News on the relocation of a major hauler’s headquarters, the sudden withdrawal of California’s proposed recycling regulations, EPA SWIFR grants, California recycling data and facility fires were the biggest news in January. Catch up on these stories below:
1 | GFL Environmental relocates HQ to Miami Beach
After a decade in Canada, GFL Environmental has announced it is relocating its headquarters to the United States.
2 | CalRecycle withdraws proposed regs for SB 54
In a late afternoon email on Jan. 9, the state’s resource and recycling agency abruptly withdrew proposed regulations for the state’s landmark EPR bill for packaging, and will reopen public comment yet again, but provided few details.
3 | EPA awards $58m for waste, recycling infrastructure
The second round of funding under the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program awarded about $58 million to 17 applicants, toward waste reduction, recycling and composting programs.
4 | California posts initial recycling rates
The data showed that plastic packaging that will be covered under SB 54 is being recycled at very low rates, while glass and paper fiber were stronger.
5 | January fire data drives shift in recycling safety
A new industry guide addresses rising lithium-ion battery fires at recycling facilities as data shows a record 448 reported incidents in 2025, underscoring growing risks from consumer electronics and disposable vapes.
