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Electric refuse trucks on the road or on the way in rising number of states

A recent SWANA event in Maine highlighted the presence of BYD, Lion and others in this quickly evolving sector. It was also a reminder that charging infrastructure remains a notable, and potentially expensive, startup factor.

UPDATED: March 9, 2020 at 10:56 a.m.

House lawmakers debate regulatory role of federal government in plastics and recycling

In a Wednesday hearing, lawmakers formed stances along partisan lines over several pieces of federal recycling legislation. Republicans took a hard line against plastics bans and seemed to scrutinize shifting oversight to the federal government.

New coalition aims to advance polypropylene recycling despite viability questions

The Recycling Partnership and others are calling for greater investment to capture and sort #5 plastics, and some buyers say they can't get enough. Competing with booming virgin production may make this an expensive proposition.

Waste Management reverses decision to cut mixed paper recycling in 14 Florida cities

Poor markets and high contamination rates in Broward County were cited as the initial rationale. Now, a Waste Management spokesperson tells Waste Dive incineration remains an option for material that can't be salvaged. 

How many curbside recycling programs have been cut?

Waste Dive's running tally of 70-plus suspensions or cancellations is smaller than some reported numbers (and does include revived programs) but still continues to grow. Read the full list here.

UPDATED: March 4, 2020 at 11:31 a.m.

Landfill operators say cap-and-trade could cost $138M in first year alone if emissions standards not changed

Republic Services and Waste Management predict GHG pricing at the state and federal level could be coming to their sector. If so, they worry current standards could "put a lot of us out of business."

GFL Environmental reprices IPO, could still raise upward of $2.4B

The Canadian company is moving ahead with plans to sell subordinate shares at $19 each, along with a separate offering of tangible equity units, amid market turbulence. The offerings are set to close on Thursday.

UPDATED: March 4, 2020 at 8:35 a.m.

Waste Management CEO anticipates EPR for packaging likely in California

Jim Fish projected California would move ahead with European-style regulations, speaking at a National Geographic event. The remarks come as the company reevaluates its stance and broader discussions evolve on the limits of market-based solutions.

PFAS concerns abound for landfill operators, even as industry sees potential for opportunity

Public outcry and regulations remain an ongoing worry, an issue highlighted at this year's Global Waste Management Symposium. Some also see solving the crisis as potentially lucrative. 

Florida legislature passes third attempt at curbside recycling contamination bill

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

UPDATED: Feb. 27, 2020 at 9:03 a.m.

Waste Management to report on MRF infrastructure, plastics and EPR following shareholder proposal

A resolution by As You Sow and Trillium Asset Management was withdrawn following the agreement to share more details on equipment upgrades, plastics markets and more. A similar resolution is still pending with Republic Services.

Waste Management's Tara Hemmer says industry needs to be more proactive on climate issues

Speaking at the Global Waste Management Symposium, the senior vice president emphasized a need to be more proactive around emerging topics such as plastics and the Green New Deal.

2019 earnings coverage for US waste and recycling companies

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly analysis of results from Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, Advanced Disposal Services, Casella Waste Systems and Covanta during 2019.

NLRB finalizes joint employer rule

The rule will take effect April 27, according to NLRB, although the final date will be determined by the date of publication in the Federal Register.

UPDATED: Feb. 25, 2020 at 2:38 p.m.

Covanta processed record waste last year, claims 'active' talks around new US capacity

Commodity market turbulence remains challenging, but Covanta touted strong pricing growth and a string of upcoming international projects. The company also emphasized its role as a landfill alternative as climate concerns mount.

Casella faces New Hampshire landfill setback, reports another big growth year

The Northeast company withdrew an expansion permit and will temporarily redirect tonnage to other sites. The business continues to enlarge its footprint, including the acquisition of a New York recycling facility.

Final EPA coal ash proposal could allow some ponds to go unlined, despite DC Circuit ruling

The agency found its latest proposal could save utilities between $41 million and $138 million per year, siding with industry to give more "flexibility" on what kind of liners adequately protect human health and groundwater from leachate.

Advanced Disposal reports 2019 growth ahead of pending acquisition by Waste Management

The Florida-based company noted winning two sizable collection contracts in the state, along with continuous recycling headwinds, in its annual earnings report.

NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California

The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to eventually make the switch as they seek to meet their environmental goals. 

Recycling Partnership report identifies more than a dozen large cities with curbside expansion potential

Indianapolis, Baltimore, Detroit and Milwaukee are among those highlighted in the nonprofit's new research. The report also focuses on untapped "recycling deserts" in certain regions of Texas.

Recology increases funding for $4.5M ballot initiative to tax plastics in California

The service provider is leading the campaign to fund a range of new recycling efforts with billions of dollars in fees from producers, while also banning expanded polystyrene containers. Signature collection is underway to put the question before voters in November.

UPDATED: Feb. 19, 2020 at 12:29 p.m.

Report argues most plastics, especially #3-7s, falsely labeled as recyclable

A Greenpeace survey of U.S. MRFs found mixed plastics are virtually unrecyclable in the current market. The organization argues many major product companies are in violation of FTC requirements. 

Waste Management predicts March DOJ approval for Advanced deal, with 'robust' divestiture interest

2019 earnings were favorable, despite prolonged recycling headwinds, and landfill pricing continues to rise. Executives now anticipate $100 million-plus in synergies if the Advanced Disposal deal closes.

Waste Connections did nearly $838M in 2019 acquisitions, sees 'long runway' ahead

While some analysts wonder if certain fall election results could change the M&A landscape, CEO Worthing Jackman said he sees billions worth of useful assets left to buy for years to come regardless.

Republic Services sees 'momentum shift' around recycling contracts, plans solar investment

A multiyear effort to rework municipal recycling contracts is paying off, with hundreds now at higher pricing. The company also reported $526 million in M&A and ongoing overall price improvements.