The Latest
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Congress makes moves on recycling funding, single-use plastic reduction
A rural recycling infrastructure bill gets a House version, efforts to reduce plastic packaging at the U.S. Capitol move forward, and USAID tackles ocean plastic with new Save Our Seas funding.
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California EPR bill passes state Assembly, final vote must happen immediately
After four years of attempts, this major legislation could finally pass. The bill must now make it through the state Senate and reach the governor’s desk by the end of June to avert a competing plastics ballot measure.
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Tracking the future of US recycling policy in Congress
Catch up on all the bills and actions in Congress this session related to recycling, plastics, food waste and recovery, e-scrap and more with our comprehensive tracker.
Updated June 29, 2022 -
Denver City Council greenlights pay-as-you-throw system for 2023
Officials voted Monday to implement volume-based pricing for trash, expand recycling pickups and provide weekly compost collection at no added cost.
Updated June 28, 2022 -
Tracking ESG climate targets from US waste and recycling companies
Recology recently announced plans to set an emissions reduction target in 2023 and emphasized a shift away from traditional diesel fuel.
Updated June 27, 2022 -
NYC commercial waste reform
As inflation surges, pricing becomes focal point for upcoming New York commercial waste zone system
The city recently approved its first waste rate cap increase since 2018 and added greater weight to pricing proposals for a bid process that will reshape the market. Local stakeholders remain wary about how things will unfold.
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NYC commercial waste reform
Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga
The multiyear push to implement a nonexclusive franchise system has been tumultuous and complex. Follow along with Waste Dive’s in-depth coverage.
Updated June 27, 2022 -
Clock ticking for contentious California EPR bill to avert plastics ballot measure
SB 54 is supported by major recyclers, including Republic Services, but it is drawing opposition from key environmental groups. It must pass by the end of this month to stop an upcoming plastics fee ballot initiative.
Updated June 27, 2022 -
Deep Dive // California's organics experiment
California's local governments grapple with financial and logistical demands of organics recycling law
Regulations weren’t finalized for years, and the pandemic delayed many plans. New state grants worth $180 million will help, but more will be needed to meet this unfunded mandate. Read Part 3 of our series.
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Florida solidifies its status as the nation's waste-to-energy capital with supportive new law
A bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis will establish a unique program to subsidize power purchase agreements and expansion expenses for municipally-owned combustion facilities.
Updated June 22, 2022 -
Opinion
Surveying the corporate-controlled EPR landscape in 2022
Amid new producer responsibility action in states such as Colorado, New York and Hawaii, Neil Seldman of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance weighs in on the best way to approach this policy going forward.
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Where curbside recycling programs have stopped in the US
Starting Wednesday, Santa Rosa County, Florida, is pausing recycling as the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority’s MRF in Pensacola undergoes repairs. Plans are to bring it back online again in August.
Updated June 22, 2022 -
California's high-stakes experiment to cut organic waste disposal 75% by 2025
Waste companies and local governments in the state are making massive investments and operational changes to meet the demands of SB 1383. Explore the implications with our ongoing series.
Updated June 23, 2022 -
Q&A // Environmental justice conversations
University of Maine researchers: Circular economy concepts may be overlooking environmental justice
The circular economy can offer “transformative promises” and potential job creation, but a recent literature review found many reports overlook EJ's role in sustaining such systems.
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How to find packaging materials in a 'perfect storm' of supply chain issues
The supply of corrugated boxes could improve in the next six months, according to Fastmarkets RISI, but other categories may be challenging until 2023.
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EPA aims to disburse $375M in waste and recycling funds from infrastructure bill by spring 2023
Stakeholders have called for the EPA to move quickly on implementing funding from grants and initiatives that the agency says represent its “largest investment in recycling in 30 years.”
Updated June 15, 2022 -
Q&A
WM explains plans to accelerate automation amid a 'war for talent'
With the company potentially phasing out up to 7,000 positions in the next few years, Chief Customer Officer Michael Watson elaborated on efforts to “upskill” employees and seize growth opportunities even in a tight labor market.
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Recycled cotton company Recover raises $100M in funding led by Goldman Sachs
The latest round of funding for a company focused on textile waste speaks to the need for innovation in an industry that creates tons of waste annually.
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Q&A
How Cleveland is restarting curbside recycling after more than 2 years
Curbside service returned Monday. Ren Brumfield, the city’s first recycling coordinator, discussed the new contract with Rumpke, how to measure success, the challenges and opportunities with a total reset, and more.
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Deep Dive // California's organics experiment
Expecting food waste 'tsunami,' California recyclers focus on infrastructure and end markets
As the state rolls out universal organics collection, major companies such as Agromin, Anaergia, GreenWaste Recovery, Recology, Republic Services and WM are expanding to meet demand. Learn more in Part 2 of our series.
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How SEC ESG disclosure rules will impact private companies
The environmental reporting requirements, once they’re finalized, will sweep in a broader range of companies than many general counsel might realize.
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Recology SF corruption investigation
San Francisco voters approve reform measure in wake of Recology corruption scandal
The first major change to the local refuse ordinance in 90 years will update a rate-setting process that resulted in significant overcharges. It could also affect the company’s lock on hauling permits, pending further legislative action.
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Palo Alto, California, amending GreenWaste recycling contract in move to prioritize domestic markets
The update will direct some rigid plastics and mixed paper to domestic processors at a cost of up to $1.2 million after the company had been been unable to prove the materials were responsibly managed once exported.
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Q&A // Environmental justice conversations
How New Jersey's environmental justice law is beginning to affect operators around the country
Environmental lawyer Matthew Karmel offers insight on the law's newly-released draft rule language, plus M&A considerations and tips for navigating EJ risk assessments in any state.
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Gov. Polis signs Colorado's EPR for packaging bill
This is now the third state bill of its kind to pass. The law will create an advisory board with recycler representation and has seen support from certain packaging industry groups.
Updated June 3, 2022