ReMA urges federal court to review EPA’s PFAS hazardous substance designation

ReMA’s petition challenging the CERCLA hazardous substance designation for certain PFAS follows a similar petition from NWRA. Recycling and waste industry groups worry about unintended consequences from the rule.

3 tips to boost recycled material supply from NERC’s new ‘living resource’

The new guide uses case studies to illustrate how MRFs, nonprofits, government entities and private companies have found solutions to boost recycled materials supplies across the U.S. 

Clean Harbors gains stronger-than-expected returns from HEPACO, ups guidance

The company is undertaking several initiatives to address low base oil prices for its Safety-Kleen business. It continues to see growth in environmental services, however, and is open to more M&A on that front.

Mars doubts it can achieve 2025 sustainable packaging targets

Almost half of Mars’ packaging portfolio is being redesigned or eliminated to align with current or future recycling infrastructure. But infrastructure advancement is taking longer than expected, per its latest sustainability report.

Vanguard Renewables looks to expand hauling, logistics with key hire

Vanguard is planning to build out its organics solutions business and offer more services to customers. The company is open to M&A as it grows this division, its first president said. 

Waste companies announce more PFAS projects in July

A federal appeals court dismissed Chemours’ lawsuit against the EPA related to a PFAS advisory, while Waste Connections, Montrose Environmental and Crystal Clean all announced notable PFAS mitigation projects.

Updated July 31, 2024

Walmart partnering with Denali to depackage, recycle organics at 1,400-plus locations

The rollout comes after the two companies made their partnership public last year. Denali estimates it can recover 200,000 pounds of food waste per location annually.

WM highlights M&A ramp-up, investments in recycling and RNG

WM highlighted continued operational efficiencies and receding commodity headwinds as factors powering what executives described as a strong Q2 performance. 

Waste Connections touts big M&A growth, ramps up rail tons to Arrowhead Landfill

CEO Ron Mittelstaedt said the company is on track for an annual record in private company acquisition spending. He also touted ongoing improvements in employee retention, recycling earnings and energy waste services.

Republic ups guidance amid stronger commodity prices, despite lower volumes

The company said a weak construction market and the shedding of some contracts will likely lower volumes through 2024. However, underlying financial metrics remain strong thanks to strong pricing growth.

Tomra’s AI-enabled sorter now targeting UBCs at MRFs

Tomra’s updated sorter, designed to spot used beverage cans and reduce reliance on manual sorters, comes as more aluminum can manufacturers are calling for higher recovery rates for the material. 

EPA to update landfill air emissions rules in 2025

The federal agency first hinted at the update in its regulatory agenda. Environmental and industry groups are now collaborating with the EPA on draft language for a notice of proposed rulemaking.

Volvo to receive $208M to accelerate heavy-duty electric truck production at Mack plants

The funds will modify plants in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, where Mack and Volvo will produce new equipment or powertrain components.

Waste Pro recieves first credit rating from Fitch as it charts long-term growth plans

Fitch noted Waste Pro’s strong presence in the Southeast and its residential and commercial contract stability. Waste Pro sought the new rating as it aims to refinance debt.

DOE offers ‘game-changer’ $182M loan to IRG plastics recycling project

The Pennsylvania project is expected to be one of the largest plastic recycling facilities in the country. It will mechanically recycle certain plastics and turn the rest into a coking agent for the steel industry.

Eureka Recycling receives over $10M in financing to upgrade MRF

The Minnesota nonprofit aims to increase the amount of PET and aluminum it captures. The funding comes from a loan led by Closed Loop Partners and American Beverage as well as a grant from The Recycling Partnership.

Terex announces $2B deal for Environmental Solutions Group

The deal values Environmental Solutions Group, which includes brands like Heil and Soft-Pak, at 8.4 times its expected earnings for the year. Terex noted expected growth in the refuse vehicle market as one of its motivations.

Updated July 22, 2024

Pay rose for multiple waste and recycling CEOs in 2023, especially GFL

See the latest compensation data for executives at WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Enviri and Casella Waste Systems in our sixth annual report.

Investment ‘critical’ for U.S. compost facilities as industry shows little growth since 2018

A blended financing model could provide needed investment into large-scale composting facilities nationwide, according to new research from the Composting Consortium, an entity organized by Closed Loop Partners.

Cyclic Materials receives funding from Microsoft for rare earth minerals recycling

The funding from Microsoft’s climate fund will help Cyclic perfect its newest rare earth metals recycling technology for hard drives, which it is testing at ITAD facilities like Sims Lifecycle Services.

Local opposition puts heat on chemical recycling projects in Ohio River Valley

A report from the Ohio River Valley Institute says chemical recycling plans won't deliver economic or environmental promises. The organization calls for more sustainable plastic reduction solutions.

Debrand aims to scale textile recycling in US amid growing brand and policy demand

WM-backed Debrand’s expansion into the U.S. aims to strengthen textile sorting and recycling infrastructure in North America. Factors like chemical recycling and EPR could influence the market for textile recycling.

EPA opens civil rights investigation into Baltimore waste plan

The EPA will investigate whether Baltimore City and its Department of Public Works violated communities’ civil rights with its waste plan, which preserves the city’s status quo with a WIN Waste combustion facility.

Packaging groups engaged on numerous state EPR bills in 2024. What have they learned?

Material and CPG trade groups are growing more accustomed to extended producer responsibility legislation in statehouses. Leaders weighed in on lessons to take forward from Minnesota, New York and other states this year.

Dueling farm bills address anaerobic digestion, composting, PFAS

The House and Senate versions of the farm bill, which remain far from reconciliation, contain changes to programs that have benefited the organic waste industry along with other food waste reduction measures.