Shreveport, Louisiana contract impasse and MRF closure pauses multiple recycling programs

The city could become one of the nation's largest to lose curbside recycling service following failed negotiations with Pratt Industries and Republic Services. Some Waste Management operations in Texas are also affected.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 29, 2020

Calls for e-cigarette legislation increase amid growing fire hazard to waste and recycling industry

The proliferation of vape pens for nicotine and cannabis is the latest example of how embedded lithium-ion batteries are creating a safety risk for the sector. Advocates hope national and state policy proposals can change that.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 22, 2020

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

Top stories from 2020's WasteExpo

Catch up on coverage of sessions about federal elections, evolving approaches to technology, PFAS regulations, recycling technology, policy and more.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Sept. 30, 2020

Long Beach, California, revamps recycling to focus on plastics by item type, not resin numbers

Though the city waited as long as it could for new markets to appear, international trade changes ultimately led public works officials to alter their approach to curbside recycling.

By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 16, 2020

As technology spreads across the industry, independent haulers see adaptability as unique edge

From collection vehicles to the back office, industry systems are evolving rapidly. National players may have more resources, but during a WasteExpo panel smaller companies said they can pivot more quickly.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 16, 2020

WasteExpo: Positive recycling trends endure despite steep pandemic impacts

During the virtual event, representatives from the U.S. EPA, New York Department of Sanitation and Waste Management discussed recent impacts to recycling, as well as signs for optimism around domestic markets.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 15, 2020

New York sanitation commissioner warns against 'devastating' budget cuts ahead of resignation

After six-plus years on the job, Kathryn Garcia is considering a run for mayor. In an exit interview, she discourages further layoffs, forecasts more commercial waste zone delays and says "zero waste" by 2030 is likely unattainable.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 14, 2020

Waste Management report shows untapped recycling potential, clarifies policy positions

While observers are still parsing the details on MRF investments and material flows, some see the information as the latest sign that more can be done collectively to maximize national recycling activity.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 10, 2020

Bay Area startup Trash Warrior eyes West Coast growth after securing new funding

The San Francisco-based technology company, founded last year, is looking to make its mark in the area by competing on price and following a familiar "Uber for trash" dream.

By Samuel Wendel • Sept. 8, 2020

Reuse platforms push technology as saving grace from pandemic pressures

Last week's Circularity 20 featured leaders from Loop, Algramo, CupClub and other new ventures looking to expand market share during a year of surprising resurgence for single-use items.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 2, 2020

CNG trucks still used by many in the industry, but electric vehicles gaining ground

Natural gas-powered vehicles have been the industry's preferred form of alternative fuel for years, but while investments continue, 2020 is shaping up to be the year that electric breaks through.

By Lori Lovely • Sept. 2, 2020

California governor signs nation's first recycled content requirement for plastic beverage containers

Containers will need to have 50% recycled content by 2030, a standard described as among the world's most aggressive. This comes after another major packaging bill did not pass during this year's legislative session.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 25, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Diverse group of stakeholders launch US Plastics Pact, aim for circular packaging by 2025

The collaborative is part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's worldwide Plastics Pact network. Members include major waste trade groups, recyclers and large brands.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 26, 2020

Advanced Disposal shareholders approve amended terms for $4.6B sale to Waste Management

This favorable vote on a lower price, largely considered a foregone conclusion, marks the latest milestone toward closing a major transaction that has been delayed by divestiture requirements and pandemic effects.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 26, 2020

Wastequip aims to develop product GHG emission scores as part of new sustainability program

VP Kristin Kinder cited customer demand and industry trends as motivating factors behind a step many equipment manufacturers have yet to take, while also discussing diversity and inclusion efforts.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 25, 2020

Waste Pro's new COO pledges more executive time in the field, talks 'controlled growth' strategy

Keith Banasiak discusses his parallel career path alongside new CEO Sean Jennings, as well as the company's pandemic response, ESG perspective, future M&A plans and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2020

Industry-supported organics hauling bill comes up short in California legislature

Proponents say AB 2959 would clarify a loophole allowing smaller haulers to undercut franchise agreements and hinder progress toward state diversion targets. Critics said it would hurt the state's efforts to curb organic waste.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 19, 2020

Acting Administrator Jim Mullen to leave FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will get a new acting administrator in former Director of Government Affairs Wiley Deck.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 17, 2020

GFL Environmental closes $1.2B WCA Waste acquisition, now in 27 states

The news comes shortly after approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. CEO Patrick Dovigi said this purchase from Macquarie, and pending divestitures from Waste Management, were key drivers behind a recent IPO.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 1, 2020

Balcones acquisition of Florida recycler latest step toward new type of vertical integration

The deal marks the Texas-based company's first purchase since it sold a majority stake to Closed Loop Partners in 2019. More plans are in the works, with a potential focus on secondary processing capabilities in the Southeast.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 12, 2020

New Jersey governor signs landmark environmental justice bill with big permit implications

The long-anticipated legislation had key backing from community groups. Despite some business opposition and industry trepidation, waste and recycling stakeholders also expressed support.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 18, 2020

Republic Services and Nikola cancel major electric truck order

The industry's largest order by far (at least 2,500 vehicles) is being reversed due to "longer than expected development time, and unexpected costs." But Republic said it plans more purchases from various suppliers next year.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 23, 2020

Waste Connections Q2: Economic recovery may have plateaued, notable E&P declines

While an ongoing downturn in the energy market skewed results, and other volumes remain down, the company's latest earnings report showed a resilient business. Annual guidance has been reinstated, and M&A plans continue.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

Republic Services settles into pandemic conditions, expects to be 'more profitable' going forward

Q2 revenues and volumes were down, but this was offset by other savings and trends are improving. The company reiterated plans for upward of $650 million in M&A this year, largely driven by the pending Santek deal.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020