United States: Waste Management

On July 21, CARB hosted a public workshop to clarify the near-term implementation path for SB 253, focusing on reporting deadlines, phased Scope 3 reporting, insurance-company treatment, and assurance. During the workshop, CARB introduced a new initial reporting deadline of November 10, 2026 for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reporting, and discussed phased-in Scope 3 reporting beginning in 2027. CARB also signaled that future rules will rely heavily on the GHG Protocol, including disclosures on methodology, boundaries, emissions factors, data sources, and global warming potential values, and previewed expected future application of the climate reporting laws to insurance companies.

A federal judge has approved settlements worth up to $2.5 billion between New Jersey and major chemical manufacturers over PFAS contamination at legacy manufacturing sites. The agreement requires cleanup of four contaminated facilities and funding for natural resource restoration over the next 25 years. Taft partners Rob Bilott and Dave Butler were part of the legal team that secured this landmark environmental settlement.

The European Commission has released updated guidance on the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, addressing practical implementation challenges raised by stakeholders. With the regulation set to take effect in August 2026, companies face a compressed timeline to review the new FAQ document and ensure compliance, particularly regarding enforcement procedures, manufacturer responsibilities, and existing stock treatment.

In Keyport, New Jersey, ongoing concerns about cancer cases have left many residents wondering who could potentially be held responsible if environmental contamination is involved.

In Keyport, New Jersey, rising concerns about cancer cases, particularly along First Street, have left many residents questioning whether environmental factors may be contributing to these diagnoses.

On Monday, June 22, seventeen states and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors sued California’s recycling and waste management agency (CalRecycle) and Circular Action Alliance...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are rapidly becoming one of the most significant environmental regulatory challenges facing businesses today.

Seven U.S. states have enacted extended producer responsibility laws requiring companies to pay fees for packaging waste management through private producer responsibility organizations.

EPA has withdrawn its 2024 proposed rule expanding the RCRA definition of “hazardous waste” for corrective action purposes but has not withdrawn its companion proposal to list nine PFAS as RCRA hazardous constituents.