News

It may be summer break time, but the solid waste and recycling news cycle has been anything but on a break.

Here are just a few of the latest headlines over the last two months we'd like to share, including an update on the global push to reduce plastic pollution, legislative news regarding e-scrap and e-cycling, and more. 

➡International Discussions to End Plastic Pollution: What It Means for Waste and Resource Management: Kristyn Olendorf, SWANA Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications, discusses the recent UN Environment Assembly Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) session in Geneva Switzerland (August 5–14) where negotiations continue on developing an international legally binding agreement on reducing plastic pollution. She also discusses the impact the treaty could have on North America's waste and resource management systems, including the critical role the industry will play in implementing the treaty aspects and delivering the desired outcomes. 

Note: On July 29, MRN President Kitty McIlroy attended an event in Washington DC to discuss the upcoming session. The event, hosted by The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), featured a panel discussion, round table conversations and networking opportunities, with a focus on the role of holistic waste and resource management in preventing plastic pollution. Read more about the event in SWANA Press Release and via Waste Dive.

➡ ReMA suggests DOE invest in recycling for critical materials: The Recycled Materials Association responded to the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2026 Energy Critical Materials Assessment by urging more investment in the e-scrap recycling industry, noting that e-scrap recycling is key to creating a domestic supply chain for energy critical materials like aluminum, copper, and steel.

➡ Lawmakers focus on electronics recycling potential: During a July meeting of the US Environment Subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, lawmakers discussed the advantages of investing in electronics recycling to strengthening the nation’s critical minerals supply lines.

Note: MRN has been working with Maryland legislators on crafting an electronics recycling bill for several years and will continue to push for this legislation in 2026. Stay up-to-date via our Legislative & Regulatory page!

➡ House Recycling Caucus Relaunched: U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) has announced relaunch of the House Recycling Caucus for the 119th Congress. Alongside Congressman Joyce will be Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11), Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01). The Caucus will focus on educating House members and other policymakers to understand the complexities of the recycling industry and highlight its economic and environmental benefits.

➡ Paper Industry Announces 2024 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates: The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) report states that in 2024, 60-64% for paper and 69-74% of cardboard available for recovery were recycled in the U.S.

➡ EPA Announces Relaunch of Comprehensive Guidance Document Website: EPA has relaunched its Guidance Portal for users and small businesses streamlining access to important guidance documents related to air quality, water protection, hazardous waste management, and more.

➡ SWANA Announces Corporate Partnership with Paradigm Software L.L.C.® to Advance Safety and Technology in Waste and Resource Management: Paradigm Software, L.L.C.’s technology will help streamline operations by handling everything from transaction capture and invoicing to payments and regulatory reporting, allowing users to shift their focus from administrative tasks to running safe, efficient operations.

*Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash