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Could better recycling logistics solve EPR challenges?

More flexible collection systems may be a solution to packaging issues — regardless of the regulatory landscape — writes Ryan Smith, CEO and founder of startup Recyclops.

PPRC 2021: What's next for HDPE, PET, OCC and mixed paper markets

Conference speakers predicted mostly favorable near-term demand for commodities due to e-commerce trends and brand commitments. Yet some worried that new PCR laws could put too much pressure on pricing.

Q3 earnings: A complex economic recovery continues, with M&A spending on the rise

Inflation and labor were also cited as notable challenges during recent reports. Catch up on our takeaways from key public companies.

Updated Nov. 4, 2021

Republic Services M&A spending on track to top $1B in 2021, highest in over a decade

The company is also making investments in landfill gas projects and expanding its environmental solutions business as it caps off a quarter that saw some volumes exceed pre-pandemic levels.

Waste Connections acquisitions worth $240M in revenue through Q3, at least $100M more anticipated

The company upped its outlook thanks to economic recovery trends and M&A but reported inflationary pressures. CEO Worthing Jackman also described potential vaccine mandates as a notable labor headwind.

Tracking ESG climate targets from US waste and recycling companies

The latest report from Waste Connections showed an 8% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions during 2020, when volumes were down during the pandemic, and ongoing progress toward all long-term sustainability goals.

Updated Oct. 15, 2021

High aluminum prices, supply chain issues create 'best of times and the worst of times' for recyclers

The light metal has soared out of a slump, with UBC pricing strong and sustainability goals driving demand, yet operators such as Virginia's TFC Recycling say transportation difficulties make it hard to capitalize on that.

Wave of investment just the beginning for EV battery recycling

Within the last month, four lithium-ion battery recyclers saw a collective $255 million worth of investment and another completed a merger. As existing EV batteries age out and new vehicles hit the market, the demand is growing fast.

Waste Management sees path to offset 'acute' inflation, labor turbulence through pricing and automation

The company raised revenue guidance again but faced a challenging quarter. During one recent week an estimated 900 employees were out due to COVID-19 at the same time as volumes increased due to the economic rebound.

Plastic's GHG emissions could outpace those from coal by 2030: report

New research from nonprofit Beyond Plastics takes a critical look at the plastics industry's climate effects, with renewed criticism of chemical recycling. Major plastics trade groups pushed back on the report.

11 CFO tips for riding the rising tide in ESG activism

CFOs eager to steer clear of shareholder activists should publicly embrace sustainability despite flaws in the measurement of best practices.

M&A hit 'historic highs' amid the talent crunch. How are HR teams coping?

Acquiring employers are being asked a key question from their workers, one executive told HR Dive: "Is my company showing up for me?"

Oregon's new landfill methane emissions rules now strictest in the country

Most sites fall under the new state rule, which requires additional monitoring, testing and permitting requirements based on size. The plan goes further than some federal regulations and could serve as a template for other states.

Community engagement is critical to environmental justice progress: NERC conference

Local groups have worked for years to address health, safety and equity issues. Conference participants from the U.S. EPA, New Jersey and reuse centers shared how industry operators can learn from their efforts.

City Haul: A new class of municipal waste leaders emerges

Over half of the 10 largest U.S. cities have new public works, sanitation or solid waste directors since the start of 2020. Positions have evolved during the pandemic and amid shifting trends in technology and public engagement.

EPA's PFAS road map sets 2023 timeline for finalizing hazardous substance designation

The document also offers deadlines for enacting drinking water standards, plus research on other PFAS compounds and disposal methods. Some say the plan isn't moving quickly enough.

Developing stories on PFAS, the 'forever chemicals' looming large for the waste industry

Figuring out how to mitigate contamination and safely dispose of the chemicals is a rapidly evolving issue. Follow Waste Dive's ongoing coverage.

Updated Oct. 19, 2021

Canadian organics programs share lessons learned on policy, plastics and public engagement

The majority of Canadians now have curbside organics recycling. Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax program managers weigh in on their experiences and the insights they've gained over the years.

Macquarie acquiring large stakes in GreenWaste and Zanker in its first California waste deal

GreenWaste and partner company Zanker Recycling's northern California operations include multiple organics recycling facilities. Moody's Investors Service estimates operations are generating $325 million in annual revenue.

Updated Oct. 15, 2021

Republic Services aims to bolster diesel technician pipeline, with eye toward EV training

Addressing worker shortages and offering opportunities to veterans and underserved populations, Republic's Technical Institute trains employees and potential hires to service its current and future vehicle fleet.

Battery recycling firm Li-Cycle nets $100M investment

Amid other developments in the battery recycling market, the investment from a Koch Industries subsidiary will support the Toronto-based company's expansion in North America, Europe and Asia.

Waste Pro execs, on their way to $900M in revenue, outline multiyear Southeast growth strategy

While other family-led operations are selling this year, this Florida-based company says it's here to stay. CEO Sean Jennings and COO Keith Banasiak share their outlook on M&A, labor, municipal relations and more.

Searching for operational insight, MRFs comb data from AI

As recycling technology gets more sophisticated, MRF operators and equipment manufacturers say material characterization data from AI-powered systems may be even more valuable than the labor robots provide.

Anaerobic digestion, nature's recycling engine, must be leveraged as a climate solution

Instead of sustainably managing organic waste, writes Bioenergy Devco CEO Shawn Kreloff, much of the United States is exacerbating the climate crisis by relying on incineration, landfilling and land application.

Rescue funds buoy economic outlooks, but cities eager for infrastructure dollars: NLC report

Many cities lost revenue in FY21, but certain economic and tax changes, plus infusions of direct federal relief, helped them weather the pandemic better than the Great Recession, according to National League of Cities researchers.