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Stericycle reports challenging Q1, detailing recovery from labor and inflation headwinds

As it saw a decline in pandemic-related waste, Stericycle experienced its most acute period of driver illnesses yet. The company also previewed a new medical waste facility and closed out a $90 million corruption settlement.

Big brands targeted for plastic reduction and refill commitments in 2022 proxy season

Plastics remain a potent issue for shareholder advocacy this year, with commitments already made by companies such as Coca-Cola and votes still pending at Amazon, McDonald's and ExxonMobil.

Environmental justice, including at waste sites, takes center stage at Houston event

As current and former EPA officials called for greater action on environmental justice, the author of seminal research on inequity issues around Houston landfills and incinerators shared how the concept got its start.

OSHA wants to make injury data public, but employers fear a PR nightmare

Employers also could face increased union activity, one employment law attorney said. The proposed regulations are similar to an Obama-era rule that the Trump administration ultimately rescinded.

WM describes 'conservative' approach on M&A, sees strong Q1 price and volume trends

Executives at the industry's top company kicked off earnings season with updates on efforts to offset inflation, reduce head count through automation and focus more on ESG investments than on big acquisitions.

Boston moving forward with curbside composting pilot for 10K subscribers

After years of discussion, the city and its growing zero waste staff intend to announce details next month for an opt-in pilot that will start in 2022.

As reusable takeout container systems expand, logistics questions abound

The pandemic threw startups for a loop, but many are still seeing strong demand. Now, companies and restaurants may have to balance brand identity with a factor that could be most helpful for reusables to succeed — uniformity.

M&A trends, DEI improvements and the future of electronics repair are the talk of NERC conference

At a virtual Northeast Recycling Council event, the DOJ weighed in on its antitrust review process, panelists discussed "rethinking our internal structures" on DEI and electronics repair advocates celebrated state legislative progress.

Updated April 29, 2022

Here comes the sun: OSHA launches new program for heat safety

The agency will inspect the jobsites of over 70 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor settings when the National Weather Service issues a heat warning or advisory for a local area.

CMA CGM tells shippers it won't accept plastic scrap as of April 15

The ocean carrier had committed to not carry plastic scrap on any of its ships by June 1, leaving plastic scrap shippers to find another carrier as of mid-April.

Anheuser-Busch loops in MLB, NFL for in-stadium recycling push

The multi-league coalition will see some teams deploy "recycling hawkers" at games to collect bottles and cans from fans in the stands.

In need of skilled talent, 'clean tech' employers prioritize purpose

"The biggest piece of it is to know the company you're working for," said Sue Wingert, vice president of human resources at RoadRunner Recycling.

EPR legislation not included in final New York state budget despite governor's support

Gov. Kathy Hochul spearheaded the effort to implement producer responsibility for packaging, but it didn't survive budget negotiations. Attention now turns to other pending legislation that would enact various forms of packaging EPR.

Denver sees potential waste, recycling, compost policy overhauls on horizon

The city is set to share a long-awaited "pay-as-you-throw" proposal this spring, while advocates of a separate ballot initiative that would widely expand access to organics and recycling services look ahead to November.

Federal bills advance to improve rural recycling, explore national composting strategy

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works reported both bills favorably on Thursday. Supporters see the bipartisan legislation as a medium-term step to diverting more waste in the U.S.

Updated April 7, 2022

Senate committee again ties on Waterhouse nomination for EPA waste office

The vote is likely to move to the Senate floor despite the tie. The nominee spoke about environmental justice and climate change initiatives at last week's Society of Environmental Journalists conference. 

After years of growing awareness, ReFED director sees a 'rubber-meets-the-road moment' for food waste

The U.S. government's 2030 food loss and waste reduction goal is fast approaching, and food prices are on the rise. Dana Gunders discusses what this all means for ongoing efforts to reduce, recover and recycle wasted food.

Latest UN climate change report highlights urban mitigation strategies, circular materials management

Reducing food waste and increasing plastics recycling and materials reuse all came up as potential strategies, as the world must implement changes more rapidly to alter the course of global warming.

White House credits apprenticeships, outreach for trucker employment gains

Domino's, Frito-Lay, PepsiCo, Albertsons and UPS are among more than 100 employers that have launched programs to improve driver retention since December.

With state landfill capacity dwindling, MassRecycle conference explores recycling remedies

A renewed focus on multifamily housing, legislative "champions" for EPR and more MRF processing capacity could help make a dent in long-term waste capacity issues, virtual conference participants said.

Dramatic expansion potential for waste projects seen by RNG Coalition CEO as climate efforts intensify

RNG projects at North American landfills, anaerobic digesters and other sites are set to grow exponentially in the coming years. Johannes Escudero breaks down what's ahead.

How Republic's investment in secondary plastics processing puts a 'different twist' on vertical integration

It's been less common for haulers and MRF operators to have a further role in the supply chain, but growing postconsumer recycled content demand and other market factors could make the strategy more profitable.

Ongoing bottle bill expansion debates heat up in four states

Massachusetts, Vermont, Iowa and California are among the states debating changes to their container deposit systems, but each bill faces its share of hurdles from stakeholders. 

Is jet fuel from waste finally ready for takeoff?

Multiple projects to create sustainable aviation fuel from waste are underway, including a Fulcrum BioEnergy plant a decade in the making. Questions remain about whether it will be a scalable, viable success for the circular economy.

Companies must venture into 'jungle' of approaches to ESG ratings

CFOs committed to providing sustainability disclosures confront a confusing variety of inconsistent standards and measurements, according to a panel of experts at a recent Economist event.