LRS receives credit rating downgrades, hires chief revenue officer

Moody’s and S&P both downgraded the Midwest recycler in June due in part to high debt leverage, but they maintained stable outlooks. LRS is searching for a CFO after Luke Chenery returned to Macquarie.

Mayor Adams says Otto’s NYC Bins set to roll out in November

The Adams administration has proposed a rule requiring certain building owners to acquire the “official NYC Bin” by Nov. 12. Otto is expected to provide rolling bins for roughly 765,000 residential buildings across the city.

Updated July 9, 2024

Superfund enforcement of PFAS started Monday. Where does waste and recycling go from here?

The regulation exposes certain parties to liability for cleanup of contamination from certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. While the EPA has said some disposal facilities won’t be targeted, concerns about cost remain.

Apex Waste grows in Colorado with 2 new deals, including WM sites

The Kinderhook-backed company is now vertically integrated after purchasing landfills and a MRF from Twin Enviro Services. Following these deals, Apex now services an estimated 100,000 customers.

Updated July 9, 2024

2024’s notable waste and recycling acquisitions so far

The first six months of the year saw notable deal announcements involving WM, Stericycle, GFL Environmental, Waste Connections, Clean Harbors and more.

Landfill expansion projects and debates advance, including Capital Waste site in Georgia

WM, Republic Services, Capital and others are pursuing expansion projects in Florida, Georgia, Maine, Oregon and Tennessee.

Reverse vending machines for recycling are gaining traction outside of bottle bill states

Recent investments in companies such as Olyns and Cycle, as well as support from partners like Ball and Coca-Cola, show increasing interest in the space. Stadiums, college campuses and other venues are considered ideal settings.

Archaea, Republic discuss RNG partnership; EverGen, ESI, Aemetis chart construction progress

Executives from Republic and BP announced the completion of the first plant in their Lightning Renewables joint venture partnership. Other renewable natural gas developers also reached milestones in June.

OSHA proposes rule to protect workers from extreme heat

The standard would require employers to provide water and rest breaks when high heat creates a hazardous work environment.

Virginia RDF facility operated by WIN Waste closes

The facility’s closure means more waste will be landfilled in southeastern Virginia. The refuse-derived fuel plant was affected by a fire and a new steam plant built by the U.S. Navy.

Recycling label requirements proposed in draft federal bill

Sen. Jeff Merkley is circulating a draft bill regarding truth in labeling. Packaging groups want it to preempt laws in states such as California and Oregon.

New York City Community Compost program funds restored in FY25 budget

The budget, finalized Sunday, expands the number of organizations the program funds and protects it from future cuts. Certain active and planned composting projects will still be disrupted, however.

Rubicon CEO Rodoni resigns, company appoints interim leader

Osman Ahmed previously served as lead independent director and helped the company go public via a SPAC in 2022. This marks the latest in a series of changes at the waste brokerage company.

SWANA joins Canada Plastics Pact

The association, already a member of the U.S. Plastics Pact, says joining the Canadian counterpart further affirms its recent emphasis on shifting from solid waste management to resource management.

Synagro invests $50M to open 2 composting facilities

The sites in New Jersey and South Carolina add to Synagro’s growing portfolio of biosolids processing facilities. The company set a goal for itself last year to expand beneficial reuse of the material.

Where to begin with anaerobic digestion? New guides provide starting point

NERC and NEWMOA used grant funding from the U.S. EPA to develop a regulatory guide and companion materials, including advice for community engagement, for Northeastern states. 

Anaergia replaces CEO with exec from its investment firm

The Canada-based organics recycling and RNG company's new acting CEO replaces Brett Hodson, who served in the role for one year.

Clean Energy Fuels signs 15 new local contracts in first quarter

The company has been working to grow its network of fueling stations in tandem with its renewable natural gas production portfolio.

California carpet EPR bill aims to restructure recycling program

The bill calls for ending the carpet recycling program in favor of a new EPR model that adds artificial turf, carpet pads and “resilient flooring.” CARE, which runs the program, says the plan would destroy carpet recycling in the state.

Hydrogen truck developer Hyzon narrows its target market focus

The company is refocusing its development to the waste industry and core markets in North America. After reviewing its operations, Hyzon will also explore a potential sale.

Industry group sues EPA over rule that set new emissions limit for refuse haulers

The Transport Project argues the EPA’s update to heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards, finalized in March, unfairly favors battery electric vehicles over biofuel-powered vehicles. The group’s membership includes WM.

Enviri outlines long-term plans for ‘complete suite’ of PFAS services, rail divestment

During an investor day event, Enviri touted plans to offer a broad range of PFAS services as part of its move to become a full-service environmental remediation company and potentially hit $2.7 billion in revenue by 2027.

Massachusetts Senate calls for EPR study commission in broader plastics bill

The state Senate’s bill aims to ban certain types of plastic bags and limit plastic utensils and straws. Meanwhile, a proposed bottle bill expansion was added to a pending climate bill.

USDA opens applications for next round of compost project funding pilot

Under the American Rescue Plan-funded program, the USDA plans to spend $30 million on projects over three years.

WM begins work on new Ontario MRFs as part of Canadian EPR program

The Toronto-area recycling facilities aim to manage materials from Ontario’s changing EPR for packaging program while helping WM establish its residential recycling business there. 

Updated June 27, 2024