Massachusetts considering residential organics disposal ban by 2030

The state was one of the first to require large commercial food waste generators to divert the material. Now, it's seeking input on a plan to possibly extend the mandate to more businesses and residents.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 17, 2025

Mill partners with DC hauler to take the ‘ick’ out of curbside organics

Mill will offer its devices to customers who sign up for a collection contract with Compost Crew starting at $39 per month. The latter company, based in Maryland, will collect the organic waste and compost it at its existing facilities.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 15, 2025

USDA and FDA food recalls are on the rise. What happens to the waste?

The Food and Drug Administration recalled nearly 85 million units through the first half of the year and managing this organic waste can be complicated. Misfits Market is one company focused on upcycling safe, edible food.

By Leslie Nemo • Oct. 14, 2025

California governor signs organics, glass recycling market bills into law

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills meant to expand composting options for certain growers, extend recycled glass market incentives for beverage bottle production and clarify the role of RNG in state diversion goals.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 14, 2025

New York’s commercial waste program expands with Bronx launch

Carters earned $16.5 million during the first six months of a pilot zone in Queens. Meanwhile, the industry is pushing back on a proposal to exempt medical waste generators and the city announced 2026 zone launch timing.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 8, 2025

With multifamily pilot, Mill hopes to prove customers use its device even when it’s free

The company shared the results of a multifamily pilot it ran in California. Mill hopes to convince municipalities and corporate partners that its devices earn strong participation, even from customers who didn’t pay for their own device. 

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 7, 2025

New Mexico begins debating clean fuels program; plus RNG news from Vanguard, Ameresco ​​​​​​

Stakeholders are weighing in on how the country’s fourth state clean fuels program will be shaped. As in other states, environmental groups are hoping to nix a policy that benefits renewable natural gas produced on farms.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 6, 2025

Food waste advocates are learning a new language in the Trump era

Food waste reduction proponents like the Natural Resources Defense Council are shifting their messaging to continue winning support. In Congress, Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree said conversations are changing.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated Oct. 3, 2025

8.5M tons of packaging entered California landfills in 2024: CalRecycle study

The study is mandated by the state’s SB 54 EPR for packaging regulations. It sheds light on how covered materials might be diverted from landfills after the program starts in 2027.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 3, 2025

Federal judge dismisses attempt to make EPA regulate PFAS in biosolids

The ruling comes amid ongoing questions about how to handle contamination from upstream sources.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 2, 2025

Casella sustainability update highlights recycling, safety improvements

The progress report, a supplement to the biennial sustainability report, notes the company is behind on its GHG emissions goals but is increasing waste diversion and expanding safety programs.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 2, 2025

2026 waste and recycling industry conferences

Mark your calendars for conferences in 2026 that will cover key topics such as recycling, waste management, compost, biogas and more. 

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Oct. 10, 2025

ReFed, Closed Loop Partners each announce new organics grants

ReFed’s catalytic grant funding round is set to open later this year. Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy has selected its recipients, which include composters around the country.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 29, 2025

Divert partners with grocers to expand food waste prevention

A partnership with Raley's aims to boost donations and turn food that can’t be donated into renewable energy and material to improve soil.

By Peyton Bigora • Sept. 26, 2025

Ikea, Vanguard Renewables team up to turn food waste into renewable energy

The six-month pilot has launched in five Ikea locations across the U.S. and the global furniture retailer has plans to expand the program after in a bid to achieve zero organic food waste by 2030.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 19, 2025

BPI introduces home compostable certification, label

The home compostable initiative will complement the group’s existing commercial certification to expand access to composting opportunities and reduce confusion, according to BPI Executive Director Rhodes Yepsen.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 19, 2025

Anaergia sells Riverside facility amid strategic pivot

The company sold its ownership stake in a codigestion plant in Riverside, California. But it will remain on hand to both build and operate the enhanced facility in the coming years.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 17, 2025

LASAN cuts customer fees, mandates organics in RecycLA franchise RFP

The city is resetting its commercial waste program with an emphasis on cost, while making organics part of baseline service to comply with SB 1383. It also aims to give more work to subcontractors despite Teamsters opposition.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 18, 2025

California lawmakers approve organics capacity bill for growers

Meanwhile, a bill related to marine flare recycling is now a two-year bill and a compensation bill for residents near Chiquita Canyon landfill was added to the state budget bill.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 16, 2025

EPA opens up $20M in SWIFR grant funding for tribes and intertribal consortia

The Trump administration plans to select 20 grantees in the latest funding round. It also says the selection process for a $58 million funding round for communities, states and territories is ongoing.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 9, 2025

Massachusetts next in list of states debating PFAS limits in biosolids

A proposed bill would enact a series of restrictions related to PFAS exposure in the environment. A dozen states have debated such proposals this year.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 8, 2025

Somerville latest to join list of Massachusetts cities with organics programs

Garbage to Garden will launch a targeted pilot, focused on new customers, in an area known for rodent issues. The region’s most densely populated city follows dozens of others pushing to realize the state’s waste reduction goals.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 2, 2025

NWRA among groups pushing back on RFS proposal

The EPA said it needed to reduce production targets as the transportation market for RNG had become saturated. But industry groups say that misses the point of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 2, 2025

How Bigbelly reshored its waste and recycling bin operations from Mexico

What started as a college idea about solar compactors has evolved into one of the more recognizable public space waste container brands. Bigbelly doubled production in recent years and sees more growth ahead.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 27, 2025

Closed Loop acquires Agri-Cycle, expanding organics reach

Agri-Cycle provides collection services to customers across 14 states in the Northeast. With the deal, Closed Loop Partners’ private equity arm looks to aggressively grow its organics portfolio.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 20, 2025