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Deep Dive

Progress report: Brands face increasing pressure on recyclability claims in 2021

Major corporations have pledged to make big recycling-related changes by 2025, and environmental groups are holding them accountable through reporting requirements, shareholder agreements and lawsuits.

Senate passes infrastructure bill, including key recycling provisions

The bill, backed by President Joe Biden, features the text of the RECYCLE Act, funding for Save Our Seas 2.0 and battery recycling provisions.

UPDATED: Aug. 11, 2021 at 8:57 a.m.

Deep Dive

With mask, vaccine mandates on the rise, employers have options — but consistency is key

The delta variant is driving new outbreaks and government guidance. Whatever employers choose, inconsistent enforcement is a "recipe for disaster," one attorney said.

Resource Recycling Conference highlights role of markets, labor and climate in municipal recycling

Panelists at last week's virtual event discussed how positive market shifts for certain postconsumer plastics and fiber grades are influencing MRF investment decisions, while labor availability is a key issue in servicing local programs.

Oregon governor signs country's second EPR law for packaging

The law establishes a packaging EPR program by 2025. It also calls for other updates, such as a standardized material list and a labeling task force meant to evaluate items' recyclability.

UPDATED: Aug. 9, 2021 at 9:36 a.m.

Waste Connections seeing 'record' seller enthusiasm for M&A, multiple West Coast deals in works

Like competitors, the company has largely recovered lost pandemic business and is raising prices to stay ahead of wage pressures. To date, 14 acquisitions have closed and many more are in this year's pipeline, leaders said.

Q2 earnings: Solid waste companies raise annual expectations, weigh in on labor issues

Major companies saw strong results from recycling and highlighted active M&A opportunities. Catch up on takeaways from Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems.

UPDATED: Aug. 5, 2021 at 1:01 p.m.

Deep Dive

Waste-to-energy supporters aim to 'clear the air,' reposition technology as landfill alternative

Recent research shows better performance across multiple environmental measures for WTE versus landfills, but few U.S. communities show an interest in new facilities, and opposition continues to limit growth.

Casella anticipates further expansion into Connecticut after Willimantic acquisition

The Northeast company touted "productive conversations" with other potential sellers in the region, and it estimated the McKean Landfill could come online in Pennsylvania by the end of 2022, during its latest earnings call.

Deep Dive

10 ways the PRO Act could change the game for employers and organized labor

Currently being considered in the Senate, the bill would strengthen the ability of unions to form and collectively bargain, amend the definition of a joint employer and bring many other changes to the workplace.

Republic Services Q2: 'no pause' on M&A after Santek, eyeing environmental solutions deals

The labor shortage and coronavirus pose some uncertainty, the company acknowledged, but it raised guidance based on strong recovery trends. Executives also discussed new landfill gas and recycling opportunities.

GFL launches renewable energy platform, forecasts ample M&A opportunities

While Canada's economic recovery is expected to roll into next year, the company is already seeing pre-pandemic volumes in other areas and big free cash flow gains. A new focus on landfill gas projects may boost that trend.

Emerging solar panel recycling market ripe with opportunity, but barriers remain

The amount of solar panels reaching the waste stream is expected to grow significantly, and with it the opportunities for safe, sustainable recycling or reuse. Product stewardship programs are also expected to play a role.

For clues about future PFAS regulations, landfill operators look to Congress

The PFAS Action Act, which passed the House, would give EPA a deadline to designate certain PFAS as hazardous substances and establish drinking water standards. Landfill operators feel in limbo until more decisions are made.

Waste Management Q2 bolstered by economic recovery, even with labor, supply chain strains

The company saw record recycling results and plans to accelerate investment in that area this year. It also increased its annual guidance yet again, seeing further potential to recover business affected by the pandemic.

Q&A

Waste Management's first chief sustainability officer aims to expand recycling, organics revenue

In her first Waste Dive interview since starting the new role, Tara Hemmer describes sustainability as a "growth lever" for the industry giant. She also weighs in on the landfill emissions debate, plastics and waste reduction.

Noble Environmental acquires GFL landfills, collection assets in Pennsylvania region

The deal is a major expansion for Noble, one of the state's largest private haulers. GFL acquired the sites as part of the Waste Management-Advanced Disposal divestiture package last year.

SWEEP adds Bay Area partners to growing SMM certification pilot

Also in this week's municipal news roundup: recycling and organics program developments from Cleveland, New York City and Rochester, New York, and still more labor shortages disrupting collection services.

Supply chain 'stretched' for cardboard boxes, wood pallets

Price indices are at record highs, but companies are still clamoring for materials as they try to keep pace with heightened e-commerce demand.

New association aims to build pipeline of truck drivers, technicians

The Next Generation in Trucking Association has a nationally registered apprenticeship program, which it says can help employers retain drivers.

Deep Dive

Progress report: State waste and recycling policies gain notable traction this year

State lawmakers have made significant headway on laws about EPR, recycled content mandates and plastic products. Other bills are still in play, and experts anticipate even more possible changes in 2022.

City hiring woes and solutions; New $16B pitch for recycling infrastructure

In this week’s municipal news roundup: Denver and St. Louis feel the effects of labor shortages, and leaders in Portland, Oregon, seek to widen their worker candidate pools.

Chicago exploring organics and textile recycling, commercial waste zones through new strategy

Chicago has one of the lowest diversion rates among major U.S. cities. Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar said it would be "a big leap" to set any type of zero waste target and the city is focused on "interim steps."

Covanta going private in $5.3B deal

Covanta CEO Michael Ranger said the pending sale to Swedish firm EQT Infrastructure "represents an excellent outcome of our strategic review."

Maine governor signs nation's first EPR law for consumer packaging

Along with a pending Oregon bill, this shows growing momentum for EPR policies. The programs target most types of consumer packaging and require producers to pay into state-regulated stewardship organizations.

UPDATED: July 13, 2021 at 1:12 p.m.