The Latest
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Tracking the waste and recycling industry’s M&A boom
Whitecap Waste has acquired another West Virginia hauler, part of a broader regional growth strategy. Plus, learn about recent deals involving Universal Waste Systems, Synagro, Pro Disposal, Republic Services and others.
Updated Aug. 5, 2022 -
Q2 recycling report: Commodity price peak may have subsided, MRF upgrades an ongoing priority
Follow the latest insights about market trends and investment priorities from executives at WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems.
Updated Aug. 5, 2022 -
Waste Connections expects to acquire at least $470M in revenue this year, pricing drives Q2 results
CEO Worthing Jackman previewed what he estimates will be “double-digit revenue growth in 2023” due to further M&A activity, solid waste pricing increases and revenues from E&P waste services.
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Q2 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies
Catch up on the latest round of financial results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors and Stericycle.
Updated Aug. 5, 2022 -
Clean Harbors says industrial reshoring is helping waste pipeline, reports Georgia acquisition
The environmental services company saw significant growth in its latest results, touting signs it thinks will continue in the months ahead. During their earnings call, executives also discussed capacity expansion, PFAS and ESG impacts.
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Sprite shifting from green to clear bottles to boost recycling
Coca-Cola, which is also moving to 100% recycled plastic Dasani bottles in North America, says it aims to support a circular packaging economy.
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Tracking the future of US recycling policy in Congress
The Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act now includes provisions to limit school food waste and expand food donation efforts. Two bipartisan recycling and composting bills also recently passed the Senate.
Updated Aug. 3, 2022 -
Biogas included in investment tax credit provisions of Inflation Reduction Act
The language, part of $369 billion in climate provisions, could apply to landfill gas projects as well as anaerobic digesters. Proponents have long called for more parity with credits given to other renewables, like wind and solar.
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Appeals court sends Browning-Ferris joint employer orders back to NLRB
The ruling comes as the agency reportedly is preparing new joint employment regulations. The original case relates back to organizing efforts led by temporary workers at a Republic Services subsidiary’s MRF in California.
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Senate passes bills for recycling data collection, rural infrastructure grants
The bipartisan Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2022 and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act have garnered support from multiple waste and recycling organizations.
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Casella hits $1B in annual revenue, updates guidance for second time this year
CEO John Casella attributed the “best quarter in company history” to pricing programs that covered cost inflation and growth from 11 acquisitions this year. Recycling and disposal capacity projects are also progressing.
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Houston residents welcome DOJ environmental justice investigation but say more work is needed
Activists say the EJ investigation is a “step in the right direction” but doesn’t get to the heart of other systemic issues, such as their concerns on landfill expansions being ignored.
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GFL Environmental largely overcomes inflation through pricing and fuel charges, raises 2022 revenue guidance
Executives outlined ongoing efforts to recover direct fuel costs, similar to existing programs by major competitors, and shared an updated outlook on acquisition strategy given the inflationary environment.
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WIN Waste Innovations buys Ohio hauler, creating platform for further regional expansion
Following WIN’s purchase of Waste Away Systems, CEO Robert Boucher says more Ohio acquisitions are likely as the Northeast company looks to expand its collection footprint and internalize volumes at two landfills in the state.
Updated July 28, 2022 -
Senate passes CHIPS bill, sparking hope microchip production will help waste equipment supply chain issues
The bill could strengthen availability of microchips, making it easier to source new trucks and equipment, supporters say. Language from a prior bill that would have banned e-scrap exports was not included.
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WM raises 2022 guidance, plans to restart notable M&A spending
CEO Jim Fish said during the company’s July 27 earnings call that even if an economic slowdown occurs, WM is well-positioned to gain market share. New investments in RNG projects and MRF automation are also progressing.
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Oregon's EPR for packaging law committee begins detailed implementation process
Oregon DEQ’s rulemaking advisory committee is just part of the multi-year process to fully implement its EPR law, which also calls for changes to local recycling programs and standardizing recycling collection lists.
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Connecticut's MIRA WTE facility finally closes, leaving many questions about regional capacity
The aging facility was handling 720,000 tons per year of waste, much of which is now getting landfilled. A legislative task force is assessing what comes next for the authority that operated it for decades.
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Deep Dive
Can carbon capture make incinerators a net-zero solution? European operators aim to find out.
Climate goals are inspiring European operators to explore new technologies for their emissions, yet the environmental and financial outcomes remain to be seen. Skeptics say reduction, reuse and recycling are still the best options.
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SWEEP sustainability standard pilot moving forward after pandemic slowdowns
Numerous companies and municipalities in the pilot are about halfway through their certification process. There’s flexibility in the work-at-your-own-pace model, but COVID-19 and staff turnover have slowed progress.
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Gartner: CFOs likely to reduce sustainability spend before talent development, tech
Economic pressures could lead chief financial officers to cut down on investments in sustainability despite a growing executive focus on ESG, Gartner finds.
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Houston under DOJ investigation for alleged environmental justice violations around illegal dumping
Latino and Black residents say the city ignored repeated calls to clean up illegal dumping in their area. The DOJ investigation is notable for its rare focus on a municipal solid waste department, but the city calls the accusations “baseless.”
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Recology SF corruption investigation
Former Recology employee indicted for alleged San Francisco bribery, following prior charges
John Porter, formerly vice president and manager of the company’s San Francisco group, was previously charged for an alleged role in directing more than $1 million in benefits to a city official in exchange for favorable treatment.
Updated July 25, 2022 -
Q&A
Vanguard Renewables CEO on $700M sale to BlackRock, digester expansion and landfill competition
Neil Smith, who joined Vanguard after leading an energy company during a similar period of expansion, breaks down what the sale means for the company’s efforts to launch dozens of RNG-producing facilities.
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New York seeks feedback on regulations to limit landfill expansion, update organics diversion law
Proposed changes are meant to clarify existing solid waste laws and make progress toward the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goal. The Department of Environmental Conservation will accept comments through Aug. 24.