The GrassRoots Recycling Network had petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia regarding the EPA´s Research, Development and Demonstration Rule for bioreactor landfills, the Solid Waste Association of North America said.

The RD&D rule, which allows states to issue permits to sites conducting research and development at landfills, also was unsuccessfully challenged in the appeals court by the environmental group in November. The GrassRoots Recycling Network previously said it questioned whether federal environmental rules give that much power to individual states.

Both SWANA and the National Solid Wastes Management Association filed court briefs in favor of the rule.

"This recent court action is consistent with SWANA´s position that the EPA´s issuance of the RD&D rule was sound public policy," said SWANA Executive Director and CEO John Skinner.

"The sooner states begin to permit new and proven technologies, the better," said NSWMA President and CEO Bruce Parker.

Bioreactor landfills recirculate liquid to speed the degradation of waste.