Global waste generation could rise 50% by 2050: World Bank

Inequities in waste collection and funding are a major global issue, according to an updated report. Upfront investments today will mitigate future expenses that impact climate change and global health, the report states.

By Megan Quinn • April 2, 2026

Maryland rolls out new paint stewardship program

The state plans to collect 350,000 gallons in the first year. The program comes a few months after Illinois launched its own PaintCare system and New Hampshire vetoed a plan for a similar program.

By Megan Quinn • April 1, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Navigating Modern MRF Operations

Recycling facility operators are increasingly investing in new technology to keep up with evolving regulations and customer demands.

By Waste Dive staff

New EU guidance on PPWR released less than 5 months from start date

Europen said the guidance “still falls short of providing the legal certainty and operational clarity businesses urgently require” ahead of Aug. 12. Implementing acts are still in the works.

By Maria Rachal • March 31, 2026

The one-man collection service advocating for vape recycling in Wisconsin

EcoVape Recovery offers small-scale collection services for vape waste. Raymond Tucker, a parks service worker and firefighter, also advocates for recycling outlets, infrastructure support and formal vape management rules.

By Megan Quinn • March 31, 2026

Recycling Partnership CEO on navigating ‘really tough’ moment for recycling

Keefe Harrison shared how the nonprofit is thinking about the PET market crash, supply chain resilience, a loss in federal grants and the divergent funding needs of states with and without EPR laws at a MassRecycle event.

By Cole Rosengren • March 30, 2026

rPET market challenges further impacted by more closures, trade pressures

WM, Republic Services and APR discussed ongoing rPET market instability during a Recycling Partnership webinar. Incentives and trade transparency could help thermoformers and other packaging producers, they said. 

By Megan Quinn • March 27, 2026

E360s develops 4-compartment truck for flexible plastic collection

E360s developed the custom truck after a request from the City of Chilliwack as part of a new curbside collection offering. British Columbia aims to ramp up flexible plastic collection as part of EPR. 

By Megan Quinn • March 25, 2026

US EPA seeks comments on plan to remove pyrolysis from air emissions rule

The agency seeks public comments on a plan clarifying that pyrolysis is not a form of incineration. It’s a move the chemical recycling industry pressed for, but the agency previously declined to reflect in air emissions standards.

By Megan Quinn • March 24, 2026

US textile recycling matures with AI and EPR

The fast-innovating textile recycling sector is looking for better ways to identify and sort feedstocks for both reuse and recycling applications. Startup Refiberd, along with companies like WM and Goodwill, want to make that process easier.

By Megan Quinn • March 23, 2026

New Hampshire governor vetoes paint EPR bill, calling it a ‘sales tax’

Gov. Kelly Ayotte criticized the bill as an added tax on residents, but Casella, WM and other recycling groups had backed the program's waste diversion aspects.

By Megan Quinn • March 19, 2026

California’s recyclability labeling law under fire in new lawsuit

The Flexible Packaging Association and the American Forest & Paper Association are among the plaintiffs seeking a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of SB 343 come October.

By Maria Rachal • March 18, 2026

Prescription bottle recycling a real pill for the industry

Not many pill bottles are getting recycled in the U.S. despite them being made of commonly recyclable material. A new Closed Loop Partners report calls for collaboration across the value chain to increase recycling rates.

By Megan Quinn • March 18, 2026

Paper industry joins Oregon EPR lawsuit

After the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors secured a preliminary injunction in February, the American Forest & Paper Association, plus groups representing grocers and other businesses, want in.

By Maria Rachal • March 17, 2026

ReMA advances HDPE beverage carrier spec following PakTech petition

PakTech, a recycled HDPE beverage carrier manufacturer, submitted a request for ReMA to consider adding this spec as part of its work “to ensure the circularity and sustainability of our products.”

By Katie Pyzyk • March 16, 2026

Recyclers target ‘hibernating devices’ to feed urgent critical minerals demand

At Remade’s annual conference, recyclers and refiners said they’re working as fast as they can to meet demand for domestic supplies of critical materials. Closer partnerships and government support can help.

By Megan Quinn • March 13, 2026

Tennessee packaging EPR bill sidelined for 2026

The bill faced pushback from groups like Ameripen and bottlers. Vowing to return stronger next year, state Sen. Heidi Campbell said she’s proud of how the bill has put EPR awareness on the map in the Southeast.

By Maria Rachal • March 12, 2026

Montgomery County, Maryland, explores alternatives as incinerator struggles

Two of three units at the county’s Resource Recovery Facility have come offline amid serious dioxin leaks. The issues have renewed pressure on long-gestating plan for landfilling and diversion projects.

By Jacob Wallace • March 11, 2026

MRF upgrades by WM, Coastal, FCC and Circular Services aim to optimize tech

Recent facility investments in California, Florida and Texas seek to capitalize on high-tech efficiencies, adjust to market demands and prepare for new recycling regulations.

By Megan Quinn • March 11, 2026

Oregon legislature passes battery EPR bill

The bill, if signed by the governor, would establish a producer responsibility program for certain batteries and products by 2029. It had backing from many of the state’s major haulers and recyclers due to fire safety concerns.

By Marissa Heffernan • March 9, 2026

Landbell to launch California’s nation-leading textile EPR program by 2030

Landbell, which has experience with European programs, was selected over two other groups. It aims to launch nearly 16,000 collection bins, starting with pilots in five counties, over a multiyear period.

By Marissa Heffernan • March 6, 2026

Washington taps Circular Action Alliance as PRO for packaging EPR

The latest appointment means CAA now serves as the approved producer responsibility organization in six states. A draft program plan is due in 2028 to implement in 2030.

By Maria Rachal • March 5, 2026

With help of EPR, aerosol can groups push for recycling acceptance

A new playbook from trade groups addresses concerns about safety and consumer education. Eureka Recycling weighs in on an issue dividing MRF operators.

By Marissa Heffernan • March 4, 2026

Regulators, PROs sort through responsible end market complexities

Developing and following these rules is a new frontier for states with EPR for packaging laws. Speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference offered a snapshot of what’s at stake as recyclers prepare for regulations.

By Megan Quinn • March 2, 2026

John Busterud, head of EPA waste office, to depart in March

The OLEM assistant administrator, who cited health concerns for his exit, leaves the top role just months after his nomination was confirmed. The office leads Superfund, RCRA and other waste-related programs.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 26, 2026

Reclaimers: No quick fix to weather plastics markets storm

Speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference said they're more positive on longer-term solutions like recycled content mandates, contract changes and other supply drivers from policies like EPR.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 25, 2026