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Deep Dive

Risk and race concerns fuel ongoing debate around hazard pay during pandemic

Sanitation workers have held numerous strikes and demanded concessions including hazard pay, frequently linking their fight to movements like Black Lives Matter. But the issue remains a contentious one for the waste industry.

Wheelabrator acquires New England hauler as part of vertical integration strategy

Charles George Companies, which has a decades-long history in the region, represents an expansion into collection and recycling operations across two states for the Macquarie-backed waste-to-energy company.

The Recycling Partnership launches polypropylene recycling group with $35M funding target

The nonprofit and others are calling for greater investment to capture and sort #5 plastics, with a new RFP for MRFs to apply for grant funding. Competing with booming virgin production may still make this a challenging proposition.

UPDATED: July 8, 2020 at 12:24 p.m.

House Democrats back EPR, other recycling mandates in new climate plan

The lengthy document from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis endorses legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and hints at how Democrats could tackle policy on a wide range of emissions sources.

Tracking the future of US recycling policy in Congress

Spurred by market challenges, the Hill has seen a historic influx of big bills and many have been discussed as possible contenders for coronavirus relief packages. Multiple bills were recently endorsed by a House climate committee.

UPDATED: July 7, 2020 at 9:36 a.m.

California plastics tax ballot initiative on track for 2022 following court ruling

Recology, a key backer of the proposal, successfully petitioned for an extension of the signature gathering process due to recent pandemic disruptions.

UPDATED: July 6, 2020 at 1:51 p.m.

Teamsters, safety orgs cite driver fatigue concerns in petitions to delay HOS final rule

Advocates praise the promised flexibility, but petitioners argue FMCSA does not take into account historical data and public safety. 

New York follows through with sanitation cuts, preserves some organics funding

Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration cut funding for curbside organics collection, recycling outreach and other areas in a new budget agreement. Funding for drop-off sites and community composting was preserved.

UPDATED: July 1, 2020 at 3:37 p.m.

Major brands extend $54M investment with Closed Loop Partners despite pandemic

A group of leading corporate foundations and CPG companies are renewing their original investment in the Closed Loop Infrastructure Fund to bolster recycling through MRF upgrades, contamination reduction and other actions. 

EPA ending policy of relaxed enforcement standards Aug. 31

Multiple state attorneys general previously sued to stop the controversial move. The waste industry has sought regulatory relief from states during the pandemic.

UPDATED: July 1, 2020 at 9:19 a.m.

Recycling stakeholders say years of turbulence helped prepare industry for pandemic

During this year's virtual SWANApalooza, speakers from the U.S. EPA, Waste Management and The Recycling Partnership said the sector has learned valuable lessons from ongoing market challenges.

Public and private sector leaders project long-term changes due to coronavirus

During last week's SWANApalooza, Waste Connections, DSNY and other service providers discussed expectations for operational and fiscal changes to last into at least 2021.

Waste Management renegotiates Advanced deal for $4.6B, GFL named as divestiture buyer

The deal is now anticipated to close in Q3, pending federal regulatory approval, but the parties have reached an agreement on new terms. GFL Environmental will pay $835 million for assets across 10 states.

Waste industry focuses on PFAS strategies, research as long-term concerns mount

This year's SWANApalooza featured numerous sessions on PFAS management and treatment, underscoring the heightened attention around "forever chemicals" at landfills and other facilities.

GFL Environmental plans to accelerate US expansion following $835M divestiture acquisition

Pending assets from Waste Management and Advanced present multiple integration and expansion opportunities in 10 states, with GFL CEO Patrick Dovigi describing a move into Wisconsin as a "once in a lifetime opportunity."

Top consumer brands seen falling behind on recycling goals, failing to avert plastic pollution

None of the 50 companies evaluated by shareholder advocacy group As You Sow earned higher than a B- on recycling, reusability or compostability goals. Multiple companies pushed back on the report.

Michigan legislature considers bill to shape recycling market development spending

Allocated two years ago, an annual $15 million recycling and reuse development budget is currently spent under guidance from waste laws that some think are outdated due to their landfill emphasis.

Waste Management-Advanced divestitures projected to be substantially above original cap

Analysts and others report the federal antitrust review continues as closure targets rapidly approach. GFL Environmental is widely considered the likely buyer for a package centered around Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

Stericycle CFO adds 'CIO' to job description

Following CIO David Stahl's departure from the medical waste disposal company, CFO Janet Zelenka will take the reins as CFO-CIO.

PFAS incineration in New York spurs legislation, loss of federal contracts

Testing near a Norlite facility previously indicated incineration of PFAS may be spreading the toxic chemicals. The state's Department of Environmental Conservation has since told the company to discontinue this practice.

UPDATED: June 22, 2020 at 9:34 a.m.

Florida governor signs third attempt at curbside recycling contamination bill into law

Under the industry-backed legislation, municipal contracts with haulers or MRFs will have to include specific contamination-related elements required by the state.

UPDATED: June 19, 2020 at 9:50 a.m.

Opinion

How to make board diversity a reality

Board diversity can impact a company's culture, talent strategies and brand, writes Lisbeth McNabb, investor and corporate board director.

WCA Waste sets 2030 sustainability goals, including 35% GHG reduction target

The Texas-based company aims to mitigate landfill emissions, purchase more CNG vehicles, recycle at higher volumes, improve safety rates and more, according to CEO Bill Caesar.

NWRA-backed Senate legislation introduced to make waste and recycling services eligible for PPP funding

The trade group previously called a related bipartisan House bill "a win" for the industry that could address "bad debt" concerns, and this week reiterated calls for Congress to pass the legislation. 

UPDATED: June 18, 2020 at 11:06 a.m.

Senate hearing revives federal recycling discussion with little consensus

Lawmakers appeared keen to restart conversations around U.S. recycling issues. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) touted his own plastics-focused bill, while other lawmakers expressed reservations about such regulation.

UPDATED: June 17, 2020 at 4:46 p.m.