Jacob Shepherd, P.E.
Legislative Liaison – SWANA Mid-Atlantic Chapter / Project Manager – SCS Engineers
jshepherd@scsengineers.com
SWANA UPDATES
SWANA Releases New ARF Report on Horizontal Landfill Gas Collection Systems
The SWANA Applied Research Foundation (ARF) released a new report titled Horizontal Landfill Gas Collection Systems. This report provides updated guidance to assist solid waste professionals in designing, installing, and operating horizontal landfill gas (LFG) collection systems. Developed with input from SWANA’s ARF Disposal Group and the Landfill Gas and Biogas Technical Division, the report reflects the latest industry knowledge and practical field experience, addressing a growing need for effective interim and early-stage gas collection strategies in modern landfill operations.
Horizontal LFG collection systems are commonly used during active landfill filling to capture gas before vertical wells can be installed. The report highlights how these systems can support earlier emissions control, improve operational flexibility, and complement conventional gas collection approaches. In addition to design guidance, the publication examines the advantages and limitations of horizontal systems. While they can be deployed quickly and provide cost-effective emissions control, they may face challenges related to liquid accumulation, operational lifespan, and long-term performance compared to vertical wells
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Federal
The 119th Congress is currently in session. Bills related to solid waste or recycling currently include:
S.351 – STEWARD Act of 2025 (Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development) – Establishes a pilot program to improve recycling accessibility and require the EPA to collect and disseminate data on recycling and composting programs in the U.S. Passed Senate, awaiting House Consideration.
HR.1918/S.897 – Farewell to Foam Act – Would prohibit the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene food service ware, expanded polystyrene loose fill, and expanded polystyrene coolers. Referred to committees.
HR.2145 – Recycling and Accessibility Act of 2025 – Establishes a pilot grant program to improve recycling accessibility, with a focus on underserved communities via a hub-and-spoke model. Passed committee, will be sent to full chamber.
HR.4109 – Recycling and Composting Accountability Act – Would require the EPA to improve domestic recycling and composting programs. Passed subcommittee, sent to full committee.
H.R.4466 – Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act – Bipartisan bill that would establish investment tax credits to strengthen national recycling infrastructure and bolster domestic manufacturing. The tax credit would start at 30 percent and would be phased out over 10 years, with local municipalities receiving a direct rebate. Referred to committee.
HR.6566 – Recycling Technology Innovation Act – Would regulate chemical recycling as manufacturing processes instead of waste management or waste incineration, which would decrease regulatory requirements.
HR.6832 – Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act – Would amend the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act to require standards for the chasing-arrows label on packaging, including third-party certification.
HR.7567 – Farm, Food, and National Security Act (Farm Bill) – Reauthorizes the 2018 Farm Bill through FY2031 with certain amendments, one of which being the designation of composting as a conservation practice, opening the door to potential expanded federal benefits for composting. Passed House, awaiting introduction in Senate.
Judiciary
[From Packaging Dive] A U.S. District Court judge issued an injunction against a California law that would prohibit the use of chasing arrows or other recyclability symbols on products and packaging unless specific criteria are met, including that a product or packaging is accepted for collection by programs collectively serving at least 60% of the state’s population. Originally passed in 2021, the law is scheduled to take effect on October 4. The lawsuit was filed in March of this year. While this is a California state law, judicial action may affect future laws related to labeling for recyclability outside of California. Additionally, due to the economic influence of California and because packaging producers often operate in multiple states, if allowed to move forward, this law will have impacts to packaging outside of California.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA Proposes Ending DEF Derates
[From Waste Dive] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is looking to revise portions of its 2023 heavy-duty nitrogen oxide regulations, including eliminating diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)-related engine derates and vehicle speed restrictions on newly manufactured trucks, according to a July 9 press release. The proposal would also scale back emissions warranty requirements, delay implementation of certain regulatory useful life provisions and establish temporary nonconformance penalties for certain heavy-duty diesel engines that cannot meet new NOx standards. If finalized, the EPA estimates the new rule would save truckers $12 billion and reduce the cost of new trucks by up to $6,000 per vehicle.
Under current regulations, trucks experiencing emissions-system failures can be programmed to reduce engine power or speed until repairs are completed. Fleets have long argued that sensor failures and other DEF-related issues can sideline otherwise operational trucks, resulting in costly downtime. Under the EPA’s proposal, new trucks would no longer be required to derate because of emissions-system failures. Instead, drivers would receive warning notifications, allowing them to continue operating the vehicle until repairs can be made.
Maryland Legislative/News
The 449th legislative session convened on January 14, 2026 and adjourned on April 13, 2026. No updates.
Delaware Legislative/News
The 153rd legislative session re-convened on January 13, 2026 and adjourned on June 30, 2026. Bills related to solid waste, recycling, and composting considered during the session included:
HB235 – Act to Amend Title 3 of the Delaware Code Relating to Composting – Not passed
SB130 (SS1) – Act to Amend Title 7 of the Delaware Code Relating to Expanded Polystyrene Foam Products – Not passed
District of Columbia Legislative/News
The D.C. Council is in its 26th council period through 2026. Bills related to solid waste and recycling include:
B26-0058 – Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act of 2025 – In Committee
News Updates
EPA to formally rescind certain PFAS drinking water regulations – Waste Dive – May 19, 2026
House advances Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act – Resource Recycling – May 21, 2026
The Conscience of the City, On the Life of a Garbageman – Harpers Magazine – June 2026
Maryland recyclers eye potential economic boosts – Waste Dive – June 3, 2026
From Surface Scans to Satellites: Mitigating Legal Risk as States Rewrite Landfill Methane Regulations – Waste Advantage – June 4, 2026
EPA recycling education grantees get creative with campaigns around the country – Waste Dive – June 10, 2026
Senate releases farm bill draft omitting some food waste provisions – Waste Dive – June 24, 2026
Garrett County, MD Solid Waste & Recycling Partners with PaintCare – Waste Advantage – June 30, 2026
In the garbage wars, West Virginia gave counties a say. Data center opponents say they deserve one, too – WV News – July 3, 2026
Waste Connections to build PFAS treatment plant in North Carolina – Waste Dive – July 7, 2026
DC ‘bottle bill’: Costs, recycling and what worries a business owner – NBC4 Washington – July 10, 2026
Annapolis Selected to Receive $4 Million EPA Brownfield Grant – Spa Creek Conservancy – July 13, 2026
SWANA Legislative and Advocacy Contacts:
Jacob Shepherd, P.E. – SWANA Mid-Atlantic Legislative Liaison – jshepherd@scsengineers.com – (571) 353-2025
Kristyn Oldendorf – SWANA (National) Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications – koldendorf@swana.org – (240) 494-2237