EPA seeks feedback on its new interactive recycling market mapping tool

The U.S. EPA wants its new map, which shows numerous details like recycling infrastructure locations, to be a comprehensive resource for the country. It says it needs help from the industry to make it more accurate.

Anaergia shifting to ‘capital-light’ strategy amid feedstock challenges for anaerobic digesters

Projects in California and Italy have ramped up slower than planned, prompting financial challenges. CEO Andrew Benedek urged investors not to “give up hope” on the company, citing the tailwinds behind RNG in its core markets.

Candidate who pledged to restore Philadelphia’s Zero Waste and Litter Cabinet wins mayoral primary

Cherelle Parker, a former city council member and state representative, is considered the likely favorite to become the city’s 100th mayor. Her campaign included a focus on street cleanliness and litter issues.

Continued labor challenges are leading top waste and recycling execs to innovate

Recruitment and retention were key topics at this month’s WasteExpo. Catch up on perspectives from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems and more.

How a pivotal Philadelphia election could shape the city’s future waste policy

Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary features a tight race among multiple candidates. The Waste Free Philly coalition has asked them to go big and rethink local services.

Reports recommend packaging changes ahead of next global plastics treaty negotiations

The UN Environment Programme and WWF dug into areas for intervention across the product life cycle, like designing for circularity, substituting other materials for plastics, EPR for packaging, reuse and deposit return systems.

Republic Services sues landfill gas operator over missed payments in California

The suit alleges that Sunshine Gas Producers stopped making payments after agreeing to use excess gas for an RNG facility, which has not been built so far.

Vermont bottle bill expansion bill up in the air as session ends

The bill would add more types of containers, introduce a producer responsibility organization and raise handling fees. Supporters say the changes are long overdue, but Casella says it would hurt recycling systems in the state.

Updated May 16, 2023

GFL Environmental’s sale of Colorado assets to Republic Services is pending

This large piece of GFL’s $1.6 billion (Canadian) divestiture package includes post-collection, recycling and hauling assets in key markets such as Denver and Colorado Springs.

Biogas groups, lawmakers jockey for changes as EPA nears final rule on eRIN market

The EPA could create a lucrative new credit market with its final Renewable Fuel Standard rule in June. But biogas groups and WTE supporters are battling Republican opposition that could delay or shut down the proposal.

Maryland governor signs EPR, organics and electric vehicle laws

Maryland’s legislative session ended with the passage of several bills meant to boost composting, promote electric trucks and explore EPR for packaging.

Updated May 11, 2023

Oregon Gov. Kotek signs foam ban, allows customers’ reusable containers at restaurants

The laws will take effect in 2024 and 2025. Some packaging groups say the legislation imposes “costly requirements” on businesses.

WM CEO Jim Fish discusses the economy, labor automation and sustainability investments

The industry’s most high-profile executive weighed in about what will and won’t be changing when it comes to WM’s strategy on temporary labor, secondary processing for recyclables, anaerobic digestion and more.

Amazon, Yum Brands, Kroger face upcoming shareholder votes on circular packaging

Shareholder advocacy nonprofit As You Sow, which negotiated a recent agreement with McDonald’s, has filed numerous proposals seeking to curb plastic usage and prompt major brands to consider reusable packaging.

Waste industry braces for ‘bumps and bruises’ in EV rollout as California sets the pace

Haulers and vehicle manufacturers at WasteExpo said they expect a potential collision between regulation-fueled demand and limited supply of battery-electric trucks. Charging infrastructure is also a growing concern.

Rep. Chellie Pingree discusses federal food waste proposals ahead of farm bill debate

The co-founder of the Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus, who has been one of the more active members of Congress on this issue, hopes that funding increases for the U.S. EPA and USDA could grow momentum.

Maine governor signs emergency law raising bottle bill handling fees

The one-cent handling fee increase, effective immediately, is meant to prevent more redemption centers from closing. Some brands and distributors think the fee is already too high.

The next frontier in California organics recycling: edible food recovery

Even Bay Area cities with organics programs are new to working with food donation organizations. Now, local waste professionals are learning additional skills to help meet a 20% edible food waste reduction goal by 2030.

Handley out as LRS CEO, Midwest company starts search for new leader

Alan Handley had been with the fast-growing Midwest hauler for a decade. The Macquarie-backed company recently did a corporate restructuring to support growth, though it has been quiet on acquisitions lately.

Covanta CEO shares environmental services and M&A outlook after sizable Circon deal

In a recent interview, Azeez Mohammed outlined the company’s new scale and offerings after closing the deal this week. Plus, he shared an update on the serious facility fire in Miami-Dade County.

Clean Harbors says disposal demand and $110M Thompson Industries deal position it well for 2023

The company touted strong performance in its Environmental Services segment, high disposal demand and improving incinerator utilization, which it hopes will even out cost pressures in the more challenged Safety Kleen sector.

Q1 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors and Rubicon as they kick off 2023 earnings.

Updated May 23, 2023

Senate legislation aims to protect waste and compost industry from PFAS liability claims

Trade groups and WM applauded the bill, saying congressional action is needed to shield the sector from unintended consequences of the EPA’s anticipated PFAS hazardous substance designation.

Colorado meets major EPR milestone by selecting brand-led producer responsibility organization

The Circular Action Alliance, which includes major brands like Coca-Cola and Unilever, has been chosen as the producer responsibility organization to implement key elements of the state’s EPR for packaging law.

GFL Environmental sells Nashville assets to WM as part of bigger divestiture plan

The transaction is a small piece of a broader divestiture strategy intended to help GFL reduce debt leverage by streamlining its portfolio.