One year covering COVID-19's impact on the waste and recycling sector

The coronavirus pandemic brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry that continued its work throughout the crisis. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's reporting from the initial year.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated March 15, 2021

Pandemics were not part of most contingency plans, but waste and recycling industry proving resilient

Precautions previously in place for industry disruptions did not account for a coronavirus-induced economic disruption. Companies and public sector consultants discuss what's next more than a month in.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020

Industry groups push for inclusion of recycling infrastructure in next federal coronavirus aid package

The Recycling Partnership, NWRA, SWANA and others argue recycling should be in the next stimulus effort as part of any infrastructure designation amid fears that momentum around national bills has faltered during the pandemic. 

By E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020

Governments encouraged to expand procurement of products with PCR

The Association of Plastic Recyclers and Northeast Recycling Council have launched for a public sector version of the Demand Champions program. Bags, carts, furniture and more are seen as opportunities for boosting recycling demand through procurement.

By Leslie Nemo • April 15, 2020

Multiple states suspend landfill bans for yard waste over COVID-19 fallout

Iowa, West Virginia and Kentucky have all temporarily suspended disposal bans due to workforce limitations. At the same time, many municipalities are grappling with a sudden uptick in yard waste as residents stay home.

By E.A. Crunden • April 14, 2020

COVID-19 turns some recycled fiber market dynamics on their head

Surges in consumer toilet paper and e-commerce purchases are causing a boom in demand for certain types of recycled fiber, but supply is falling short. Moore & Associates, ISRI, Closed Loop Partners, The Recycling Partnership and others weigh in.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 13, 2020

Waste Management resumes all California MRF operations after COVID-19 concerns

Waste Management previously sent force majeure letters to municipal customers warning of potential issues during the pandemic. Other companies were also making changes that could temporarily disrupt residential recycling.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • Updated May 19, 2020

Paid sick leave policies in the spotlight as COVID-19 concerns mount for frontline workers

While some of the industry's largest companies have expanded leave policies and raised hourly wages, smaller operators may be less equipped to adapt.

By E.A. Crunden • April 6, 2020

Chicago's ailing recycling program under new scrutiny

Pre-pandemic, the Department of Streets and Sanitation announced plans for a new waste study, aldermen called for oversight hearings and residual rates were a controversial issue. This attention comes as recycling contracts are up for renewal soon.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2020

Uncharted waters: Waste and recycling companies adapting to the coronavirus economy

Commercial volumes are down dramatically in many markets, employee hours are being cut and contract terms are tested. How service providers respond could have lasting reputational and financial implications.

By Cole Rosengren • March 31, 2020

Small-scale organics recyclers struggle amid coronavirus pandemic

New York City and San Francisco are including curbside organics collection among essential public services. But fallout from COVID-19 has meant dramatic changes for small-scale composters, including temporary program suspensions. 

By E.A. Crunden • March 31, 2020

Republic Services confirms acquisition of Santek Waste Services, sizable landfill operator

The Tennessee-based company, known for its focus on privatizing publicly-owned landfills, has grown into a vertically-integrated player with assets in nine states. The deal would give Republic new capacity in multiple key markets.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated May 6, 2020

$2T coronavirus stimulus package expected to directly help small haulers and frontline workers

The federal relief package prioritizes other industries, but SWANA and ISRI indicated smaller businesses and individual workers would still benefit. President Trump signed the stimulus Friday. 

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 27, 2020

At least 8 states suspend bottle bill requirements during coronavirus pandemic

Pressure on overwhelmed grocery stores and ongoing concerns about the transmission of COVID-19 via recyclables are key issues. Additional changes may be coming in the remaining two states with bottle bills.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated March 25, 2020

OSHA: Treat municipal waste and recycling with possible COVID-19 contamination normally

The federal workplace safety regulator's previous guidance said any municipal solid waste with coronavirus connections should be treated as regulated medical waste, sparking concerns throughout the industry. NWRA and SWANA pushed for the change.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 20, 2020

Stericycle: Medical waste volumes from COVID-19 not as high as Ebola so far

Medical waste companies are seeking a uniform approach as the industry braces for coronavirus waste impact. NWRA, Stericycle and others are warning against "overclassifying" coronavirus waste as medical waste as part of that effort.

By E.A. Crunden • March 19, 2020

Boise, Idaho temporarily sending EnergyBag plastics to cement manufacturing facility

After stockpiling the bags for months due to an equipment issue at Renewlogy's Utah pyrolysis facility, the city has decided this is a preferable interim solution following preliminary results from an environmental review.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated May 27, 2020

Coronavirus poses multiple safety risks for waste and recycling workers

Concerns persist about infection exposure while social distancing requirements are changing how collection routes and MRFs are operated. Labor unions are calling for answers around paid leave policies.

By Cole Rosengren • March 18, 2020

Municipalities suspend recycling due to coronavirus impact on prison labor, broader safety concerns

Several areas across the country have temporarily cut programs as the pandemic ramps up, citing COVID-19 safety fears and dwindling availability of incarcerated workers at MRFs.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 19, 2020

How 12 months of the coronavirus pandemic disrupted US waste and recycling service

A year into the pandemic, waste and recycling workers are increasingly gaining access to the COVID-19 vaccine through a range of eligibility categories.

By Cole Rosengren, Nami Sumida • Updated March 15, 2021

Medical waste companies preparing for potentially elevated volumes as coronavirus concerns accelerate

China has seen staggering amounts of medical waste. It is unclear if U.S. impacts might be similar, but companies such as Veolia North America and Stericycle are closely monitoring new developments. 

By E.A. Crunden • March 17, 2020

New York City Council outlines big plans for curbside organics, textiles and EPR

A new agenda calls for the expansion of curbside residential organics collection citywide, along with more than a dozen other policies, to accelerate progress toward "zero waste" by 2030. Mention of a "save-as-you-throw" program is notably absent.

By Cole Rosengren • March 16, 2020

Waste companies react to coronavirus and alter travel plans amid uncertain operational effects

Some of the industry's largest companies shared an evolving range of approaches to travel expectations, meeting structures, and operational decisions. Plans for SWANApalooza and ISRI 2020 have been suspended.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 12, 2020

End of Waste Foundation ramps up glass recycling platform, aims for $10M investment

The unique startup hopes to facilitate recycling for 15,000 tons of glass this year, with a focus on more municipal partnerships. Founder Ionut Georgescu projects that could increase to 500,000 tons next year with new funding.

By Cole Rosengren • March 11, 2020

Waste and recycling trade groups issue coronavirus guidance for worker safety

SWANA, NWRA and ISRI do not think there is cause for heightened alarm. Though they emphasized broader caution, at a time when details are changing rapidly and many events are being postponed or canceled.​

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 12, 2020