By the numbers: 2024 waste and recycling trends

Reflect on the year through key data points about labor, the economy, M&A, federal and state policy, recycling trends and more.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren , Jacob Wallace • Dec. 20, 2024

How state EPR for packaging policies advanced in 2024

Minnesota became the latest state to pass a law, while other state legislative efforts stalled or advanced incrementally. Meanwhile, implementation continued in California, Colorado, Maine and Oregon.

By Waste Dive Staff • Dec. 19, 2024

Waste and recycling collection was fourth deadliest occupation in 2023: BLS

The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows an increase in the rate of fatalities for the refuse and recyclable materials collection occupation. The total number of fatalities in MRFs also increased.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated 23 hours ago

EPA to grant millions to local waste resilience projects

The U.S. EPA announced recipients of a fresh wave of funding through the Community Change Grants Program, several of which plan to expand compost and recycling services.

By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 18, 2024

What’s next now that Oregon has adopted final EPR for packaging rules

Finalized rules include new permitting and living wage requirements for MRFs, as well as new fees the PRO will be expected to pay certain recyclers.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 18, 2024

Federal budget proposal with $136M in recycling and composting bills stalls

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act and Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act were initially part of a deal to fund the federal government, but that plan has been scrapped.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated 20 hours ago

Denver airport’s diversion pilot program tackles waste through ‘valet’ service

The Zero Waste Valet program, run by compost company Scraps, aims to raise the airport's diversion rate. It diverted more than 69 tons of material in the first six months.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 17, 2024

Aspen Waste announces organic expansion into Colorado, bucking M&A trend

Family-owned Aspen Waste enters the Colorado market during a time of consolidation in the region. It aims to offer a customer service-focused choice as the state prepares to implement its EPR for packaging law.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 16, 2024

Maryland late on EPR recommendations, continuing work into 2025

The advisory council says it needs information from a recycling needs assessment to move forward on extended producer responsibility for packaging legislation recommendations that were originally due Dec. 1.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 11, 2024

Aluminum can recycling in US at lowest point in decades: report

A 2030 target to achieve a 70% aluminum beverage can recycling rate is unachievable based on the current state of U.S. recycling systems and policies, the Can Manufacturers Institute and Aluminum Association reported.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Dec. 11, 2024

Maine adopts final rules for EPR for packaging law

The finalized rules come after months of public comments and stakeholder meetings. Certain stakeholders voiced concerns over costs, and some waste groups questioned a disposal reimbursement provision.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn • Dec. 6, 2024

Massachusetts governor signs law to form EPR commission for packaging, other categories

A special commission, led by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, will report back to the legislature by early 2026. It marks incremental progress in a state known for legislative inaction on waste issues.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 5, 2024

California PRO names former CalRecycle director as state lead

Rachel Wagoner, former director of CalRecycle, will become CAA’s executive director for the state, where she will help oversee the rollout of an EPR for packaging law.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 5, 2024

Textile takeback company Trashie expands into electronics recycling

The textile processing company, which rewards consumers who send in old clothing, sees fast-growing opportunities in the electronics recycling sector.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 4, 2024

Coca-Cola lowers ambition with new 2035 packaging sustainability targets

The new goals cover packaging design and collection. The move follows an August statement that it was “behind plan” to meet certain 2030 goals.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 3, 2024

Kansas county sues major plastic producers, alleging deceptive recycling messaging

A class-action lawsuit from Ford County, Kansas, alleges that the American Chemistry Council, Eastman, Chevron, ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell lied about plastic recycling efforts. ACC calls the allegations “meritless.”

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 3, 2024

Tennessee university to receive DOE funding for EV battery recycling project

Tennessee Tech University will develop a mobile preprocessing hub for EV batteries as part of a $4.8 million federal grant. It’s part of a larger effort to improve EV battery recycling economics, a priority for the Biden administration.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 2, 2024

How to build circularity for PET, polyester textiles: study

The study, commissioned by Eastman and conducted by Systemiq with input from The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners, promotes a range of EPR, reuse, and chemical and mechanical recycling improvements.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 27, 2024

ExxonMobil, other chemical recyclers announce latest investments and partnerships

ExxonMobil announced expansion plans and joint ventures in Texas, including with Cyclyx; PureCycle hopes a new sorting facility will address its ongoing financial woes; and Alterra will license its technology.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 26, 2024

Shutdown of WM-backed site for roofing boards from recycled materials still murky

Continuus Materials, which received a joint venture investment from WM and Tailwater Capital, was once touted as a promising new end market for cartons. 

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 25, 2024

EPA calls for developing national EPR framework

The agency released the finalized National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution on Thursday, as the international community seeks to finish negotiating a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution.

By Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • Nov. 22, 2024

3 takeaways from the US EPA’s latest PFAS progress report

The year’s major regulatory updates and plans for possible future rulemaking are among the highlights of the agency’s annual progress report.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 21, 2024

EMF global commitment signatories make progress on recycled content, lag on plastic reduction

While applauding progress in areas like postconsumer recycled content in packaging, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s 2024 global commitment progress report notes that reusable packaging “remains niche.”

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 20, 2024

WM, Waste Connections and Rumpke celebrate MRF openings and upgrades

Florida, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania facilities are among those that showcase advanced equipment meant to collect more material and promote safety.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 20, 2024

Trade groups urge US House to pass recycling infrastructure, data bills

A broad coalition of organizations are giving a final push to the bills as one of the lead co-sponsors, Sen. Tom Carper, prepares to retire. Both bills have already passed the Senate.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 20, 2024