Advocacy Updates: Federal & International Policy Developments Impacting Our Industry

Recent regulatory actions and policy proposals across the United States and Canada highlight the evolving landscape facing the waste and resource management industry and underscore the importance of informed, practical advocacy.

Read more to get up-to-speed on the latest updates that may impact your operations.

US EPA Seeks Comments: Proposed Rule on ACI

The U.S. the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment through May 4 on a proposed rule affecting air curtain incinerators (ACI) that burn only wood waste, yard waste, and clean lumber. The proposal would allow these units to operate without a Title V permit unless they are located at a facility that otherwise requires one and includes a provision to allow commercial and industrial solid waste incineration (CISWI) units to operate on a temporary basis during disaster recovery to burn non‑hazardous waste. SWANA is reviewing the proposal and encourages members to stay engaged in the comment process.

US EPA Final Regulations: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Standards

The US EPA released final regulations updating its Standards of Performance for Large Municipal Waste Combustors, including emission guidelines for existing sources as part of a voluntary remand response and five‑year review. SWANA previously submitted comments on the proposed rule and continues to monitor implementation. Additional details are available through the EPA’s fact sheet and Regulatory Impact Analysis.

US EPA Seeks Comments: Proposed Rule on Scrap Tire Pile Cleanup

The US EPA is seeking public comment until May 22 to address scrap tire pile cleanup. The agency is proposing a rule to classify abandoned scrap tires burned in cement kilns as a non‑waste fuel and to expand the definition of an “established tire collection program” to include efforts that recover abandoned scrap tires. SWANA says this proposal could have implications for tire management, cleanup programs, and beneficial use pathways.

US DOT Final Rule Amending Non-Domiciled CDLs

On the transportation front, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) finalized a rule amending regulations for state driver’s licensing agencies (SDLAs) issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) to foreign‑domiciled individuals. The rule restricts certain non‑domiciled drivers from holding or renewing a CDL, a change with potential workforce and operational impacts for the industry, according to SWANA. Learn more about the potential impact in this article by Waste Dive.

Canada’s Federal Plastics Registry Information Gathering

The Environment and Climate Change Canada released updated guidance on the Federal Plastics Registry for reporting years 2024-2026 and signaled its intent to continue information‑gathering activities through 2029. Producers of packaging, electronics and electrical equipment, and single-use or disposable plastics for residential waste stream must continue to report.

In addition, a Notice of Intent was issued, stating that the Minister of the Environment is committed to publishing a new Notice to continue information gathering for the Federal Plastics Registry in 2027- 2029. Stakeholders are invited to participate in consultations on the next reporting notice by contacting the agency directly at RFP-FPR@ec.gc.ca.

SWANA Joins Coalition Letter to FTC on Green Guides Update

SWANA joined a coalition letter urging the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prioritize updating its Green Guides, which provide guidance on environmental marketing claims. The Guides have not been updated since 2012, despite significant changes in state regulations, packaging design, and environmental claims. SWANA previously submitted comments in April 2023 and continues to advocate for clear, timely guidance that supports accurate and transparent environmental communications.

Get Involved in SWANA Advocacy

SWANA remains committed to monitoring these developments, engaging with regulators, and advocating for policies that are practical, science‑based, and supportive of essential waste and resource management services. To get more involved in SWANA advocacy efforts that benefit the entire industry, consider joining SWANA as a member or volunteering on the SWANA Core Advocacy Group by emailing koldendorf@swana.org.