PFAS destruction solutions advance as EPA drinking water standard looms

The recent Northeast Conference on the Science of PFAS convened regulators from the EPA and state agencies, as well as technology providers, for an in-depth update about what’s next for the forever chemicals.

Multiple landfills approved for expansion in past month, including WM site in Arkansas

Private and publicly owned landfills in Arkansas, California, New York and South Carolina all received expansion approval, while Waste Connections backed off plans for another county-owned site.

SEC stays climate-risk disclosure rule as it works through legal challenges

The agency maintains that the regulation is within the agency’s authority and said it “will continue vigorously defending the Final Rules’ validity in court.”

LJP Waste Solutions names new CEO as part of growth plan

Michael Malatesta, an industry veteran with experience building companies that were sold to Covanta and VLS, is joining the Minnesota-based waste and recycling company.

GFL acquires sizable Florida C&D company Angelo’s Recycled Materials

The family-run operation includes a C&D landfill and multiple locations. GFL Environmental CEO Patrick Dovigi previously said the deal would constitute about half of the company’s spending on M&A for the year.

Updated April 4, 2024

LRS hires more C-suite execs as company refocuses under new leadership

LRS also underwent a recent round of layoffs, citing "ongoing integration efforts." The changes come after the Macquarie-backed company completed restructuring plans following a period of rapid growth through acquisitions.

Tracking notable recycling laws by state

Washington’s governor approved a law to continue the state lighting stewardship program, while Maryland’s legislature sent a paint EPR bill to its governor.

Updated April 3, 2024

Domestic PCR-virgin resin battle faces global headwinds but finds local remedies

PCR markets are still facing competition with virgin resin and oversupply headwinds, but future recycled content policy impacts and changes to contracts could help, said speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference.

Study analyzes Minnesota RNG potential; Republic Services, Archaea and Waga launch projects

March saw several firsts in the RNG industry, including Waga Energy’s first U.S. project coming online in New York and South Florida’s first landfill RNG project breaking ground. 

Circular Action Alliance is lone PRO to submit program plan for Oregon EPR

The brands-led group, which is already active in Colorado, California and Maryland, is eyeing end-of-year approval for its plan, as 2025 recycling changes loom.

EPA finalizes accelerated zero-emissions transition for heavy-duty fleets

The final rule was softened somewhat from an initial proposal but still sets a swifter emissions reductions pathway than was previously required nationwide. Major waste companies reported they could face higher costs. 

DOE awards $62M in grants for consumer battery collection and recycling

AMP, the New York Department of Sanitation, ERI, Call2Recycle and researchers from numerous state labs are among the recipients of the grants, meant to increase domestic collection and recycling of consumer batteries.

Chemical recycling plants are on the rise. What does it mean for MRF operators?

Chemical recyclers see MRFs and specialty collection partnerships as important feedstock sources to fulfill production promises, but experts say it’s too early to determine how they could influence recycled plastic markets.

Legislation, film plastics and data collection take center stage at Plastics Recycling Conference

Attendees brainstormed ways to remedy the supply and demand mismatch for recycled plastic, grow film and chemical recycling opportunities and take advantage of plastic waste’s attention-grabbing moment in policy.

Landfill methane survey finds significant ‘misalignment’ between models and real-world conditions

The study, released by Carbon Mapper on Thursday, found that 52% of landfills surveyed had point source methane emissions and cast doubt on existing estimates.

Frontier Waste Solutions’ first landfill purchase rides fast-growing market

The company recently acquired a newly built C&D landfill, adding to its growing footprint in North Texas and throughout the state. CEO John Gustafson discussed Frontier’s continued plans for expansion.

Massachusetts recyclers look to take their programs to the next level

MassRecycle is looking beyond its decades-old name, “expanding our scope to match the multitude of possibilities available in sustainable materials management,” the nonprofit’s president said at an event this month.

Viridi, Casella say expanded AD facility can help address Maine’s biosolids issues

The companies tout their partnership at an anaerobic digester in Brunswick, Maine, as a way to reduce volumes of biosolids that contain PFAS. The facility will also produce power and RNG for the community.

PCR procurement platform Circular eyes expansion with $10.5M in funding

Circular plans to expand internationally, add employees and introduce materials besides plastics to the platform.

UBQ Materials eyes Northeast for its first waste-to-thermoplastic US facility

The Israel-based startup, which makes thermoplastics from mixed waste, is looking to bring its first facility to North America. This follows the recent launch of a facility in the Netherlands and a $70 million funding round.

New book tackles waste crisis at the personal and policy levels

Author Edward Humes’ new book, “Total Garbage,” aims to serve as a how-to guide for reducing waste in everyday life while advocating for changes in U.S. waste policy through EPR and other means.

Otto selected for contract to provide 3.2M ‘NYC Waste Bins’

The company would provide rolling bins for roughly 765,000 residential buildings across the city. The contract would take effect after a hearing scheduled for April 8.

Clean Harbors acquires environmental services firm HEPACO for $400M

HEPACO, which was previously owned by a private equity firm, services more than 2,000 customers in 17 states. This positions Clean Harbors for continued growth in its environmental services segment.

Updated March 25, 2024

Florida composters look to grow operations despite regulatory barriers

Amid increased interest in organics recycling on multiple fronts, as well as new municipal and academic partnerships, the Florida Composting Council and other groups say regulatory updates are needed to advance this work.

Collection trucks get AI upgrades to fight contamination

Truck-mounted, AI-enabled cameras are helping haulers identify and measure recycling contamination in real time, allowing them to communicate directly with customers on how to improve. Many haulers, including WM, use the tech.