Republic ups guidance as Santek acquisition is finalized, CEO handoff on horizon

Even after a long approval process for the just-closed Santek purchase the company is "not deterred" from pursuing larger M&A deals and intends to invest $600 million in acquisitions this year, said incoming CEO Jon Vander Ark.

By Maria Rachal • May 6, 2021

Florida governor signs law to limit private hauler 'displacement,' reassess plastic bag policy

An industry lobbyist said the bill would make local governments "think long and hard" about pursuing certain franchise arrangements. That appears to have worked in at least one county.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 22, 2021

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

As litter balloons, local governments and residents try new approaches

Litter and city cleanliness issues seemed to worsen during the pandemic, prompting numerous solutions. “When it's sort of everybody's responsibility, it's nobody's priority,” one anti-litter specialist said.

By Maria Rachal • May 3, 2021

Roundup: Food waste back in the spotlight

This year’s Stop Food Waste Day drew attention from national and local leaders fighting hunger and climate change. Plus, new data on waste diversion in Colorado, and recycling initiatives launching in Houston and Milwaukee.

By Maria Rachal • April 30, 2021

Waste Connections Q1: Landfill volumes 'above pre-COVID levels'

Amid pandemic recovery, in March the company had its largest hiring levels since September 2019. It reported better commodity pricing and solid waste volumes even in regions hit hardest by COVID-19.

By Megan Quinn • April 29, 2021

Waste Management raises guidance as pandemic recovery accelerates, predicts possible labor headwind

Pricing and the Advanced Disposal acquisition were key first quarter boosts. Executives also announced a new chief sustainability officer and weighed in on the Biden administration's infrastructure proposal.

By Cole Rosengren • April 27, 2021

Roundup: Stimulus funding for city waste initiatives, DC and NY inch toward zero waste goals

The week of Earth Day saw news on zero waste plan reassessments, organics program expansions, reuse pilots and more. Catch up on updates from New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Boston and other cities around the country.

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • April 23, 2021

New York to revive curbside organics service amid criticism of lagging zero waste progress

The Department of Sanitation announced the return of multiple programs affected by pandemic budget cuts, following a council hearing about codifying the city's 2030 goal, but critics say more action is needed.

By Cole Rosengren • April 22, 2021

Roundup: Recology corruption charges mount in SF, NYC's waste neighbors propose a change

A second former Recology employee is charged in the ongoing corruption investigation, communities receiving New York City's waste push back, certification organizations seek additional city partners, and more local news.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal • April 16, 2021

New York City's waste future could be shaped by the closure of an island jail

Closing Rikers Island as a jail offers an opportunity to change aspects of New York's waste management infrastructure and potentially rethink expanding the city's role in overseeing it, former DSNY official Robert Lange writes.

By Robert Lange • April 15, 2021

Maryland governor allows organics diversion mandate to become law

The policy is set to take effect for large generators in 2023, after years of attempts. Proponents hope it will spur development of new regional composting and anaerobic digestion infrastructure.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 1, 2021

Roundup: Local governments continue to fight illegal dumping, adapt curbside recycling

Catch up on the latest local waste and recycling headlines from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and numerous other municipalities around the country.

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • April 9, 2021

Ron Gonen on 'waste profiteers,' transforming the recycling industry and getting serious about ESG

The Closed Loop Partners CEO and author of new book "The Waste-Free World" shares his views on how CPG companies, service providers, local governments and consumers must adapt to build a more circular economy.

By Cole Rosengren • April 8, 2021

Washington, DC, zero waste bill is now law, though funding remains uncertain

The legislation – with big organics diversion implications for businesses, among other categories – was adjusted to take into account ongoing recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

By Maria Rachal • April 5, 2021

Roundup: Biden infrastructure plan light on waste details, report highlights recycling data gap

The sector reacts to the president's $2 trillion proposal, Eunomia digs into state recycling performance, organics pilots are on the rise, New York City is tackling litter and more local stories from around the country

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • April 1, 2021

Republic closes acquisition of Santek, following DOJ divestiture agreement

A settlement includes collection and disposal assets in four Southeast states going to portfolio companies of Kinderhook Industries and Texas routes going to Waste Connections.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated May 5, 2021

Republic Services names Vander Ark new CEO, Slager retiring

The long-anticipated elevation of Jon Vander Ark, currently the company's president, takes effect in June. Don Slager, a multi-decade industry veteran, will continue in a consulting role through the end of the year.

By Cole Rosengren • March 31, 2021

Roundup: How cities are bucking privatization, fighting contamination via smartphones

A Washington city explains ending its 15-year relationship with Waste Connections, Waste Pro plans to walk from contract troubles in Memphis and more local stories from around the country.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal • March 26, 2021

Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act reintroduced, plastics industry ramps up opposition

The bill would ban some single-use plastic products, set recycled content requirements and enact a national EPR program. Opponents criticize the bill's efforts to suspend permitting for plastic production facilities.

By Megan Quinn • March 25, 2021

Wheelabrator debuts WIN Waste Innovations brand following Tunnel Hill acquisition

The newly combined operations of 10 companies will have an estimated $1 billion annual revenue run rate. Following a recapitalization, CEO Bob Boucher said more M&A is planned and an IPO or sale could happen in the future.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated April 6, 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.

By Cole Rosengren • March 19, 2021

GFL Environmental closes Terrapure acquisition, including key Toronto-area industrial landfill

The C$927.5 million deal, which GFL pursued for many years, will further solidify the company's presence throughout Canada.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 17, 2021

Cleveland curbside recycling to be revived through opt-in program

After nearly a year without curbside service, the city recently endorsed a lower-cost-per-household subscription approach. Critics of that model say it can be challenging to do robustly and equitably.

By Maria Rachal • March 10, 2021

Recology agrees to San Francisco rate settlement worth more than $107M, as competitors circle

The city attorney's office reached the deal while pursuing a broader public corruption investigation. Now, Waste Management, Republic Services and others see a window to revisit the company's local monopoly.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 5, 2021

PPP funds for waste, recycling companies slow to roughly $41M in early 2021

Widening COVID-19 vaccine access and commercial customers reopening portend recovery from some of 2020's unprecedented challenges. Still, seven companies secured loans of over $1 million in January.

By Maria Rachal • March 3, 2021