To raise recycling rates, look to system design: SWANA

Tailored programs and systems that consider human habits can help boost recycling rates, said design engineers and landfill operators at SWANA’s Pennsylvania chapter conference.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 5, 2025

Wisconsin updates MRF operations requirements for first time in 20 years

An update to the state’s recycling program rules means MRFs will need to meet new residual limits and glass recycling rates and start budgeting for specific cleanup and closure costs.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 4, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

The Rise of Recycling AI

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common at MRFs, in collection trucks and even as a tool for consumer education at the point of generation.

By Waste Dive staff

Adding new commodities brings recycling education challenges

The Foodservice Packaging Institute updated its toolkit to help create recycling education campaigns. Stakeholders underscore the need for collaboration and taking a “careful step-by-step approach” when adding new items.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 3, 2025

Waste and the economy: 4 areas to watch for the rest of 2025

The waste and recycling industry has adapted to a changing economy this year, including effects from a lucrative new tax law, M&A, tariffs and commodity markets.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Sept. 3, 2025

Circular Action Alliance taps new California executive director

The role was vacated earlier this year by former CalRecycle director Rachel Wagoner. The new appointment comes as SB 54 rules are still being hashed out and CAA wants producers to report supply data by Nov. 15.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 28, 2025

Alterra withdraws plan to build chemical recycling plant in Pennsylvania

Environmental groups had long opposed the proposal, but Alterra says it ultimately halted plans due to a landowner's decision. Alterra intends to search for another site in the region.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 28, 2025

Recycled content roofing facility reopens in Iowa under new ownership

The Everboard product’s original founder is back at the helm as part of a new joint venture, which took over for WM-backed Continuus after the facility closed in November. A new California facility will also open soon.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 27, 2025

How Bigbelly reshored its waste and recycling bin operations from Mexico

What started as a college idea about solar compactors has evolved into one of the more recognizable public space waste container brands. Bigbelly doubled production in recent years and sees more growth ahead.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 27, 2025

Wholesalers shed more light on Oregon packaging EPR legal challenge

Oregon agencies received an extension to respond to the lawsuit until mid-September, per an update Friday. In the meantime, wholesalers are analyzing potential legal issues with EPR laws in other states.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 25, 2025

Texas law showed electronics repair is bipartisan. What’s next?

Some manufacturers and tech companies such as Google are starting to shift their thinking on right-to-repair laws for consumer electronics, farm equipment and other categories as the policy passes in more states.

By Marissa Heffernan • Aug. 22, 2025

Lawmakers, recyclers call for SB 54 regulations that reflect intent of EPR law

CalRecycle is expected to open the 45-day public comment period on SB 54 rulemaking soon. Stakeholders say some draft revisions undermine the law's ability to hold producers responsible for litter.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 20, 2025

Blue Polymers takes over food-grade rPET pellet production in California

“Whereas we sell flake to folks that create pellets, now we can sell pellets to folks that create packaging,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services, a partner in the Blue Polymers venture.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 20, 2025

Waste and recycling groups ‘disappointed’ by lack of plastics treaty

Recycling groups will monitor the next round of talks for clues on infrastructure and end market impacts. Plastics groups will push recycling over environmentalists’ calls for plastic production caps.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 19, 2025

Driven by EPR, brands to offer film and flexibles funding to California recyclers

General Mills, Mars, PepsiCo and other brands are investing in film and flexible packaging recycling in the state as California implements stricter recycling regulations for the materials under its EPR law. 

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 18, 2025

Lithium-ion battery recyclers see challenges, opportunities under Trump

While the administration has moved to strip electric vehicle incentives and cancel some grants, it remains focused on lithium’s value as a critical mineral for manufacturers.

By April Reese • Aug. 18, 2025

EREF report calls for more data, better reporting on EPR metrics

As more states and countries adopt EPR programs, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation says data is difficult to evaluate — but it doesn’t cast doubt on the effectiveness of EPR as a whole.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 15, 2025

Exports pulled down 2024 paper recycling rate: AF&PA

Decreased fiber exports, especially to Asia, affected both paper and OCC recycling rates in the U.S., according to the American Forest & Paper Association. But domestic mills increased their fiber consumption.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 13, 2025

Prairie Robotics expands its AI truck tech to more North American cities

Its recent partnership with Tacoma, Washington, was funded by a $1.8 million U.S. EPA recycling education grant. The company aims to expand its on-truck contamination detection services.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 13, 2025

Battery recycling facilities and programs ramp up in U.S. and Canada

Princeton NuEnergy’s black mass facility has opened, while Washington seeks comments on its battery EPR rulemaking and two Canadian programs join forces on battery recycling education.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 12, 2025

GreenWaste’s new CEO eyes M&A, California facility expansion for growth

GreenWaste appointed former COO Clete Elms to permanently serve as CEO of the private equity-backed company. He brings experience leading Australian waste firms and a focus on sustainability.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 11, 2025

Glencore completes takeover of Li-Cycle battery recycling assets

Li-Cycle filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and was down to a skeleton staff in North America. European commodities firm Glencore submitted a bid of approximately $40 million to acquire the assets.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 8, 2025

Connecticut’s beverage container redemption rate rose 21% in 2024

The Container Recycling Institute says improvements like a 10-cent deposit, more return locations and a broader range of accepted containers boosted redemption rates. Meanwhile, some other bottle bill states saw declines of 1% to 3%.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 8, 2025

On-site sortation and valet services aim to fix multifamily waste contamination

Service providers such as Ally Waste, WasteXperts and Trash Logic are seizing opportunities as San Francisco and other cities focus on reducing contamination rates in their recycling and organics streams.

By Mary Catherine O’Connor • Aug. 6, 2025

After Oregon packaging EPR law launches, wholesaler lawsuit follows

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors filed a complaint last week. The trade group is “reviewing all of the various proposals to implement EPR programs wherever they are being discussed,” a spokesperson said.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 4, 2025

Casella raises revenue guidance, previews West Virginia growth plans

Executives noted stable performance in the Northeast and anticipated annualized revenues from acquisitions, but pointed out headwinds from labor costs and truck delays in the mid-Atlantic. 

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 1, 2025