The waste industry has long awaited action on PFAS, and 2024 is the big year for regulating the group of “forever chemicals” found in everything from food packaging to home goods.
This year, the EPA set drinking water standards for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It also designated PFOS and PFOA as hazardous substances and updated its guidance on how to destroy or dispose of PFAS-containing items.
The industry is still in the process of determining how these new regulations will affect operations, budgets and liability. The regulations could also open up business opportunities for disposal services. Many operators of landfills, compost sites and other facilities consider themselves “passive receivers” of PFAS-containing items, meaning they don’t manufacture PFAS or control the flow of such materials entering their facilities. They are advocating for exemptions to certain PFAS enforcement under CERCLA, known as Superfund.
Meanwhile, more PFAS mitigation businesses are entering the market, while some states are passing laws restricting the use of PFAS in packaging or other products.
Below are Waste Dive’s stories on PFAS in 2024. Find our previous years’ coverage on the issue here.
