Waste Connections Q3: Pandemic recovery plateauing, $500M ESG plan launched

Business is still rebounding from shutdown levels, and M&A activity continues across North America, but unknowns also remain ahead of the election and a rising coronavirus caseload.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 29, 2020

Brand commitments, legislation and pandemic all influencing plastic recycling

Speakers at last week's Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference weighed in on the many factors affecting markets for different plastics, as supply chains are disrupted and demand for greater recycling activity is on the rise.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 28, 2020

Home soda machines reveal circular economy potential — and limitations — during pandemic

With beverage brands looking to reduce their plastic footprint, options like SodaStream could gain market share. A new partnership with TOMRA aims to resolve recent issues exchanging the CO2 cylinders that make it possible.

By Karine Vann • Updated Oct. 29, 2020

Waste Management completes $4.6B acquisition of Advanced Disposal, following regulatory approval

The news caps off a more than 18-month process, with substantially more divestitures than originally planned. The sale to GFL Environmental of divested assets in 10 states is now complete.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 30, 2020

Republic Services to acquire Minnesota hauler Randy's Environmental

The family-owned company describes itself as the largest independent operator in the state, with numerous contracts in the Minneapolis area. It is also known for a unique co-collection system for organics.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 23, 2020

RTS acquires organics recycler and circular product manufacturer Ambrosia

The deal includes Ambrosia's processing facility in New Jersey, making RTS vertically integrated for organics in the New York metro area. Future facilities will be considered in other markets.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 22, 2020

New Jersey recycled content bill seeing multiple changes, likely moving action into 2021

The substitute bill will more closely follow a recently passed California law, reflecting feedback from regulators and business interests. It comes as the industry increasingly embraces recycled content minimums. 

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 21, 2020

Toxic PFAS waste that lasts 'forever' poses financial, logistical challenges for landfills

Some worry PFAS could have National Sword-level implications for landfills. Stakeholders are aiming to avoid blame for contamination, while seeking out solutions to address the mounting crisis.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Waste Management updates sustainability plan with 2025 targets focused on climate

Existing 2038 sustainability goals haven't changed, but executives recognized the need for more near-term progress. Procuring more renewable energy and reducing recycling contamination are among the newly announced priorities.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 15, 2020

Texas conference highlights growing PFAS, environmental justice concerns

Speakers at the 2020 Texas Recycling and Composting Summit covered PFAS contamination in biosolids, a state market development study, racial issues in the industry and more.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 13, 2020

City sanitation workers across the country seek hazard pay, looking to federal relief funds for help

With no end in sight to the pandemic, municipal sanitation workers in Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities are asking for better compensation. Successful efforts in multiple Virginia cities offer a possible model to follow.

By Amir Khafagy • Oct. 12, 2020

Mack advances toward electric truck production, Republic Services among first customers

The manufacturer recently handed off pre-production LR Electric models to Republic and New York's Department of Sanitation after initial tests. Production will begin in 2021, as multiple competitors look to gain market share.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 7, 2020

City budget crunch could present textile recycling's moment to grow

Boston paused curbside textile plans, but Philadelphia recently launched a pilot and recyclers see the potential to do even more. Now, they just need fragile end markets for used clothing to hold up.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 30, 2020

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

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