Deep Dive: Page 2

What's next for Recology in San Francisco after $36M DOJ penalty, bribery charge

The West Coast company is looking to move forward after three subsidiaries admitted to one charge of bribery in a deferred prosecution agreement, but it still faces legal action and a push to change local collection systems.

Cole Rosengren • Sept. 29, 2021

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.

Megan Quinn • Aug. 12, 2021

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.

Ryan Golden • Aug. 11, 2021

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.

Cole Rosengren • Aug. 4, 2021

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.

Emilie Shumway • Aug. 3, 2021

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.

Megan Quinn • July 19, 2021

From green to gold: 5 ways CFOs can gain from climate risk disclosure

CFOs confronting growing pressure to disclose climate change risks can find in their analysis opportunities to improve capital allocation and risk management.

Jim Tyson • June 29, 2021

Amid rising interest in packaging policy, bottle bill changes still struggle to break through

Multiple states introduce bills each year to update their container deposit laws, but few pass. Experts say balancing competing interests and tough compromises may be the only way for them to make it to the finish line.

Megan Quinn • June 23, 2021

New York commercial waste overhaul on horizon, but funding unresolved

After a year-long pandemic delay, the city is moving on an RFP process to reshape the open market system. Dozens of companies recently took the first application step, potentially including newcomers Waste Management and Winters Bros.

Cole Rosengren • March 19, 2021

Renewed focus on landfill calculations as waste industry faces pressure to reduce emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change are under growing scrutiny from regulators and investors alike. Finding the most precise way to measure them remains a complex effort.

Leslie Nemo • March 9, 2021

2021 could be year for packaging EPR, nearly a dozen state bills in play

Lawmakers throughout the U.S. are increasingly interested in shifting more of recycling's financial implications to packaging manufacturers, with many taking a coordinated approach.

Megan Quinn • Updated Feb. 12, 2021

After years of pressure, glass recycling may be at a turning point

Companies and groups throughout the supply chain say targeted community solutions, infrastructure investments and educational campaigns are all contributing to a glass recycling resurgence.

Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 27, 2021

Fleet tech forges ahead, but some bide time on higher-stake EV investments

The pandemic strained finances for some waste and recycling collectors looking to upgrade their operations. But falling costs and ESG pressures could catalyze EV pilots, routing software adoption and more in 2021.

Maria Rachal • Updated Jan. 27, 2021

Environmental efforts key for Biden, but industry expects limited recycling policy movement in 2021

While existing initiatives such as a national recycling goal are likely to make headway, and Democratic majorities in Congress could affect legislation, trade groups don't anticipate major changes due to a crowded agenda.

Megan Quinn • Jan. 20, 2021

9 questions about the future of waste and recycling in 2021

As we gear up for another eventful year, Waste Dive will be focusing on trends around ESG, M&A, recycling policy, market development, PFAS, local budgets, collection technology, safety, diversity and much more.

Cole Rosengren, Megan Quinn and Maria Rachal • Jan. 13, 2021

Packaging, PPE and surgical supplies: How COVID-19 is pushing hospitals to reduce waste

Some waste is inevitable, but supply chain leaders are finding ways to reduce quantities, in addition to reusing and recycling when possible and adjusting procurement and packaging.

Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 12, 2021

5 CFO trends to watch in 2021

Greater attention to ESG metrics, real-time data and the wind-down of LIBOR are among the trends you may see this year. 

Jim Tyson • Jan. 12, 2021

The unfulfilled promises of plastic film recycling

The pandemic spurred an uptick in plastic bag use, as already limited retail take back options became more scarce. Stakeholders from all sides think it's time for new ideas.

Karine Vann • Updated Jan. 5, 2021

How local waste and recycling leaders are grappling with coronavirus-driven budget pressures

Lost revenues, rising operating expenses and limited federal aid have left local leaders looking for creative solutions. In some cases, the pandemic has also created opportunities to update their practices.

Leslie Nemo • Dec. 22, 2020

No 'green halo' for renewables: Veolia, First Solar, others tackle wind and solar environmental impacts

From manufacturing effects to the difficulty of recycling PV panels and turbine blades, solar and wind in particular can spur consequences the industries are trying to reduce.

Lynn Freehill-Maye • Dec. 18, 2020

US waste and recycling sector faces mounting risks and opportunities from climate change

As the industry increasingly recognizes its contribution to climate change and sees business opportunities in potentially mitigating those effects, the sector could be at a notable inflection point in the years ahead.

Cole Rosengren • Nov. 18, 2020

Diversity efforts taking shape at waste industry's big companies, but serious work remains

Public companies are increasing their focus on diversity and inclusion, from the frontlines to the boardroom, following national attention on racism. Nearly 74% of sector executives or senior managers are White males, per federal data.

Cole Rosengren • Nov. 2, 2020

Election 2020: Climate policy faces a tough road through Congress regardless of electoral outcomes

A Democratic Senate will attempt to pass Joe Biden's clean energy standard in the face of an expected Republican filibuster, while bipartisan support exists for more R&D spending on carbon-cutting technologies.

Matthew Bandyk • Oct. 26, 2020

'We can never get to zero': Organics recyclers face hard choices in responding to PFAS contamination

Composting and biosolids stakeholders worry regulations will decimate their industry, while environmental and health groups say action is critical.

E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Burning 'forever chemicals' emerges as industry flash point

Sending PFAS to incinerators is drawing lawmaker scrutiny and public outcry, but some experts say it may be the only realistic solution.

E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020