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New York, among nation's hardest hit markets, delays commercial waste zone RFP due to pandemic

A momentous policy change will have to wait as companies ranging in size from Waste Connections to a local three truck operator report substantial volume declines due to the novel coronavirus.

Deep Dive

Puerto Rico's yearslong debate over WTE continues as the island's landfill issues mount

After a proposed incinerator project stalled in 2018, the territory's long-term plan remains uncertain as noncompliant landfills are reaching capacity. Meanwhile, recycling programs and waste reduction efforts are still evolving.

Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga

The multi-year fight to pass franchise zone legislation has been tumultuous and complex. Catch up with Waste Dive's ongoing, in-depth coverage.

UPDATED: May 4, 2020 at 10:55 a.m.

How many curbside recycling programs have been cut?

Waste Dive's running tally of nearly 90 suspensions or cancellations is smaller than some reported figures (and includes revived programs) but continues to grow. New budget pressures from the pandemic could fuel that trend.

UPDATED: May 20, 2020 at 10:04 a.m.

Covanta negotiating with Florida county over first US incinerator expansion in years

Pasco County commissioners approved initial plans to expand the facility, despite concerns over the potential $525 million cost. County officials deemed the move essential, but some said recycling efforts need improvement.

Masks becoming more common for collection workers despite lack of national guidance

Industry groups are following OSHA's lead and not advising the use of face coverings nationwide yet. In the meantime, more service providers are using them and state or local governments are increasingly issuing policies.

With EPR bills frozen due to coronavirus in many states, proponents still see path forward

The coronavirus has paused activity for high-profile bills focused on packaging, including one with momentum in Maine. Backers believe the current financial strain on local governments makes these policies even more important.

Baltimore to appeal federal ruling that struck down incinerator emissions law

Wheelabrator and other opponents, who argued the policy was intended to force closure of their incinerators, had celebrated the late March decision. Now, Mayor Jack Young has directed the city to appeal and defend its law.

UPDATED: April 23, 2020 at 10:18 a.m.

RoadRunner Recycling CEO says new $28.6M funding round to fuel expansion, despite pandemic

Graham Rihn discusses the Pittsburgh company's plans to scale its business, focused on capturing smaller volumes through source-separated collection, along with COVID-19 effects for a variety of customers.

Waste industry has received federal stimulus funding, but no one knows how much

The U.S. Small Business Administration could not provide a breakdown of how much went to the industry from a broader $15 billion funding category. Trade groups are aware of smaller companies applying, but also do not have data.

New player founded by former Advanced Disposal CEO enters Austin, Texas market via M&A

Integrated Waste Solutions recently acquired Central Texas Refuse and a sizable greenfield landfill project. Chairman Charlie Appleby and board member David Green discuss the potential to become "a very large company," including a focus on recycling. 

EPA scores victory in fight over incinerator emissions as court dismisses Sierra Club lawsuit

The agency's efforts to stall landfill emissions standards have garnered more coverage, but a similar fight had been playing out over regulations for commercial, industrial and other solid waste incinerators.

UPDATED: April 20, 2020 at 10:29 a.m.

Deep Dive

Pandemics were not part of most contingency plans, but waste and recycling industry proving resilient

Precautions previously in place for industry disruptions did not account for a coronavirus-induced economic disruption. Companies and public sector consultants discuss what's next more than a month in.

Industry groups push for inclusion of recycling infrastructure in next federal coronavirus aid package

The Recycling Partnership, NWRA, SWANA and others argue recycling should be in the next stimulus effort as part of any infrastructure designation amid fears that momentum around national bills has faltered during the pandemic. 

Reducing food waste emerges as key climate solution

Project Drawdown's 2020 report, released before the pandemic, elevated food waste as an increasingly relevant solution while highlighting the role industry can play in tackling the issue through reducing waste sent to landfills.

New analysis finds sites owned by Waste Management and others could be discharging PFAS

The Environmental Working Group singled out around 30 waste sites as potential sources. While the pandemic diverts attention from PFAS, federal lawmakers say current focus on public health could drive regulation of the toxic chemicals.

UPDATED: April 16, 2020 at 5:12 p.m.

Waste Management, Republic to report on MRF infrastructure and plastics following shareholder proposals

Resolutions by As You Sow and Trillium Asset Management were withdrawn following agreements to share more details on equipment upgrades and other topics. Waste Management will also update its policy on EPR.

UPDATED: April 15, 2020 at 11:45 a.m.

Governments encouraged to expand procurement of products with PCR

The Association of Plastic Recyclers and Northeast Recycling Council have launched for a public sector version of the Demand Champions program. Bags, carts, furniture and more are seen as opportunities for boosting recycling demand through procurement.

New Jersey governor signs contentious organics diversion bill

New Jersey will become the ninth site with some form of food waste diversion policy, but a multiyear debate over whether landfills with gas capture systems should count as a form of organics recycling is likely to continue.

UPDATED: April 15, 2020 at 9:54 a.m.

Multiple states suspend landfill bans for yard waste over COVID-19 fallout

Iowa, West Virginia and Kentucky have all temporarily suspended disposal bans due to workforce limitations. At the same time, many municipalities are grappling with a sudden uptick in yard waste as residents stay home.

COVID-19 turns some recycled fiber market dynamics on their head

Surges in consumer toilet paper and e-commerce purchases are causing a boom in demand for certain types of recycled fiber, but supply is falling short. Moore & Associates, ISRI, Closed Loop Partners, The Recycling Partnership and others weigh in.

Dishwashers and data laid the groundwork for California city's landmark waste reduction ordinance

The ReThink Disposable program, designed to help restaurants switch to reusables, was a model for Berkeley's foodware ordinance set to fully take effect this summer. Whether the COVID-19 pandemic will disrupt those plans remains to be seen. 

New York reports more than 350 COVID-19 cases among sanitation workers, one death

The city's outsized numbers far surpass reported cases involving the industry in other metropolitan areas, based on inquiries by Waste Dive, but transparency is limited and collection workers remain concerned about ongoing exposure risks.

UPDATED: April 9, 2020 at 9:23 a.m.

Deep Dive

As some MRFs close during the pandemic, more adapt and carry on

Social distancing has become a challenge, PPE is in high demand and staffing availability is shifting. While MRFs in some states have closed, the industry's biggest residential recyclers report their facilities are still largely operational.

Paid sick leave policies in the spotlight as COVID-19 concerns mount for frontline workers

While some of the industry's largest companies have expanded leave policies and raised hourly wages, smaller operators may be less equipped to adapt.