Policy: Page 3
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EPA expands coal ash storage options for utilities in move NGOs say violates DC Circuit ruling
The power industry says the rule is based on a record EPA has built since 2015, and will apply to only a narrow subset of facilities.
By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 20, 2020 -
Disposing 'forever' toxins: How the waste and recycling industry is tackling the PFAS chemicals crisis
Found everywhere from Arctic seawater to the blood of most humans, PFAS are inevitable in the waste stream. With the prospect of regulations and litigation mounting, the industry is figuring out how to handle one of its most difficult issues in years.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Toxic PFAS waste that lasts 'forever' poses financial, logistical challenges for landfills
Some worry PFAS could have National Sword-level implications for landfills. Stakeholders are aiming to avoid blame for contamination, while seeking out solutions to address the mounting crisis.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020 -
Deep Dive
Burning 'forever chemicals' emerges as industry flash point
Sending PFAS to incinerators is drawing lawmaker scrutiny and public outcry, but some experts say it may be the only realistic solution.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020 -
Photo illustration by Brian Tucker/Waste Dive; Photograph by Philip Rozenski via Getty Images/Waste DiveDeep Dive
'We can never get to zero': Organics recyclers face hard choices in responding to PFAS contamination
Composting and biosolids stakeholders worry regulations will decimate their industry, while environmental and health groups say action is critical.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020 -
Texas conference highlights growing PFAS, environmental justice concerns
Speakers at the 2020 Texas Recycling and Composting Summit covered PFAS contamination in biosolids, a state market development study, racial issues in the industry and more.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 13, 2020 -
City sanitation workers across the country seek hazard pay, looking to federal relief funds for help
With no end in sight to the pandemic, municipal sanitation workers in Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities are asking for better compensation. Successful efforts in multiple Virginia cities offer a possible model to follow.
By Amir Khafagy • Oct. 12, 2020 -
Retrieved from Alabama Extension.
Recycling policy landscape shifts as major groups float disposal surcharges, packaging fees
Recycling Partnership and American Chemistry Council plans are the latest ideas for new funding. The National Waste & Recycling Association critiqued disposal charges but now supports recycled content mandates.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 08, 2020 -
Retrieved from Wonderlane.
New guidelines aim to address labeling confusion for compostable packaging
The Biodegradable Products Institute will offer manufacturers input on labeling and identification strategies — addressing a long-running problem for organics diversion and an uptick in legislative attention.
By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 05, 2020 -
Reloop launches North American division to shake up circular economy policy progress
Elizabeth Balkan, formerly of the Natural Resources Defense Council and New York's Department of Sanitation, is leading the global platform's effort to support changes around packaging and recycling at all levels of government.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 01, 2020 -
New Jersey governor signs sweeping bill limiting carryout bags, polystyrene foam and straws
The bill has been described as one of the strictest of its kind in the country, and the only one to target paper bags. Gov. Phil Murphy signed it despite calls for a veto by certain trade groups.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Nov. 4, 2020 at 2:04 p.m. -
Deep Dive
Calls for e-cigarette legislation increase amid growing fire hazard to waste and recycling industry
The proliferation of vape pens for nicotine and cannabis is the latest example of how embedded lithium-ion batteries are creating a safety risk for the sector. Advocates hope national and state policy proposals can change that.
By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 22, 2020 -
Retrieved from The White House.
Waste industry figures see major election consequences for taxes and regulation
WasteExpo speakers, including Ron Mittelstaedt, said national Democratic victories could lead to an emphasis on climate and PFAS regulations. Corporate and capital gains tax rates could also rise, with M&A implications.
By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 21, 2020 -
Top stories from 2020's WasteExpo
Catch up on coverage of sessions about federal elections, evolving approaches to technology, PFAS regulations, recycling technology, policy and more.
By Waste Dive Team • UPDATED: Sept. 30, 2020 at 9:56 a.m. -
'Challenging regulatory framework' for PFAS unfolding nationwide, with waste implications
Speakers at WasteExpo said surface water regulations for PFAS are next on the horizon, with scrutiny of stormwater and landfill gas not far off.
By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 18, 2020 -
WasteExpo: Positive recycling trends endure despite steep pandemic impacts
During the virtual event, representatives from the U.S. EPA, New York Department of Sanitation and Waste Management discussed recent impacts to recycling, as well as signs for optimism around domestic markets.
By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 15, 2020 -
Q&A
New York sanitation commissioner warns against 'devastating' budget cuts ahead of resignation
After six-plus years on the job, Kathryn Garcia is considering a run for mayor. In an exit interview, she discourages further layoffs, forecasts more commercial waste zone delays and says "zero waste" by 2030 is likely unattainable.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 14, 2020 -
McDonald's selects TerraCycle's Loop for UK reusable cup pilot
The partnership is the latest sign of major brands taking greater interest in circular solutions. It also marks an expansion beyond grocery for the ambitious reuse platform.
By Karine Vann • Sept. 10, 2020 -
Waste Management report shows untapped recycling potential, clarifies policy positions
While observers are still parsing the details on MRF investments and material flows, some see the information as the latest sign that more can be done collectively to maximize national recycling activity.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 10, 2020 -
Reuse platforms push technology as saving grace from pandemic pressures
Last week's Circularity 20 featured leaders from Loop, Algramo, CupClub and other new ventures looking to expand market share during a year of surprising resurgence for single-use items.
By Karine Vann • Sept. 02, 2020 -
Pittsburgh joins 10-city cohort to curb food waste
The Natural Resources Defense Council's Food Matters Initiative will help the chosen cities overcome common barriers to preventing food waste, including a lack of data and resources.
By Cailin Crowe • Sept. 02, 2020 -
CNG trucks still used by many in the industry, but electric vehicles gaining ground
Natural gas-powered vehicles have been the industry's preferred form of alternative fuel for years, but while investments continue, 2020 is shaping up to be the year that electric breaks through.
By Lori Lovely • Sept. 02, 2020 -
California governor signs nation's first recycled content requirement for plastic beverage containers
Containers will need to have 50% recycled content by 2030, a standard described as among the world's most aggressive. This comes after another major packaging bill did not pass during this year's legislative session.
By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Sept. 25, 2020 at 9:41 a.m. -
Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities
After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Aug. 31, 2020 at 11:42 a.m. -
PFAS test at Covanta-operated incinerator scrapped following public outcry
The New Jersey DEP expressed disappointment, while the U.S. EPA said it will continue partnering with states and local governments as it seeks ways to destroy the toxic chemicals.
By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Aug. 26, 2020 at 10:42 a.m.