The U.S. waste industry spent a record amount of money lobbying the federal government in 2025, according to federal data. This surge comes amid continued industry consolidation and growing interest in national policy debates, particularly around tax credits and other key priorities.
According to data compiled by OpenSecrets, spending by public and private entities involved in waste, recycling, and wastewater activities exceeded $6.5 million in 2025. This figure surpasses the previous peak in 2009 and is more than double the amount spent in 2019. Leading spenders were primarily large solid waste companies.
Major Players
Among the nation’s largest waste and recycling companies, eight out of ten reported significant lobbying expenditures: WM, Republic Services, Stericycle, Waste Connections, Clean Harbors, Enviri, Radius Recycling, and Recology.
Key Lobbying Priorities:
• PFAS disposal and liability issues
• Waste-to-energy policies
• Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) incentives
• Alternative fuel tax credit extensions
• Recycling regulations
• Site remediation and Superfund program funding
• Greenhouse gas and methane rules
WM and Republic Services both declined to comment. WM highlighted priorities including waste-to-energy, PFAS, alternative fuel tax credits, and general recycling issues. Republic Services focused on energy and water appropriations, hazardous waste, and site remediation funding.
Recology, the only major company that responded to requests for comment, noted that the policy environment has shifted toward “liability, compliance, and regulatory certainty.” The company is placing greater emphasis on PFAS regulatory exposure and adapting to changing congressional priorities.
Industry Consolidation Driving Engagement
As the waste industry has consolidated, companies have grown from local and regional operators into national players. This shift has increased their interest in federal policy, which can significantly impact their bottom line. Publicly traded waste companies’ share of U.S. waste revenue grew from 41.2% in 1992 to 64.8% in 2024.
Industry groups such as the Recycled Materials Association and the National Waste & Recycling Association have also stepped up engagement with Capitol Hill to shape narratives around recycling and waste management.
Outlook
2025 marked a year in which the waste industry made its voice heard more strongly in Washington. With ongoing regulatory scrutiny around PFAS, methane emissions, and tax policy, this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
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