How the coronavirus is disrupting US waste and recycling

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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 deemed essential and continuing its work. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's original reporting here.

  UPDATED: May 21, 2020 at 11:01 a.m.

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  Pandemic exacerbates UBC recycling issues, following aluminum market decline

  Pricing had been depressed since last year due to a variety of global factors. Now, suspensions of some container redemption and curbside recycling programs are further complicating supply issues.

  Collections & Transfer

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  How much top waste CEOs, and their median employees, earned in 2019

  Recent proxy filings detail the rising, multimillion-dollar figures paid to the CEOs of Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Covanta and Casella Waste Systems.

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  Stericycle and Covanta report medical waste volumes down despite initial coronavirus concerns

  Even as COVID-19 waste ramped up, prompting concerns about China-like levels, public companies largely saw a decrease in overall volume following the cancellation of elective procedures and other effects.

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  Waste Management resumes all California MRF operations after COVID-19 concerns

  Waste Management previously sent force majeure letters to municipal customers warning of potential issues during the pandemic. Other companies were also making changes that could temporarily disrupt residential recycling.

  UPDATED: May 19, 2020 at 11:48 a.m.

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  Controversy over incinerator-linked PFAS in New York draws scrutiny from federal lawmakers

  Testing done near a Norlite facility in New York indicates incineration of PFAS may be spreading the toxic chemicals. Sen. Chuck Schumer has asked two federal agencies to launch a probe amid broader federal scrutiny.

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  Deep Dive

  Carton manufacturers invested big in attaining 'recyclable' status, but can they sustain it?

  By funding education, sorting technology and end markets, the industry-backed Carton Council earned highly-sought federal recyclability status. Yet some MRFs and governments question if this packaging is worth the effort.

  UPDATED: May 13, 2020 at 3:49 p.m.

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  5 key pandemic trends from the solid waste industry's Q1 earnings reports

  Results are in for seven publicly-traded North American companies, and it's clear the industry is resilient. But many questions remain about adapting to volume shifts and whether early optimism for economic recovery will bear out.

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  GFL Environmental Q1: Notable Canadian coronavirus effects, ongoing North American expansion

  In its first report since going public, GFL outlined financial effects from the pandemic and optimism for an economic recovery. Executives also previewed future growth plans after starting the year with significant M&A spending.

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  Major waste industry companies highlight coronavirus challenges in Q1 earnings reports

  The economic effects of COVID-19 will be much more prominent in Q2 reports, but early indicators of revenue and volume declines began appearing in March. Companies also reported ongoing pressures on recycling.

  UPDATED: May 13, 2020 at 10:26 a.m.

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  Recycling proponents split on $1B RECOVER Act ask for future pandemic relief package

  Environmental groups have decried the push for additional infrastructure funding as a "plastics bailout." The picture is more complicated when factoring in stances from other trade groups, including the glass and fiber sectors.

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  Waste Connections Q1: Coronavirus cut revenue by $12M, worst effects in Northeast and Canada

  Q2 results will be affected, with April revenues down by 6%, but executives reported early signs of a potential turnaround. While M&A activity has been delayed, multiple deals are still in the works.

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  Waste Management: $40M coronavirus Q1 revenue hit, Advanced Disposal deal progressing

  The company suspended 2020 guidance, repeatedly emphasizing unpredictable conditions. While executives were optimistic about early landfill trends, long-term effects on small business customers were described as "the big unknown."

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  Republic Services reports tough coronavirus effects, but optimistic 'worst is behind us'

  Q1 earnings were positive, but more recent double-digit percentage volume declines from the pandemic shutdown have been difficult. Still, executives reported early signs of recovery and heightened M&A activity.

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  Republic Services confirms acquisition of Santek Waste Services, sizable landfill operator

  The Tennessee-based company, known for its focus on privatizing publicly-owned landfills, has grown into a vertically-integrated player with assets in nine states. The deal would give Republic new capacity in multiple key markets.

  UPDATED: May 6, 2020 at 9:14 a.m.

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  Cleveland landfilling recyclables after unsuccessful second attempt to secure processing contract

  A prior contract expired last month and the city declined to accept a new bid that would have reportedly cost around $200 per ton. The sudden processing suspension caught residents and some local officials by surprise.

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  New York, among nation's hardest hit markets, delays commercial waste zone RFP due to pandemic

  A momentous policy change will have to wait as companies ranging in size from Waste Connections to a local three truck operator report substantial volume declines due to the novel coronavirus.

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  Deep Dive

  Puerto Rico's yearslong debate over WTE continues as the island's landfill issues mount

  After a proposed incinerator project stalled in 2018, the territory's long-term plan remains uncertain as noncompliant landfills are reaching capacity. Meanwhile, recycling programs and waste reduction efforts are still evolving.

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  Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga

  The multi-year fight to pass franchise zone legislation has been tumultuous and complex. Catch up with Waste Dive's ongoing, in-depth coverage.

  UPDATED: May 4, 2020 at 10:55 a.m.

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  How many curbside recycling programs have been cut?

  Waste Dive's running tally of nearly 90 suspensions or cancellations is smaller than some reported figures (and includes revived programs) but continues to grow. New budget pressures from the pandemic could fuel that trend.

  UPDATED: May 20, 2020 at 10:04 a.m.

  Collections & Transfer

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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: April 29, 2020 at 11:01 a.m.

  Collections & Transfer

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  Covanta negotiating with Florida county over first US incinerator expansion in years

  Pasco County commissioners approved initial plans to expand the facility, despite concerns over the potential $525 million cost. County officials deemed the move essential, but some said recycling efforts need improvement.

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  Masks becoming more common for collection workers despite lack of national guidance

  Industry groups are following OSHA's lead and not advising the use of face coverings nationwide yet. In the meantime, more service providers are using them and state or local governments are increasingly issuing policies.

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  With EPR bills frozen due to coronavirus in many states, proponents still see path forward

  The coronavirus has paused activity for high-profile bills focused on packaging, including one with momentum in Maine. Backers believe the current financial strain on local governments makes these policies even more important.

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  Baltimore to appeal federal ruling that struck down incinerator emissions law

  Wheelabrator and other opponents, who argued the policy was intended to force closure of their incinerators, had celebrated the late March decision. Now, Mayor Jack Young has directed the city to appeal and defend its law.

  UPDATED: April 23, 2020 at 10:18 a.m.

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