The Latest
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Waste Connections did nearly $838M in 2019 acquisitions, sees 'long runway' ahead
While some analysts wonder if certain fall election results could change the M&A landscape, CEO Worthing Jackman said he sees billions worth of useful assets left to buy for years to come regardless.
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Republic Services sees 'momentum shift' around recycling contracts, plans solar investment
A multiyear effort to rework municipal recycling contracts is paying off, with hundreds now at higher pricing. The company also reported $526 million in M&A and ongoing overall price improvements.
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GFL Environmental spends millions to settle issues at Waste Industries landfills
Since acquiring the North Carolina-based company, GFL has had to assume responsibility for ongoing issues at sites in at least three southern states.
UPDATED: Feb. 13, 2020 at 1:14 p.m. -
EPA proposes yet another cut to waste minimization and recycling budget
The Trump administration's proposed budget would add new grant programs, but significantly shrink sustainable materials management funding. This comes as the agency insists it remains committed to strengthening national systems.
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Tracking the future of US recycling policy in Congress
Spurred by market challenges, the Hill has seen a historic influx of big bills. Keep up on all the latest developments with our legislative tracker.
UPDATED: Feb. 12, 2020 at 3:03 p.m. -
Phoenix City Council preserves curbside recycling with rate increase
The city, viewed as a model for circular economy efforts, had run into financial challenges due to a turbulent recycling market and growing population. This will be its first residential rate increase since 2009.
UPDATED: Feb. 12, 2020 at 3:11 p.m. -
The quickly disappearing corrugated box: How packaging is changing
Manufacturers set their sights on packaging as a means to reduce waste, improve sustainability and lower shipping costs.
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Vermont finds PFAS in 95% of waste samples, as states increase landfill scrutiny
The report analyzed material from landfills, transfer stations and wastewater treatment plants — including some Casella Waste Systems sites. While state officials assert the "forever chemicals" are largely contained, pressure continues to rise.
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Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act debuts in Congress, instigating packaging EPR debate
The bill would also establish a national container deposit system, ban single-use plastic products and set recycled content requirements. Staunch opposition is expected from some recycling and plastics trade groups.
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Maine packaging EPR bill, a national bellwether, could reshape municipal funding
The newly introduced bill will kick off a complex debate around whether producers should help pay recycling and disposal costs. The proposed model would be similar to one shaped in Québec, Canada.
UPDATED: Feb. 12, 2020 at 10:25 a.m. -
National EPR campaign kicks off with anti-plastic film screening, activist support
Rep. Alan Lowenthal, sponsor of the upcoming Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, rallied activists around the bill at a Washington event. The film teases out likely divides between industry and advocacy groups.
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Congress ramps up scrutiny on recycling amid renewed calls for federal help
During Wednesday's House subcommittee on "challenges and opportunities" facing recycling, lawmakers hashed out questions about the EPA's authority, EPR policy, municipal funding and more.
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Cascade breaks ranks with other cart manufacturers by adding 10% PCR plastic
Waste Management will be its first customer — as well as the company collecting the necessary curbside materials from residential customers – but municipalities are also looking to purchase the new "EcoCart."
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Deep DiveHow the REMADE Institute hopes to reshape manufacturing with recycling in mind
Grand plans of recyclability and reuse often fall short of real-life implementation. REMADE wants to close that gap, and quickly, with industry input along the way.
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Republic Services acquires Massachusetts C&D processor with rail transfer access
Devens Recycling, permitted for up to 1,500 tons per day of C&D and MSW, is among the largest of its kind in a capacity-constrained region. The deal is expected to open up valuable internalization opportunities.
UPDATED: Feb. 14, 2020 at 9:41 a.m. -
Pennsylvania county appeals DEP approval of new landfill on brownfield site
Pennsylvania is among the most landfill-friendly states, but some community members are increasingly skeptical. Commissioners in Clearfield County are now pushing back on the Camp Hope Run proposal from PA Waste.
UPDATED: Feb. 5, 2020 at 10:13 a.m. -
Baltimore stays air pollution law pending resolution of Wheelabrator lawsuit
Wheelabrator and other opponents argue the law is intended to force closure of their incinerators. In a sign of potential national significance, a Covanta-affiliated group of 11 other local governments has also filed an amicus brief.
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GFL Environmental closes $380M acquisition of Michigan-based American Waste
The deal will expand GFL's presence into northern Michigan with a landfill, MRF, C&D recycling facility, collection fleet and other assets.
UPDATED: Feb. 4, 2020 at 9:38 a.m. -
Waste Management CEO projects fleet could be 75% CNG in 2021
The company is leaning into CNG much more than any of its large competitors as part of a greenhouse gas emission "offset" target, and is not making any public commitments yet on electric vehicles.
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Plastic bag group rebrands, sets new recycled content goals amid anti-plastics legislative push
The American Progressive Bag Alliance is now the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance and aims for 20% recycled content by 2025. Anti-plastics groups remain skeptical.
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California Senate votes against EPR changes for struggling bottle bill
Beverage distributors would have been required to form a product stewardship organization for container collection. The state's container redemption program has experienced mounting financial strain.
UPDATED: Jan. 31, 2020 at 8:56 a.m. -
Florida legislature advances third attempt at curbside recycling contamination bill
Under the industry-backed legislation, municipal contracts with haulers or MRFs would have to include specific contamination-related elements required by the state.
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Deep Dive2020 could be the year of legislative boom – or bust – for national recycling policy
An influx of legislation in Congress aims to tackle problems facing the recycling industry amid rising public attention. The bills range widely in their industry backers and odds of success.
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Los Angeles commits to 100% electric sanitation fleet by 2035. Other cities aren't ready to follow
LASAN Director Enrique Zaldivar pledged to procure only electric vehicles in two years and gradually convert the fleet. While the market continues to evolve, adoption is far from widespread.
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Waste Management and Advanced Disposal working toward multi-state divestiture plan
Following ongoing Department of Justice dialogue, a package of potential divestiture assets is circulating that could clear the $4.9 billion transaction for antitrust approval. Many view multiple buyers as increasingly likely.
UPDATED: Jan. 28, 2020 at 1:28 p.m.
