Waste Management Services NAICS 562

Jul 23, 2025 - New Budget Reconciliation Law Includes Biofuels Incentives

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed by President Trump in early July, includes provisions that could benefit some firms in the waste management industry, according to Waste Dive. The legislation extends the section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit through the end of 2029. The tax credits incentivize fuel production from non-petroleum sources, including landfills, and they are transferable, which allows fuel producers to sell the credits to others wishing to reduce their federal taxes. The 45Z credits were created under the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, but the new law extends them an additional two years. Waste haulers and other firms that operate vehicles could benefit from the OBBBA making permanent a bonus depreciation provision that allows businesses to pay fewer taxes on new purchases, including vehicles.
• In July, prices for curbside recyclable materials continued to decline across most categories, according to RecyclingMarkets.net. The national average natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) price dropped 15.7% from June but grew 64.1% over July 2024. Prices for post-consumer PET bottles and jars declined 29.9% from a month earlier and were down 40.8% year-over-year. Prices for color HDPE dipped 16.2% month-over-month and fell 75.9% from July 2024. Polypropylene prices fell 25.2% from June and were down 5.7% year-over-year. Prices for old corrugated containers (OCC) used to manufacture new containers held steady month-to-month and were down 35.1% from a year earlier. Aluminum can prices held steady from June but rose 10.3% compared to a year earlier. Sorted residential paper prices held steady month-over-month and were down 33.3% year-over-year.

• The Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act proposes a 30% investment tax credit—phased out over 10 years—for private and municipal recycling infrastructure, according to Waste Dive. Co-sponsored by Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), CIRCLE aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce environmental impact, and save local governments billions. The bipartisan bill garners broad support across industry and environmental groups and targets investments in recycling machinery, software, and facilities. Proponents cite its potential to divert 169 million tons of recyclables, create up to 200,000 jobs, and enhance supply chain resilience, while complementing state-level initiatives like extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs.
• In a recent webinar hosted by the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the National Stewardship Action Council, speakers said the industry needs more support from manufacturers, the media, and legislators to reduce waste stream risks, including fires and hazardous materials, according to Waste Dive. In recent years, products such as lithium-ion batteries and compressed gas cylinders have caused fires and injuries at material recovery facilities and in waste-hauling vehicles. Industry insiders suggest solutions include improved product designs and labeling, better end-of-life management, extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, and more funding for community take-back programs and infrastructure. Several states have passed EPR laws that compel manufacturers to help fund efforts to safely recover hazardous materials, including paint, mercury thermostats, e-waste, and sharps.