The Latest
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Tracking the waste and recycling industry’s M&A activity
VLS Environmental acquired AA Sydcol and Industrial Waste Utilization. Northstar Recycling acquired Waste Technology Services, and FV Recycling acquired Mid America Paper Recycling.
Updated Oct. 16, 2025 -
Mill partners with DC hauler to take the ‘ick’ out of curbside organics
Mill will offer its devices to customers who sign up for a collection contract with Compost Crew starting at $39 per month. The latter company, based in Maryland, will collect the organic waste and compost it at its existing facilities.
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USDA and FDA food recalls are on the rise. What happens to the waste?
The Food and Drug Administration recalled nearly 85 million units through the first half of the year and managing this organic waste can be complicated. Misfits Market is one company focused on upcycling safe, edible food.
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California governor signs organics, glass recycling market bills into law
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills meant to expand composting options for certain growers, extend recycled glass market incentives for beverage bottle production and clarify the role of RNG in state diversion goals.
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Newsom blocks bill that would further limit PFAS in packaging
While packaging groups opposed the PFAS bill, it was ultimately derailed by pushback from the restaurant industry. The California governor also vetoed a bill to further limit plastic microbeads in certain products.
Updated Oct. 16, 2025 -
Apex, WM and others upgrade MRFs, spurred by EPR
Recyclers have invested millions this fall on projects in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Glacier, Waste Connections and BLT Enterprises are other companies with recent upgrades.
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VLS Environmental ramping up elemental mercury disposal site in Texas
The company says it now has the only facility in the U.S. capable of providing disposal for the element, which cannot be exported due to a 2013 law. It has experience managing 70 million gallons of other types of mercury waste.
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Waste software company Sourgum looks to expand nationwide in 2026
The company was started in 2022. Joe DiNardi-Mack, its co-founder and a fourth-generation waste industry member, said he hopes to enable small and large haulers alike to better connect with customers through the platform.
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[Photograph]. Retrieved from Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority.
Palm Beach County, Florida, approves $1.5B plan for second incinerator
The facility will replace an aging refuse-derived fuel plant operated by Reworld. Pinellas County also approved an operations contract with FCC.
Updated Oct. 14, 2025 -
Waste Pro reports $170M in M&A for 2025, ‘record year’ for municipal contracts
The Florida-based company logged 24 acquisitions and focused on growing its disposal and processing capabilities. It also noted significant municipal contracts worth $520 million in major Florida counties.
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California EPR stakeholders keep pushing through regulatory gray area
A turbulent year of rulemaking has discouraged some on the SB 54 advisory board. Circular Action Alliance says companies should engage now to be ready for a quick turnaround.
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(2025). [Screenshot]. Retrieved from U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions.
David Keeling confirmed as new head of OSHA
The former Amazon and UPS safety executive takes on the role as the agency is expected to advance a heat safety regulation. Keeling has said OSHA needs both regulatory and technology updates.
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NYC commercial waste reform
New York’s commercial waste program expands with Bronx launch
Carters earned $16.5 million during the first six months of a pilot zone in Queens. Meanwhile, the industry is pushing back on a proposal to exempt medical waste generators and the city announced 2026 zone launch timing.
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[Screenshot]. Retrieved from Senate Environment and Public Works committee.
Senate confirms John Busterud to lead EPA waste office
Busterud has a background in environmental law and previously served as administrator for EPA Region 9. This is the first time the position has been filled since 2021.
Updated Oct. 7, 2025 -
With multifamily pilot, Mill hopes to prove customers use its device even when it’s free
The company shared the results of a multifamily pilot it ran in California. Mill hopes to convince municipalities and corporate partners that its devices earn strong participation, even from customers who didn’t pay for their own device.
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Veolia North America names new CEO
Nadège Petit, formerly of Schneider Electric, will help lead the company toward its goal to grow by 50% in North America. The company has focused on acquisitions and facility investments in the region in recent years.
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‘Innovative’ recyclers will weather economic challenges: National Recycling Congress
Tariffs and other headwinds in labor and commodity markets are hitting recyclers hard, but some global manufacturing and domestic recycling infrastructure trends offer a silver lining, said ReMA Chief Economist Emily Sanchez.
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New Mexico begins debating clean fuels program; plus RNG news from Vanguard, Ameresco
Stakeholders are weighing in on how the country’s fourth state clean fuels program will be shaped. As in other states, environmental groups are hoping to nix a policy that benefits renewable natural gas produced on farms.
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Food waste advocates are learning a new language in the Trump era
Food waste reduction proponents like the Natural Resources Defense Council are shifting their messaging to continue winning support. In Congress, Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree said conversations are changing.
Updated Oct. 3, 2025 -
Tracker
Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies
Casella reported an uptick in emissions from a 2022 baseline. Previously, Clean Harbors reported it had surpassed a recycling goal early and Denali reported its scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Updated Oct. 7, 2025 -
8.5M tons of packaging entered California landfills in 2024: CalRecycle study
The study is mandated by the state’s SB 54 EPR for packaging regulations. It sheds light on how covered materials might be diverted from landfills after the program starts in 2027.
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Casella sustainability update highlights recycling, safety improvements
The progress report, a supplement to the biennial sustainability report, notes the company is behind on its GHG emissions goals but is increasing waste diversion and expanding safety programs.
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2026 waste and recycling industry conferences
Mark your calendars for conferences in 2026 that will cover key topics such as recycling, waste management, compost, biogas and more.
Updated Oct. 10, 2025 -
Federal judge dismisses attempt to make EPA regulate PFAS in biosolids
The ruling comes amid ongoing questions about how to handle contamination from upstream sources.
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American Battery, Call2Recycle, partner on lithium-ion battery collection program
ABTC says the partnership offers more sources of lithium-ion batteries to recycle, namely through Call2Recycle’s consumer-facing collection service, and can help strengthen domestic supply chains for critical materials.