SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The waste and recycling sector faces a dynamic mix of business and regulatory challenges in 2026. Operators will need to adapt to macroeconomic shifts, evolving regulations, and emerging sustainability priorities.

Top themes for 2026 include:

·         Macroeconomic pressures: Cooling inflation, continued commodity fluctuations, and a renewed focus on domestic manufacturing could influence operations and merger-and-acquisition activity.

·         Regulatory focus: Changes related to PFAS, landfill emissions, food waste, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging will continue shaping industry practices.

·         Bottle bills: Legislative efforts in states like Maryland and Washington face the same hurdles as previous years, but economic trends and EPR programs may provide new momentum.

·         State-level recycling laws: Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Vermont, and Washington are implementing new regulations, including electronics and battery EPR programs and right-to-repair policies.

·         Right-to-repair revival: 2026 sees renewed attention on repair bills covering consumer electronics, farm equipment, vehicles, and wheelchairs, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Industry events will provide networking and insights, including the Organics Recycling Conference, RCon, and the Business of Biogas, keeping professionals updated on regulatory and market developments throughout the year.

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