The waste and recycling industry outlook for 2025
In 2025, the business environment for the waste and recycling industry may shift due to federal policy changes and new pressures. Federal funding could be affected, but industry organizations generally remain optimistic about the Trump administration's favorable business policies. Major tax proposals, the farm bill, and budget negotiations may serve as opportunities for the industry to advance policy implementation. Meanwhile, state-level efforts to support new recycling systems and modify existing ones continue to grow, and organic recyclers benefit from California's updated Low Carbon Fuel Standard and increasingly stringent organic recycling mandates.
This year, the business environment for the waste and recycling industry could shift amid changing federal policies and new pressures.
Federal grant funding for certain projects may be affected, but industry groups remain generally optimistic about favorable business policies from the Trump administration. Major tax packages, the farm bill and ongoing budget negotiations could represent opportunities for groups to see their preferred policies enacted.
Meanwhile, efforts in states across the country to support new recycling systems and modify existing ones continue to proliferate. And organics recyclers are operating with the wind at their backs with a newly updated Low Carbon Fuel Standard and increasing organics recycling mandates out of California.
What else are you watching this year? Get in touch at waste.dive.editors@industrydive.com.