California legislators pass key bills affecting haulers and recyclers

A bill that could change hauler franchise agreements, plus bills to manage medium-format batteries, vape waste, food donations and landfill temperature events, are nearing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. 

By Megan Quinn • Updated Sept. 2, 2026

Oregon EPR law doesn’t violate Constitution, judge rules

The federal judge disagreed with plaintiff National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors’ claims, saying Oregon showed “innovative leadership” with its EPR law. The decision could influence other in-progress litigation over EPR laws.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Aug. 28, 2026

Messy packaging EPR process provides opportunities for brands, recyclers

Moving forward with EPR implementation is a complex process, but one that offers new ways to build better systems for long-term recycling improvements, speakers said during a Be Waste Wise panel on Wednesday.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 27, 2026

TPS terminations prompt hiring, training changes for waste industry

Waste Pro said at least 33 of its workers were affected by TPS changes after a Supreme Court ruling in June. The waste industry has also been impacted by a CDL rule change affecting some immigrants.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 21, 2026

California EPR lawsuit escalates as forthcoming Oregon ruling looms

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors and 17 AGs are seeking to block SB 54 enforcement. Their complaint also now accounts for tie-ins with recyclability law SB 343, for which enforcement is temporarily blocked.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 21, 2026

Toast among first companies sued under Colorado’s electronics repair law

Acme Revival, which connects customers with electronics repair technicians, also sued Owl Labs and Blackmagic Design, saying the companies refused to provide parts and schematics required by law.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 20, 2026

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 Aug. 19, 2026

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