DOJ officially requires Waste Management and Advanced to divest assets in 10 states

The Latest

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  Covering COVID-19's evolving impact on the waste and recycling sector

  The coronavirus pandemic has brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry that has continued its work throughout the crisis. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's original reporting here.

  UPDATED: Oct. 12, 2020 at 9:23 a.m.

  Corporate

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  Deep Dive

  'We can never get to zero': Organics recyclers face hard choices in responding to PFAS contamination

  Composting and biosolids stakeholders worry regulations will decimate their industry, while environmental and health groups say action is critical.

  Corporate

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  Deep Dive

  Burning 'forever chemicals' emerges as industry flash point

  Sending PFAS to incinerators is drawing lawmaker scrutiny and public outcry, but some experts say it may be the only realistic solution.

  Corporate

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  Deep Dive

  Toxic PFAS waste that lasts 'forever' poses financial, logistical challenges for landfills

  Some worry PFAS could have National Sword-level implications for landfills. Stakeholders are aiming to avoid blame for contamination, while seeking out solutions to address the mounting crisis.

  Corporate

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  EPA expands coal ash storage options for utilities in move NGOs say violates DC Circuit ruling

  The power industry says the rule is based on a record EPA has built since 2015, and will apply to only a narrow subset of facilities.

  Landfill

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  Coronavirus continues to disrupt waste and recycling service around US

  Philadelphia's Streets Department commissioner weighs in on hazard pay, an Alabama city resumes curbside recycling, an Illinois city's program is paused by an outbreak, pandemic litter is on the rise and more.

  UPDATED: Oct. 21, 2020 at 9:36 a.m.

  Corporate

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  Casella receives expansion approval for New Hampshire landfill facing lawsuit

  The company can now expand its North Country Environmental Services solid waste landfill in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. That site is dealing with ongoing litigation related to the Clean Water Act. 

  Corporate

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  Waste Management updates sustainability plan with 2025 targets focused on climate

  Existing 2038 sustainability goals haven't changed, but executives recognized the need for more near-term progress. Procuring more renewable energy and reducing recycling contamination are among the newly announced priorities.

  UPDATED: Oct. 15, 2020 at 12:38 p.m.

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  Caps and pumps: Johnson & Johnson's packaging changes put it on the path to a circular supply chain

  J&J's Healthy Lives Mission includes conversion to 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic, and recycled paper and pulp-based materials by 2025.

  UPDATED: Oct. 16, 2020 at 1:15 p.m.

  Recycling

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  Texas conference highlights growing PFAS, environmental justice concerns

  Speakers at the 2020 Texas Recycling and Composting Summit covered PFAS contamination in biosolids, a state market development study, racial issues in the industry and more.

  Collections & Transfer

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  City sanitation workers across the country seek hazard pay, looking to federal relief funds for help

  With no end in sight to the pandemic, municipal sanitation workers in Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities are asking for better compensation. Successful efforts in multiple Virginia cities offer a possible model to follow.

  Collections & Transfer

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  Developing stories on PFAS, the 'forever chemicals' looming large for the waste industry

  Figuring out how to mitigate contamination at waste sites and safely dispose of the chemicals is a rapidly evolving issue. Follow Waste Dive's coverage as this debate unfolds.

  UPDATED: Oct. 19, 2020 at 9:38 a.m.

  Landfill

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  Recycling policy landscape shifts as major groups float disposal surcharges, packaging fees

  Recycling Partnership and American Chemistry Council plans are the latest ideas for new funding. The National Waste & Recycling Association critiqued disposal charges but now supports recycled content mandates.

  Corporate

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  Mack advances toward electric truck production, Republic Services among first customers

  The manufacturer recently handed off pre-production LR Electric models to Republic and New York's Department of Sanitation after initial tests. Production will begin in 2021, as multiple competitors look to gain market share.

  Corporate

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  Plastic processors moving ahead on polystyrene recycling plant in Illinois

  The 100-ton-per-day plant will incorporate Agilyx's depolymerization technology, in partnership with multiple plastics producers. New CEO Tim Stedman said this project is part of a shift in the company's business model.

  Corporate

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  How many curbside recycling programs have been cut?

  Waste Dive's running tally of an estimated 100 cancellations or suspensions includes news of a program return in Maine and further confirmation of a pause in Louisiana.

  UPDATED: Oct. 7, 2020 at 10:39 a.m.

  Collections & Transfer

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  New guidelines aim to address labeling confusion for compostable packaging

  The Biodegradable Products Institute will offer manufacturers input on labeling and identification strategies — addressing a long-running problem for organics diversion and an uptick in legislative attention.

  Organics

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  Tracking the future of US recycling policy in Congress

  The Hill has seen a historic influx of recycling-related bills, ranging from infrastructure funding to major policy changes. The Save Our Seas Act 2.0 has gained the most traction, following passage by the House in early October.

  UPDATED: Oct. 5, 2020 at 8:54 a.m.

  Collections & Transfer

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  Waste Management plans to appeal Oregon landfill expansion denial

  The Riverbend Landfill expansion was denied in a 2-1 vote by county officials in August. Commissioners pointed to pollution concerns and the site's location in a seismically active floodplain as reasons for their decision. 

  UPDATED: Oct. 1, 2020 at 11:21 a.m.

  Corporate

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  GFL Environmental closes $1.2B WCA Waste acquisition, now in 27 states

  The news comes shortly after approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. CEO Patrick Dovigi said this purchase from Macquarie, and pending divestitures from Waste Management, were key drivers behind a recent IPO.

  UPDATED: Oct. 1, 2020 at 10:17 a.m.

  Corporate

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  Reloop launches North American division to shake up circular economy policy progress

  Elizabeth Balkan, formerly of the Natural Resources Defense Council and New York's Department of Sanitation, is leading the global platform's effort to support changes around packaging and recycling at all levels of government.

  Corporate

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  City budget crunch could present textile recycling's moment to grow

  Boston paused curbside textile plans, but Philadelphia recently launched a pilot and recyclers see the potential to do even more. Now, they just need fragile end markets for used clothing to hold up.

  Collections & Transfer

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  Shreveport, Louisiana contract impasse and MRF closure pauses multiple recycling programs

  The city could become one of the nation's largest to lose curbside recycling service following failed negotiations with Pratt Industries and Republic Services. Some Waste Management operations in Texas are also affected.

  Corporate

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  New Jersey passes sweeping bill limiting carryout bags, polystyrene foam and straws

  The bill has been described as one of the strictest state bills of its kind in the country, and the only one to target paper bags. Trade groups are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to veto the legislation, but he is expected to sign it.

  Corporate

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  California governor signs nation's first recycled content requirement for plastic beverage containers

  Containers will need to have 50% recycled content by 2030, a standard described as among the world's most aggressive. This comes after another major packaging bill did not pass during this year's legislative session.

  UPDATED: Sept. 25, 2020 at 9:41 a.m.

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