EPA approves final cleanup plan for Texas Superfund site tied to WM subsidiary

The final approval comes after years of disagreements between the U.S. EPA, a WM subsidiary and International Paper. Estimated cleanup costs for the San Jacinto River Waste Pits site are $115 million.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 19, 2025

EPA announces intent to defend PFAS hazardous substance designation

EPA said it also plans to develop a new rule for future hazardous substance designations under CERCLA, saying it would be a “statutory fix to protect passive receivers from liability.”

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 18, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

The Rise of Recycling AI

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common at MRFs, in collection trucks and even as a tool for consumer education at the point of generation.

By Waste Dive staff

LASAN cuts customer fees, mandates organics in RecycLA franchise RFP

The city is resetting its commercial waste program with an emphasis on cost, while making organics part of baseline service to comply with SB 1383. It also aims to give more work to subcontractors despite Teamsters opposition.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 18, 2025

PET reclaimer rPlanet Earth closes in California

The closure of the vertically integrated PET recycler and food packaging manufacturer destabilizes the state’s Grade B PET markets. It is the second such closure in 2025, as PET reclaimers have weathered market challenges.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 12, 2025

Noble Environmental closes $100M bond as it plans Pennsylvania rail project

The private company is planning improvements across its landfill and transfer station portfolio in the state, including a possible waste-to-rail project.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 11, 2025

Only 5% of healthcare plastic gets recycled: Eunomia report

Numerous interventions are needed to recycle more healthcare plastic, but the system is complex, according to a new report. WM, Veolia and other recyclers contributed insight to the report. 

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 11, 2025

GFL acquires Superior Waste from private equity group

The acquisition nets GFL Environmental a fully integrated presence in Oklahoma that includes multiple transfer stations and a municipal solid waste landfill.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 10, 2025

EPA opens up $20M in SWIFR grant funding for tribes and intertribal consortia

The Trump administration plans to select 20 grantees in the latest funding round. It also says the selection process for a $58 million funding round for communities, states and territories is ongoing.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 9, 2025

To raise recycling rates, look to system design: SWANA

Tailored programs and systems that consider human habits can help boost recycling rates, said design engineers and landfill operators at SWANA’s Pennsylvania chapter conference.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 5, 2025

Waste and the economy: 4 areas to watch for the rest of 2025

The waste and recycling industry has adapted to a changing economy this year, including effects from a lucrative new tax law, M&A, tariffs and commodity markets.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Sept. 3, 2025

NWRA among groups pushing back on RFS proposal

The EPA said it needed to reduce production targets as the transportation market for RNG had become saturated. But industry groups say that misses the point of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 2, 2025

How Bigbelly reshored its waste and recycling bin operations from Mexico

What started as a college idea about solar compactors has evolved into one of the more recognizable public space waste container brands. Bigbelly doubled production in recent years and sees more growth ahead.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 27, 2025

Stericycle to pay $2M settlement in New York overbilling complaint

A New York City Business Integrity Commission audit investigation found the company overcharged "multiple customers" in the city. Stericycle hired a consultant to bring contracts into compliance.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Aug. 26, 2025

Teamsters v. Republic: Behind the largest sanitation strike in decades

The two sides have been locked in a dispute that has rippled out from the Boston area since July 1. The struggle signals a contentious new era of labor relations has arrived to the waste and recycling industry.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 25, 2025

Prairie Robotics expands its AI truck tech to more North American cities

Its recent partnership with Tacoma, Washington, was funded by a $1.8 million U.S. EPA recycling education grant. The company aims to expand its on-truck contamination detection services.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 13, 2025

Quest reports revenue decline after mall business exit

The company is in the midst of operational efficiency initiatives after a disappointing 2024. These processes have reduced debt and improved cash generation, executives said on a Q2 earnings call.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 12, 2025

Battery recycling facilities and programs ramp up in U.S. and Canada

Princeton NuEnergy’s black mass facility has opened, while Washington seeks comments on its battery EPR rulemaking and two Canadian programs join forces on battery recycling education.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 12, 2025

GreenWaste’s new CEO eyes M&A, California facility expansion for growth

GreenWaste appointed former COO Clete Elms to permanently serve as CEO of the private equity-backed company. He brings experience leading Australian waste firms and a focus on sustainability.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 11, 2025

Major waste companies spent $659M on M&A in Q2

Companies spent significantly less on M&A than in Q1. WM acquired WB Waste in D.C., while Republic, Waste Connections, GFL and Casella focused on smaller tuck-ins or regional deals.

By Jacob Wallace , Megan Quinn • Aug. 4, 2025

Casella raises revenue guidance, previews West Virginia growth plans

Executives noted stable performance in the Northeast and anticipated annualized revenues from acquisitions, but pointed out headwinds from labor costs and truck delays in the mid-Atlantic. 

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 1, 2025

GFL down to 2 bidders for sale of stake in infrastructure business, boosts guidance

CEO Patrick Dovigi confirmed that the company is rapidly nearing a deal to sell a stake in its privately held Green Infrastructure Partners business. GFL posted growth that beat expectations in the second quarter.

By Jacob Wallace • July 31, 2025

Q2 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2025

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella, Enviri and Clean Harbors.

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Aug. 5, 2025

Republic expects Teamsters strike to cost at least $25M amid steady quarter

Executives detailed the impact from headwinds like lower commodity prices, continued softness in manufacturing and the ongoing labor disputes it faces in several markets. 

By Jacob Wallace • July 30, 2025

WM decreases 2025 revenue guidance but logs strong quarter

The company reported revenue gains for the quarter, fueled largely by internal growth in the collection and disposal business and the ongoing integration of Stericycle. Commodity prices weighed on the outlook.

By Jacob Wallace • July 29, 2025

Coastal Waste pilots AI-powered robot to stop facility and fleet fires

The AI-powered robot, a custom build from neighboring Florida technology company Guident, could help prevent battery fires. It also performs other safety checks so employees can spend more time with customers.

By Megan Quinn • July 28, 2025