Recycling
Vermont, lacking PRO, gets assist on household hazardous waste EPR program
Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources has enlisted Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) to provide operational support for the state's household hazardous waste extended producer responsibility program, covering billing, data collection, and other administrative tasks. The move comes as no industry-led producer responsibility organization has stepped forward to manage the program, which was established by a 2023 law. A new state law signed in June may encourage future PRO participation, with provisions allowing multiple PROs for specific product categories starting in 2027.
Ontario's 2026 Packaging EPR Reform: Waste Operators Seize the Initiative
Ontario will launch an updated packaging EPR program on January 1, 2026, replacing the previous municipal-led Blue Box recycling model and making packaging producers fully responsible for collection and recycling. This move brings new contracts and business opportunities for waste operators, but small businesses will need to arrange their own recycling services, and end markets for new materials remain uncertain.
Rumpke, PureCycle talk polypropylene PCR partnerships
During an online seminar hosted by the Stewardship Action Foundation and the National Stewardship Action Council, representatives from Rumpke Waste & Recycling, PureCycle, and packaging manufacturer IPL Schoeller introduced their tripartite collaboration in the field of post-consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene (PP). Rumpke enhances PP sorting efficiency through MRF equipment upgrades, providing high-quality bales to PureCycle; PureCycle employs a dissolution process to produce PureFive recycled resin, which is applied in scenarios such as food containers; IPL Schoeller utilizes this resin to meet recycled content and extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements.
Paper, cardboard recycling rates were flat in 2025: AF&PA
According to the latest AF&PA data, the U.S. paper recovery rate in 2025 is estimated between 61% and 65%, and the paperboard recovery rate between 70% and 75%, both slightly higher than in 2024. Despite a reduction in recovered fiber supply due to lower domestic production, the recycling system remains stable. U.S. mill consumption of recovered paper totaled 31.4 million tons, a decrease of 1.3 million tons year-over-year.
Communities in Michigan, Florida and Utah seek recycling partnerships, RFPs
Communities in Utah, Michigan, and Florida are accelerating plans to build new recycling facilities, but require partnerships and financial support. Meanwhile, other recycling companies are expanding their operations and locations to collect more materials.
Clean-Seas pyrolysis plant secures key West Virginia construction permit
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has approved a critical construction permit for Clean-Seas' pyrolysis plant in Belle, West Virginia. The 60,000-square-foot facility, designed to convert hard-to-recycle plastics into pyrolysis oil at 50 tons per day, has faced significant community pushback over cumulative pollution impacts and proximity to schools. The project has received state financial incentives, including a $1.75 million forgivable loan and a $15 million bridge loan, and is moving forward amid broader regulatory debates over chemical recycling.
rStream's AI Recycling Technology: Post-Gillette Stadium Expansion Plans
After a successful deployment at Gillette Stadium, rStream plans to expand its AI-driven recycling sorting technology to airports and other venues, backed by a $1.25 million DOE grant and a fifth-generation system in development.
Recycling Facility Upgrades Prioritize Worker Safety and Address Limited Disposal Capacity
Recycling and MRF operators nationwide are implementing major system investments and targeted equipment upgrades to enhance safety and efficiency. Projects include Amp's MSW sorting system in Kent County, Michigan; fiber line upgrades in Prince George's County, Maryland; a new baling facility in Charlottesville, Virginia; and other updates in Utah, Massachusetts, and Phoenix.