EPA waste office unlikely to get a Senate-confirmed leader before Biden term ends

After prior nominee Carlton Waterhouse withdrew in 2023, the U.S. EPA hasn’t updated the status of the assistant administrator role at the Office of Land and Emergency Management. Nominees could reflect new administration priorities.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 17, 2024

Connected workspaces: Waste and material management’s digital revolution

Streamline your waste management journey with connected workspaces, saving time and enhancing data for waste producers, processors and transporters.

By Scott Holliday, Head of Product, Livegistics • Sept. 9, 2024

Tribal projects to reduce waste receive millions in EPA, NOAA funding

The EPA announced $300 million for tribal climate change programs, including $21 million in waste-related initiatives. NOAA also announced $23 million in grants for marine debris mitigation efforts.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 6, 2024

Research shows RNG industry consolidating, as major players announce new or completed projects

A report from WoodMackenzie found that market consolidation could lead to greater efficiencies and drive technology upgrades at landfills. Meanwhile, WM and Waste Connections shared progress on their RNG projects.

By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 6, 2024

GFL to limit PFAS pollution from North Carolina landfill in proposed agreement

The consent decree between GFL and the Southern Environmental Law Center will lower PFAS contamination levels in leachate to levels the EPA set in its drinking water standard earlier this year.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated Sept. 5, 2024

California legislature passes textile EPR, SB 1383 updates and much more

If the bill is signed, California could become the first state to adopt a textile extended producer responsibility program. Lawmakers also approved program updates for paint, carpet and marine flares.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 4, 2024

Clean Harbors nears $5M agreement with DOJ to clean up Louisiana site contaminated with PCBs

The agreement, subject to final court approval, would see Clean Harbors conduct remediation work at a site first opened in 1969. Clean Harbors gained control of the site from Safety-Kleen in 2002.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 29, 2024

Qnergy to expand landfill gas conversion efforts to curb Utah’s emissions footprint

Qnergy is working with municipalities and waste management firms to bring its conversion technology, which has proven effective at a closed landfill in Utah, to more sites, CEO Ory Zik said.

By Suman Bhattacharyya • Aug. 21, 2024

Recology reports further emissions reductions, plans for new regulations

The employee-owned company based in California released its fifth annual sustainability report. Last year it set new targets to reduce emissions from landfills and facilities.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 21, 2024

Archaea buys out RNG partner at Republic-owned landfill, bringing lawsuit to an end

Republic and Archaea are project partners on an ambitious RNG portfolio around the country. But the two companies have been at odds over a landfill gas facility in Los Angeles County in which DTE Energy had a stake.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 13, 2024

4 landfill stories to follow this summer

WM won a court victory in New York, and a new county landfill got approved in Florida. Meanwhile, federal lawmakers are scrutinizing a Republic site in Oregon, and a recent study examined PFAS levels in landfill gas.

By Jacob Wallace , Megan Quinn • Aug. 8, 2024

How agencies in 6 states plan to spend millions from EPA climate pollution grants

State and local governments began applying for the $4.3 billion program earlier this year. Awardees in Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Virginia and Washington plan to fund efforts to address their waste systems.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 8, 2024

Waste-to-RNG projects closed out first half of 2024 largely on target

Executives from WM, BP and Republic Services reported project progress during recent earnings calls. Many had a positive tone despite uncertainty from interconnection delays and recent Supreme Court rulings.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 7, 2024

What the Supreme Court’s Chevron reversal could mean for PFAS and labor regulations

Ripple effects of the Chevron doctrine reversal may not affect operations for waste and recycling companies yet but could affect future federal rulemaking and legal challenges. NWRA’s CEO and legal experts weigh in.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 6, 2024

Casella touts key mid-Atlantic acquisitions, facility improvements for strong Q2

Casella offered more details on its acquisitions of Whitetail Disposal and LMR, as well as updates to the rail-served McKean Landfill, all of which support its growing footprint in the broader Pennsylvania area.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 2, 2024

ReMA urges federal court to review EPA’s PFAS hazardous substance designation

ReMA’s petition challenging the CERCLA hazardous substance designation for certain PFAS follows a similar petition from NWRA. Recycling and waste industry groups worry about unintended consequences from the rule.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 1, 2024

Clean Harbors gains stronger-than-expected returns from HEPACO, ups guidance

The company is undertaking several initiatives to address low base oil prices for its Safety-Kleen business. It continues to see growth in environmental services, however, and is open to more M&A on that front.

By Jacob Wallace • July 31, 2024

Waste companies announce more PFAS projects in July

A federal appeals court dismissed Chemours’ lawsuit against the EPA related to a PFAS advisory, while Waste Connections, Montrose Environmental and Crystal Clean all announced notable PFAS mitigation projects.

By Megan Quinn • Updated July 31, 2024

Q2 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2024

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

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Aug. 6, 2024

WM highlights M&A ramp-up, investments in recycling and RNG

WM highlighted continued operational efficiencies and receding commodity headwinds as factors powering what executives described as a strong Q2 performance. 

By Megan Quinn • July 25, 2024

Waste Connections touts big M&A growth, ramps up rail tons to Arrowhead Landfill

CEO Ron Mittelstaedt said the company is on track for an annual record in private company acquisition spending. He also touted ongoing improvements in employee retention, recycling earnings and energy waste services.

By Cole Rosengren • July 25, 2024

Republic ups guidance amid stronger commodity prices, despite lower volumes

The company said a weak construction market and the shedding of some contracts will likely lower volumes through 2024. However, underlying financial metrics remain strong thanks to strong pricing growth.

By Jacob Wallace • July 25, 2024

EPA to update landfill air emissions rules in 2025

The federal agency first hinted at the update in its regulatory agenda. Environmental and industry groups are now collaborating with the EPA on draft language for a notice of proposed rulemaking.

By Jacob Wallace • July 24, 2024

Pay rose for multiple waste and recycling CEOs in 2023, especially GFL

See the latest compensation data for executives at WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Enviri and Casella Waste Systems in our sixth annual report.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren , Jacob Wallace • July 22, 2024

EPA opens civil rights investigation into Baltimore waste plan

The EPA will investigate whether Baltimore City and its Department of Public Works violated communities’ civil rights with its waste plan, which preserves the city’s status quo with a WIN Waste combustion facility.

By Jacob Wallace • July 17, 2024