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Collection worker fatalities fell in 2019, rank as 6th deadliest job: BLS

It's the first time since 2012 refuse and recycling collectors haven't landed in the top five most fatal occupations, as tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fatal transportation incidents fell dramatically after a 2018 spike.

5 takeaways on emerging trends from the National Zero Waste Conference

Recycled content, plastics policy, climate connections and racial justice are among top priorities heading into 2021. The event also marked the latest sign of a revived National Recycling Coalition. 

New England M&A heats up as Wheelabrator, Boston Carting Services expand

The private equity-backed players are just two examples of companies making moves in a region many view as primed for consolidation. As other companies expand their footprints, there may be more to come.

What Pete Buttigieg would bring to the Transportation Department

A $1 trillion infrastructure plan Buttigieg unveiled in January as part of his presidential campaign hints at what could be the agency's future priorities.

Vanguard Renewables eyes national anaerobic digestion expansion with new alliance

Initial members of the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance include Unilever, Starbucks and Dairy Farmers of America, all of which will direct their organics to a rapidly expanding network of Vanguard facilities across the country.

Inspector General faults Chicago for multifamily recycling stagnancy, lawmakers call for answers

The Department of Streets and Sanitation was found to be falling short in multiple areas when it comes to enforcing recycling for numerous buildings in the city. Local aldermen are calling for a hearing on the issue in January.

GE announces first US wind turbine blade recycling program with Veolia

Blades, the only turbine component not getting recycled, will now be shredded to replace raw material for cement manufacturing with lower CO2 emissions.

Environmental groups urge Biden to take action on plastics, prioritize market development

The Presidential Plastics Action Plan calls for eight types of action by the president-elect, including support for the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.

Major Connecticut WTE facility closing by 2022, waste to be exported

The expected move comes after plans to refurbish the Materials Innovation Recovery Authority's aging RDF facility fell apart for a host of reasons.

UPDATED: Dec. 10, 2020 at 8:47 a.m.

Continuus Materials pursuing new Pennsylvania plant for paper and plastic recovery

The manufacturer of Everboard, a unique roofing material, sees opportunities to use more plastic packaging in addition to its usual feedstock of cartons. Construction could begin as early as next year.

Republic Services highlights plastic market limitations, clarifies EPR stances, in report

A recent report, stemming from a shareholder resolution this year, shows the financial complexities around managing mixed plastics. It's also the latest sign of an industry shift on the rising producer responsibility discussion.

Dive Awards

The Waste Dive Awards for 2020

During a year of crisis and challenge, these are some of the people, groups and initiatives that met the moment.

Dive Awards

People of the Year: Waste and recycling workers

The entire industry has stepped up during a significantly challenging year, but none of it would be possible without the frontline workers who put themselves at risk to keep it all running.

Dive Awards

Organization of the Year: Sanitation Foundation

As New York sanitation workers were caught in the initial epicenter of the pandemic, hundreds were infected and multiple died. A city nonprofit played a key role in supporting them and adapting to a very eventful year.

Dive Awards

ESG Action of the Year: New Jersey's environmental justice law

The law offers an example of stakeholders uniting on key ESG considerations such as potential emissions and pollution benefits, racial justice and evolving corporate policies impacting such issues.

EPA proposes Texas be allowed to operate its own coal ash management program

If approved, Texas would be the third state to run or partially run its own permitting program for coal ash management.

Q&A

How Harsco reimagined its Clean Earth division mid-pandemic as a national hazardous waste player

President David Stanton discusses building a new business following the acquisition of assets from Stericycle, pandemic effects, recycling opportunities, and the big potential around managing PFAS waste.

As dozens of curbside textile recycling programs pause, others launch anew

Simple Recycling, the country's largest curbside service provider, has suspended around 25% of its estimated 200 municipal contracts due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, a new Rhode Island company sees hope for the model.

Sustainability reporting nearly universal among large companies, survey finds

Although some reporting standards are widely used, there isn’t a single framework for companies to ensure accurate measurement and communication of their environmental impact, a KPMG survey found. 

Deep Dive

US waste and recycling sector faces mounting risks and opportunities from climate change

As the industry increasingly recognizes its contribution to climate change and sees business opportunities in potentially mitigating those effects, the sector could be at a notable inflection point in the years ahead.

Mayors strikingly pessimistic about post-COVID cities: survey

The annual Menino Survey of Mayors found most city leaders are concerned about the future of small businesses, minority communities and municipal budgets, saying federal aid has so far been insufficient. 

Biden names workplace safety expert to COVID-19 task force

The addition of longtime OSHA administrator Dr. David Michaels was applauded by the National Safety Council, which said that businesses need a national pandemic roadmap to keep workers safe.

Diageo pledges 100% recyclable packaging, 50% supply chain emissions reduction by 2030

After falling short on some 2020 goals, the maker of Guinness and Smirnoff laid out plans to reduce emissions and improve packaging recyclability through 2030.

Were the diversity promises of the summer for the long haul?

Executives from Comcast, Morgan Stanley and Robin Hood shared their thoughts on employers' strategic commitments.

Q&A

Quest CEO talks first acquisition, weathering pandemic and growing demand for sustainability

The "asset-light" company's national platform of commercial accounts took a hit this year, like many others. Leader Ray Hatch, formerly of Oakleaf, sees signs of a recovery and more potential deals ahead.