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Photo Illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images
TrackerTracking recycling laws by state
Maine’s governor approved an EPR for packaging update while Rhode Island’s governor approved an EPR study bill. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approved a right-to-repair law.
Updated 16 hours ago -
RichLegg via Getty Images
Tracking the waste and recycling industry’s M&A activity
In Oklahoma, Cards Recycling acquired National Waste and Disposal and Valicor Environmental Services acquired NewGen Resources.
Updated July 7, 2025 -
Jeff Fusco via Getty Images
Philadelphia sanitation strike ends with tentative pay agreement
AFSCME and Philadelphia officials confirmed the strike has ended, though the union must still ratify the terms of the deal before it becomes official. Between 1,200 and 1,300 sanitation workers were part of the strike.
Updated July 9, 2025 -
Permission granted by Viridi Energy
The LCFS faces a new political reality, plus RNG news from Viridi, Opal Fuels
Amendments to California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard took effect July 1, but new legislation may threaten the credit program’s status quo. In other states, some legislation advanced while a few projects saw setbacks.
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Eric Lee via Getty Images
Plastics, biofuels groups praise signing of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The newly signed bill includes favorable provisions for alternative fuels and manufacturers broadly. It’s been criticized by environmental groups for cuts to other key programs.
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Courtesy of Montrose Environmental
Q&AMontrose Environmental looks to ‘future-proof’ PFAS remediation amid regulations
Montrose aims to offer customizable R&D and treatment options, especially for emerging concerns over leachate, biosolids and drinking water.
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Courtesy of Amazon
Q&AAmazon releases waste diversion metrics as part of larger sustainability plan
The company says it reached an 85% waste diversion rate in 2024. Amazon’s waste and biodiversity director, Justine Mahler, says that’s driven partly by organics diversion programs and ongoing data collection investments.
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aimintang via Getty Images
Maine becomes last New England state to mandate organics diversion
The requirement kicks in July 1, 2030, for institutions that generate over two tons of organic waste per week and are within 20 miles of a recycler.
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Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
Teamsters expand strike over Republic Services contracts
Teamsters Local 179 in Ottawa, Illinois, announced it would also strike Republic Services on Wednesday. The chapter joins roughly 450 Republic workers represented by Teamsters in Massachusetts already on strike.
Updated July 2, 2025 -
Permission granted by Greyparrot
4 collaborative projects that aim to advance packaging recycling
Speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit detailed scenarios in which brands, manufacturers, recyclers, academics and others across the supply chain are working to improve how packaging is managed at end of life.
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Natalie Behring via Getty Images
Oregon EPR program delays ‘responsible’ end market provision until 2026
Circular Action Alliance said “more time was needed” to work out kinks in the provision meant to determine responsible end markets for recycled materials. CAA plans to propose an updated verification process soon.
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Genevieve Isabelle via Getty Images
Where new recycling laws are taking effect in July
Multiple states are banning EPS foam food containers, and Oregon’s packaging EPR program begins. Elsewhere, there are bottle bill and hotel product updates.
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Mark Wallheiser via Getty Images
Gov. DeSantis vetoes bill calling for Florida recycling plan
The recycling industry had backed this bill to revive the conversation about progressing toward the state’s 75% recycling goal. Meanwhile, DeSantis also acted on other industry-related bills.
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Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
Veolia closes $350M in acquisitions as North America CEO departs
Recent transactions include the purchase of California-based Ingenium, as well buying the only permitted medical waste facility in Massachusetts. VNA is reviewing over a dozen more possible deals, some set to close soon.
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Permission granted by Waste Pro
Judge finalizes $1.4M Waste Pro racial discrimination lawsuit settlement
The company must offer training, hire a compliance officer and change task assignment policies after a Black employee and 26 others reported ongoing harassment.
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WM/Waste Dive, data from Screenshot
WM projects up to $29B revenue in 2027, driven by recycling and RNG
Executives announced new long-term earnings targets across its business segments and offered updates on plans for healthcare waste, employee retention and landfill capacity.
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sgoodwin4813 via Getty Images
Rhode Island lawmakers replace EPR and bottle bill proposal with study bill
The bill, an overhaul of a previous version establishing new recycling systems, instead calls for a report and recommendations that might lead to future extended producer responsibility and deposit return system proposals.
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Danielle Ternes/Waste Dive
TrackerTracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies
Recology reported on its latest efforts to manage landfill emissions and invest in alternative fuel vehicles. Montrose Environmental Group also recenly released a new sustainability report.
Updated June 25, 2025 -
Courtesy of Circular Services
Circular Services to operate two MRFs in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Under a five-year contract, the company will manage operations and recycling commodity marketing while the county makes way for C&D recycling capabilities.
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Courtesy of OC Waste & Recycling
Groups weigh in on EPA’s planned update to landfill air emission rules
The U.S. EPA released 10 white papers last year examining a host of factors that influence landfill emissions. A range of interested parties commented, hoping to influence an expected update to landfill air regulations.
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Tamir Kalifa via Getty Images
Texas approves laws to allow electronics repair, restrict compost sites
Gov. Greg Abbott’s approval of a consumer electronics right-to-repair law is a first for a Republican-led state. A bill to limit composting in Lee County also became law without Abbott’s signature.
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aimintang via Getty Images
Maine Gov. Mills alters packaging EPR law, to industry’s relief
With LD 1423, groups wanted to bring Maine’s first-in-the-nation packaging EPR law from 2021 into closer alignment with more recent versions of EPR legislation in other states.
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Katie Pyzyk/Waste Dive
WM’s upgraded Wisconsin MRF aims to capture more types of plastic packaging
Part of the $39 million investment went toward a film mitigation system, which reduces contamination in other streams. WM also is in the early stages of selling this captured material as a commodity.
Updated June 24, 2025 -
Courtesy of PureCycle Technologies
PureCycle plans to add 1B pounds of capacity by 2030
The recycled resin producer received $300 million in series B capital to build facilities in Thailand and Belgium as part of a larger plan. It will continue building its facility in Augusta, Georgia.
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Courtesy of Veolia North America
Veolia touts plans for U.S. expansion, unveils new water treatment plant in Delaware
At a U.S. Chamber of Commerce event Wednesday, CEO Estelle Brachlianoff said Veolia targets 50% growth in the U.S. in coming years to meet PFAS management demand fueled by health impact concerns.
