paper Association reacted to the news.

By Maria Rachal • Updated July 15, 2026

Deere settles right to repair dispute with FTC

The settlement requires Deere to provide farmers and independent repair providers the same equipment repair resources it provides its authorized dealers for the next 10 years, the FTC said.

By Jeff Kinney • July 10, 2026

By the numbers: Oregon’s 1st year of packaging EPR

Nearly 3,000 participating producers. $167.9 million in revenue collected. Almost 410,000 tons of covered products sold. These are some of Circular Action Alliance’s newly released stats from the program’s initial months.

By Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • July 8, 2026

Waste Connections to build PFAS treatment plant in North Carolina

The foam fractionation system will be located at the Anson Landfill. Waste Connections wants to be “proactive” in a region where PFAS contamination from other industries is a source of tension.

By Megan Quinn • July 7, 2026

Video: Key recycling policy updates so far in 2026

Waste Dive staff recently discussed notable EPR, battery and chemical recycling updates during a be Waste Wise webinar.

By Waste Dive Staff • July 1, 2026

17 Republican AGs suing over California packaging EPR law

Less than a month out from a trial in Oregon, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors says it’s joining this California lawsuit as the sole business plaintiff.

By Maria Rachal • Updated June 23, 2026

Amid growing vape waste woes, industry calls for multilayered solutions

Experts from the EPA, Reworld, Arcwood and state agencies at the Healthcare Waste Institute unpacked complicated regulatory and disposal hurdles, calling for more recycling policies to address end-of-life outlets.

By Megan Quinn • June 17, 2026

California packaging EPR budget expected to exceed $9B in next 5 years

Circular Action Alliance hit a key milestone Monday, submitting its draft program plan with new details on SB 54 implementation. It proposes pushing back a certain source reduction requirement following regulatory delays.

By Maria Rachal • June 16, 2026

Stericycle to pay $56M in DOJ settlement over handling of prescriptions

The DEA and DOJ say Stericycle improperly transported and stored thousands of pills between 2015 and 2020, leading to theft issues the agencies say the company failed to report.

By Megan Quinn • June 16, 2026

Why more water utilities are turning to design-build for critical infrastructure projects

Aging infrastructure. Rising pressure. Why water utilities are reconsidering project delivery.

June 15, 2026

The waste industry spent a record amount on federal lobbying last year

The nation’s top waste and recycling players are seeing more action on Capitol Hill than they have in a generation. Their lobbying disclosures reveal where they’re most eager to influence policy.

By Jacob Wallace • June 11, 2026

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 Maria Rachal • May 29, 2026

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