The Latest
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COVID-19 puts BYO coffee cups on hold, but sanitized reusable systems could fill the void
Major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin' have banned the use of personal to-go containers in recent weeks over coronavirus fears, raising new questions in a wider debate around packaging safety.
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Elizabeth Regan
Oregon DEQ calls for emphasis on 'low-impact' materials, not 'recyclable'
As highlighted in a recent Northeast Recycling Council webinar, research shows that a recyclable product isn’t always the one that creates less waste or uses fewer valuable resources.
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The image by Lionel Allorge is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Food waste impacts emerging as coronavirus shifts life from commercial to residential
The normal supply chain for excess food has been upended due to an economic freeze keeping people home in many parts of the country. ReFED and others are tracking the issue, helping ongoing food recovery efforts continue.
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At least 8 states suspend bottle bill requirements during coronavirus pandemic
Pressure on overwhelmed grocery stores and ongoing concerns about the transmission of COVID-19 via recyclables are key issues. Additional changes may be coming in the remaining two states with bottle bills.
UPDATED: March 25, 2020 at 3:01 p.m. -
Getty Images
OSHA: Treat municipal waste and recycling with possible COVID-19 contamination normally
The federal workplace safety regulator's previous guidance said any municipal solid waste with coronavirus connections should be treated as regulated medical waste, sparking concerns throughout the industry. NWRA and SWANA pushed for the change.
UPDATED: March 20, 2020 at 1:29 p.m. -
Retrieved from Abbott, PRNewswire on March 19, 2020
Stericycle: Medical waste volumes from COVID-19 not as high as Ebola so far
Medical waste companies are seeking a uniform approach as the industry braces for coronavirus waste impact. NWRA, Stericycle and others are warning against "overclassifying" coronavirus waste as medical waste as part of that effort.
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National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). "Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" [Microscope image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49565158908/in/album-72157713108522106/.
Coronavirus poses multiple safety risks for waste and recycling workers
Concerns persist about infection exposure while social distancing requirements are changing how collection routes and MRFs are operated. Labor unions are calling for answers around paid leave policies.
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Municipalities suspend recycling due to coronavirus impact on prison labor, broader safety concerns
Several areas across the country have temporarily cut programs as the pandemic ramps up, citing COVID-19 safety fears and dwindling availability of incarcerated workers at MRFs.
UPDATED: March 19, 2020 at 10:04 a.m. -
Waste Management reports Advanced Disposal acquisition delayed until Q2
The two companies have been working toward federal antitrust approval for many months, with a multi-state divestiture package close to finalized, but COVID-19 is now cited as a delaying factor.
UPDATED: March 18, 2020 at 10:04 a.m. -
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). "Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2" [Microscope image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/nihgov/49535193876/in/album-72157713108522106/.
Medical waste companies preparing for potentially elevated volumes as coronavirus concerns accelerate
China has seen staggering amounts of medical waste. It is unclear if U.S. impacts might be similar, but companies such as Veolia North America and Stericycle are closely monitoring new developments.
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Boise, Idaho plastics recycling program delay prompts search for alternatives
The coronavirus outbreak prompted delays in equipment upgrades at Renewlogy's Utah facility that are necessary to continue the Hefty EnergyBag program.
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New York City Council outlines big plans for curbside organics, textiles and EPR
A new agenda calls for the expansion of curbside residential organics collection citywide, along with more than a dozen other policies, to accelerate progress toward "zero waste" by 2030. Mention of a "save-as-you-throw" program is notably absent.
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Cole Rosengren
GFL Environmental paid more than $15M to settle Waste Industries landfill suit in Tennessee
A local official called the settlement over the Decatur County landfill "significant," not only for its dollar amount but also for the scope of agreements the company made around operational changes.
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CDC/C.S. Goldsmith and A. Tamin. (2019). "Transmission electron microscopic image of an isolate from the first U.S. case of COVID-19". Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/images.htm.
Waste companies react to coronavirus and alter travel plans amid uncertain operational effects
Some of the industry's largest companies shared an evolving range of approaches to travel expectations, meeting structures, and operational decisions. Plans for SWANApalooza and ISRI 2020 have been suspended.
UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 12:26 p.m. -
Cole Rosengren/Waste Dive
IPO helps GFL Environmental raise nearly $2.2B, CEO expects to be more 'nimble' for M&A
CEO Patrick Dovigi spoke about finally going public amid market turmoil, future growth strategy and plans for the company's first sustainability report. A new filing indicates the company has since paid down at least $1.2 billion in debt.
UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 9:41 a.m. -
Permission granted by End of Waste Foundation
End of Waste Foundation ramps up glass recycling platform, aims for $10M investment
The unique startup hopes to facilitate recycling for 15,000 tons of glass this year, with a focus on more municipal partnerships. Founder Ionut Georgescu projects that could increase to 500,000 tons next year with new funding.
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U.S. Centers for Disease Control. "CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) test kit". Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/testing.html.
Waste and recycling trade groups issue coronavirus guidance for worker safety
SWANA, NWRA and ISRI do not think there is cause for heightened alarm. Though they emphasized broader caution, at a time when details are changing rapidly and many events are being postponed or canceled.
UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 10:37 a.m. -
New Jersey organics bill awaits governor's signature as opponents still angle for landfill exemption
New Jersey could become the ninth site with a food waste diversion policy, but a multiyear debate over whether landfills with gas capture systems should count as a form of organics recycling is likely to continue.
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Courtesy of Ambrosia
Ambrosia, organics recycler behind food waste-based cleaning product, eyes expansion
The company is still scaling up plans for more processing capacity, but its CEO also now sees potential for a new business line. The concept could gain traction amid rising consumer awareness of food waste, experts say.
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Baltimore council members back goal of 'zero waste' by 2040 amid incinerator litigation
Activists pushing for the closure of Wheelabrator Baltimore are calling for a dramatic turn toward waste reduction and diversion. A majority of council members introduced a resolution Monday in support of that plan.
UPDATED: March 10, 2020 at 10:24 a.m. -
Permission granted by Mack
Electric refuse trucks on the road or on the way in rising number of states
A recent SWANA event in Maine highlighted the presence of BYD, Lion and others in this quickly evolving sector. It was also a reminder that charging infrastructure remains a notable, and potentially expensive, startup factor.
UPDATED: March 9, 2020 at 10:56 a.m. -
House lawmakers debate regulatory role of federal government in plastics and recycling
In a Wednesday hearing, lawmakers formed stances along partisan lines over several pieces of federal recycling legislation. Republicans took a hard line against plastics bans and seemed to scrutinize shifting oversight to the federal government.
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Getty Images
New coalition aims to advance polypropylene recycling despite viability questions
The Recycling Partnership and others are calling for greater investment to capture and sort #5 plastics, and some buyers say they can't get enough. Competing with booming virgin production may make this an expensive proposition.
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"Recycled Mixed Paper Pulp" by Tony Webster is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Waste Management reverses decision to cut mixed paper recycling in 14 Florida cities
Poor markets and high contamination rates in Broward County were cited as the initial rationale. Now, a Waste Management spokesperson tells Waste Dive incineration remains an option for material that can't be salvaged.
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Brian Tucker / Waste Dive
How many curbside recycling programs have been cut?
Waste Dive's running tally of 70-plus suspensions or cancellations is smaller than some reported numbers (and does include revived programs) but still continues to grow. Read the full list here.
UPDATED: March 4, 2020 at 11:31 a.m.
