EPA says final PFAS drinking water regulation and hazardous designations on the horizon

The agency previewed a busy winter of new regulations and disposal guidelines that will have implications for many waste industry operators. This includes a delay for eagerly awaited drinking water standards.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 11, 2023

New Hampshire Environmental Services assistant commissioner leaving for private sector

Mark Sanborn is leaving his government-appointed role for a policy and permitting job with a construction company. The move has “no connection” to controversy over a recent landfill bill, he says.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 11, 2023

With EPA enforcement on PFAS coming, waste groups call for focus upstream

The waste industry hopes the U.S. EPA’s new enforcement initiative for PFAS is a small step in reducing PFAS-containing items at waste sites, but it still wants to be protected from certain liability.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 30, 2023

PFAS packaging alternatives are on the rise as regulatory pressure mounts

Multiple new replacements that can repel grease and moisture are emerging, but details on what they are made of, or which ones are gaining favor, remain limited.

By April Reese • Aug. 25, 2023

EPA enforcement priorities include new focus on landfill methane, PFAS

The agency’s latest update to its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives drew comments from industry trade groups as well as New York City about potential implications for waste operations.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2023

Minnesota, a birthplace of PFAS, tackles contaminated waste sites on multiple fronts

The state has funding from settlements with companies such as 3M, but the costs ahead are daunting. A recent report estimates it could take at least $105 million to manage the “forever chemicals” at certain landfills and compost sites.

By April Reese • Aug. 17, 2023

Clean Harbors sees opportunity in PFAS as environmental solutions segment buoys growth

Executives said a recent Department of Defense announcement that it would resume PFAS incineration validates the company’s earlier work on the material and represents a significant growth opportunity.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 2, 2023

House Appropriations Committee approves slashing EPA budget, pulling back EJ grants

The budget approved last week would cut EPA’s budget by 39% and rescind Inflation Reduction Act-funded climate grants, but it also called for more attention to chemical recycling and plastic-based fuel research.

By Megan Quinn • July 24, 2023

Allonnia gets $30M funding round for PFAS remediation, biotech projects

The company's series A extension will bring it up to $90M in funding to help improve PFAS remediation technology and commercialize a detection biosensor, along with other initiatives.

By Megan Quinn • July 13, 2023

EPR for packaging bill fails to pass in New York before legislative deadline

Despite last-minute changes meant to drum up support, the bill did not make it to a vote. An amended bottle bill update and a mattress EPR bill also failed to pass before the end of the session.

By Megan Quinn • June 12, 2023

Waste Connections discusses PFAS leachate remediation deal with Altra Sanexen

The company sees PFAS as an urgent issue at its landfills and says remediation services, such as this effort at two Minnesota sites, are an early way to manage the chemicals as the industry awaits federal regulations.

By Megan Quinn • May 23, 2023

PFAS prevention legislation model aims to get Northeast lawmakers on the same page

The Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association’s draft PFAS legislation aims to guide lawmakers who want to ban or curb production of PFAS-containing products. It’s the latest waste group to call for more direct action on PFAS. 

By Megan Quinn • May 18, 2023

Senate legislation aims to protect waste and compost industry from PFAS liability claims

Trade groups and WM applauded the bill, saying congressional action is needed to shield the sector from unintended consequences of the EPA’s anticipated PFAS hazardous substance designation.

By Megan Quinn • May 4, 2023

EPR missing from New York state budget, but advocates aim to push issue forward with other bills

This marks the second year in a row that Gov. Kathy Hochul’s efforts to include producer responsibility for packaging in the budget were not successful.

By Megan Quinn • May 2, 2023

New York carpet EPR program start postponed to 2026

The law would have required carpet producers to submit compliance plans by the end of this year, but a bill update officially gives them an extra two years to comply.

By Megan Quinn • April 18, 2023

Should more PFAS types be deemed hazardous? EPA seeks feedback

The agency already plans to include PFOS and PFOA in a hazardous designation under Superfund law but could now go further. The waste industry has previously raised concerns about possible liability and cost burdens.

By Megan Quinn • April 14, 2023

Waste industry groups call for Congressional support against looming PFAS regulations

NWRA, EREF and members of several solid waste and composting groups said in a briefing that anticipated hazardous substance designations for PFAS under the Superfund law could make liability risks and costs skyrocket.

By Megan Quinn • March 28, 2023

As budget deadline looms, New York governor and advocates debate EPR and bottle bill provisions

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Senate have proposed EPR for packaging policies in their draft budgets. The Assembly, along with key environmental and packaging groups, say the policy is best determined through legislation. 

By Megan Quinn • March 27, 2023

6 types of PFAS included in EPA’s long-awaited drinking water regulations

The EPA’s proposal covers a broader range than previously expected. The rule could become important in how waste facilities monitor or handle PFAS-containing material as well as present possible disposal opportunities.

By Megan Quinn • March 14, 2023

Deep well disposal for PFAS attracts heightened interest as new regulations loom

Prior U.S. EPA guidance identified deep wells as a possible alternative to landfilling or incineration for these “forever chemicals,” and multiple facilities are touting their technologies as a solution.

By April Reese • March 6, 2023

Clean Harbors identifies incinerator, PFAS and new service sector opportunities for 2023

Clean Harbors anticipates new business opportunities in 2023 and beyond, possibly with companies following the reshoring trend. The company’s first major leadership change in 40 years is also in the works.

By Megan Quinn • March 2, 2023

With federal agencies still falling behind on PFAS deadlines, activists seek lawmakers’ help

The Environmental Working Group and Safer States say the U.S. EPA is moving too slowly on setting standards for PFAS in water, packaging and more. They’re pushing Congress and state legislatures to act as well.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2023

Vermont mulls EPR, bottle bill improvements to catch up on recycling goals

A report from the Department of Environmental Conservation recommends adopting EPR for hazardous waste, reducing PFAS and updating the state’s bottle bill to help reach its waste reduction, recycling and composting goals.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 27, 2023

EPA proposes further leachate regulations after study finds PFAS at 95% of surveyed landfills

The agency is assessing new effluent limitation guidelines and pretreatment standards, but their effect on daily operations is not clear. WM, Republic Services and waste trade groups have weighed in on the potential changes.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 24, 2023

Clean Harbors says it can destroy more than 99% of PFAS at incinerator facility

A third-party study commissioned by Clean Harbors said the company’s incineration process can destroy 99.99% of PFAS compounds. The U.S. EPA says research on using incineration for PFAS management is still limited.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 23, 2023