2024 is gearing up to be another consequential year for the waste and recycling industry, following a challenging stretch coming out of the pandemic. 

While industry operations could be on track for a period of relative normalcy as inflation moderates and labor strains abate, the policy landscape remains active. Companies are watching for how the U.S. EPA will regulate PFAS, as well as the implementation or passage of extended producer responsibility laws for packaging in multiple states.

Investments in greenhouse gas emissions capture and reduction technology are growing as the spotlight on landfill methane continues to intensify. Organics recycling infrastructure is also seeing incremental expansion. Some of these projects, along with recycling efforts, are funded by a historic level of grant funding from the EPA that will continue to emerge in the year ahead.

What else are you watching this year? Get in touch at waste.dive.editors@industrydive.com.