Gold Medal Environmental returns to growth with M&A, new CEO

The Maryland-based company now generates nearly $200 million in annual revenue and has closed two notable deals since 2024. Executive Chairman Darren Gruendel shares what’s next for the Kinderhook-backed company. 

By Cole Rosengren • June 18, 2026

Waste industry leaders increasingly adopt AI for routing, pricing, safety

At the Waste Leadership Summit, Waste Connections announced plans to spend $100 million on AI through 2027. GFL Environmental, Casella, WM and Republic Services also previewed their new AI strategies.

By Jacob Wallace , Megan Quinn • June 18, 2026

California again attempts emission rules for private waste fleets

The California Air Resources Board is still working to compel a zero-emission transition for heavy-duty fleets. That includes private haulers with public contracts, a surprise to the waste industry.

By Jacob Wallace • June 17, 2026

Stericycle to pay $56M in DOJ settlement over handling of prescriptions

The DEA and DOJ say Stericycle improperly transported and stored thousands of pills between 2015 and 2020, leading to theft issues the agencies say the company failed to report.

By Megan Quinn • June 16, 2026

Casella CEO Ned Coletta plans for the operational long game

Coletta previewed plans for a new MRF in Pennsylvania, recent acquisitions of Cougle’s Recycling and assets of Recycle Depot, and upcoming PFAS management plans and landfill expansion efforts.

By Megan Quinn • June 15, 2026

Tech can stop battery fires, but prevention works best with education

Experts from WM, The Battery Network, Fire Rover and battery detection companies like Visia, Nexstera and Dragonfly called for closer collaboration on fire prevention at the Waste Leadership Summit.

By Megan Quinn • June 12, 2026

Circular economy investments drive waste industry innovations, hurdles

Tackling system distrust, away-from-home recycling and low PET prices are current challenges, said speakers from WM, Closed Loop Partners and Waste Connections at the Waste Leadership Summit.

By Megan Quinn • June 10, 2026

New York EPR bill won’t move forward this year

Other waste and recycling bills, including bottle bill updates and a street sweeper trash collection bill supported by DSNY, are not expected to pass. June 5 was the last day of the legislative session.

By Megan Quinn • June 5, 2026

California legislature advances key waste, recycling bills

A hauler franchise bill, plus bills to manage medium-format batteries, vape waste, food donations and metal shredder facilities, are still in play. The state’s legislative session ends Aug. 31.

By Megan Quinn • June 1, 2026

California EPR deadlines spur urgent flexible film recycling solutions

Film recycling systems need rapid upgrades to meet California's strict recycling rules under SB 54. Speakers on a recent NERC webinar noted new pilot programs and funding initiatives to help.

By Megan Quinn • May 29, 2026

Emterra is still growing its own way after 50 years

The Canadian company has expanded from a one-woman paper recycling operation to a business with five divisions, 19 MRFs and its own producer responsibility organization. CSO Paulina Leung talks future growth.

By Megan Quinn • May 27, 2026

Republic Services beats headwinds to deliver growth in Q1

The company grew key financial metrics despite headwinds from commodity prices, fuel costs and extreme weather in the first quarter. Executives said the environmental services business would also strengthen as the year goes on.

By Jacob Wallace • May 8, 2026

Clean Harbors raises guidance after record-high Q1 revenue

The company said landfill volumes increased 34% year over year in part due to PFAS-related project work. Other segments also outperformed expectations, prompting Clean Harbors to raise full-year guidance.

By Jacob Wallace • May 6, 2026

Casella updates outlook amid positive pricing and acquisitions in Q1

During an earnings call on Friday, executives offered updates on the Star Waste deal, tech upgrades and landfill permitting progress.

By Megan Quinn • May 1, 2026

Q1 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2026

Catch up with the latest results from Republic Services, Casella, Waste Connections, WM and GFL Environmental.

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated May 12, 2026

GFL defends Secure M&A plan amid strong quarter

Executives again highlighted the upside of the proposed Secure Waste acquisition during the company’s earnings call, as the underlying business showed strength. They also noted plans to double revenue in Texas.

By Jacob Wallace • April 30, 2026

Republic Services completes acquisition of Robinson Waste in Utah

The family-run hauler received an investment from ERA Partners in 2024. Its collection and transfer assets further densify Republic’s position in the Salt Like City region.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated May 8, 2026

WM’s mixed Q1 led by strong core business trends, health care improvements

Company executives noted operational improvements in the healthcare sector and advancements in sustainability infrastructure, but lower overall volumes due to severe winter weather. 

By Megan Quinn • April 29, 2026

Waste Connections notes positive Q1 despite rising fuel prices

The company insulated itself somewhat from higher fuel costs through hedging and surcharges. It is also seeing benefits from AI-related cost savings, recovering recycled commodities prices and RNG activity.

By Megan Quinn • April 23, 2026

Houston expands multifamily recycling pilot

About half of Houston residents live in apartments, but most lack recycling access. A pilot supported by The Recycling Partnership and Alliance to End Plastic Waste aims to change that.

By Megan Quinn • April 22, 2026

CompostNow eyes expansion amid city partnership in Georgia

CompostNow is set to take over curbside organic collections from Decatur, Georgia, after a pilot in the Atlanta suburb. Chief Impact Officer David Paull said the partnership and M&A are pathways for the company’s growth.

By Jacob Wallace • April 21, 2026

EREF: ‘profound’ regulatory changes shaped 30 years of medical waste incineration

Major changes to air emissions standards helped drastically reduce pollution since the ‘90s, but outdated pre-regulation data on medical waste incineration remains, EREF says.

By Megan Quinn • April 21, 2026

Arcwood makes major investments amid national growth strategy

In 2025, the company invested roughly $80 million into its facilities and executed several acquisitions. It’s looking to expand capacity to capture growing waste streams, including PFAS and pharmaceuticals.

By Jacob Wallace • April 20, 2026

Ecowaste Solutions acquires MDI’s Southeastern assets

Ecowaste will acquire certain MDI assets in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, including a transfer station and C&D landfill. MDI is exiting those commercial and residential offerings to focus on its services for the U.S. military. 

By Megan Quinn • April 20, 2026

New Hampshire’s G.W. Shaw grows with tuck-in deals, transfer station

The multigenerational, family-owned company is growing via regional acquisitions, a recently opened transfer station, concrete and wood recycling, organics collection and more.

By Cole Rosengren • April 17, 2026