DOJ, EPA sue Norfolk Southern over hazardous waste cleanup costs from Ohio train derailment

The railroad could face penalties under the Clean Water Act and Superfund law for hazardous substances discharged following the Feburary derailment in East Palestine.

By Jacob Wallace • March 31, 2023

Connecticut legislative committee approves key waste bill with changes to EPR, disposal fee provisions

Changes to the bill include removing a MSW disposal fee and delaying an EPR for packaging provision until neighboring states adopt their own. A section expanding organics separation programs remains.

By Megan Quinn • March 29, 2023

Waste industry groups call for Congressional support against looming PFAS regulations

NWRA, EREF and members of several solid waste and composting groups said in a briefing that anticipated hazardous substance designations for PFAS under the Superfund law could make liability risks and costs skyrocket.

By Megan Quinn • March 28, 2023

Connecticut bill overhauling state waste management practices could see big changes

Pressure from stakeholders could mean the removal of MSW disposal fee and delay an EPR for packaging provision, but organics separation and recycled content sections could remain.

By Megan Quinn • March 24, 2023

GreenWaste CEO envisions ‘stronger presence’ for company in California following private equity investment

Over a year after selling to a Macquarie fund, CEO Tracy Adams reports a “great partnership.” He discusses the company’s targeted acquisition strategy, the state’s SB 1383 organics recycling law and more.

By Cole Rosengren • March 16, 2023

6 types of PFAS included in EPA’s long-awaited drinking water regulations

The EPA’s proposal covers a broader range than previously expected. The rule could become important in how waste facilities monitor or handle PFAS-containing material as well as present possible disposal opportunities.

By Megan Quinn • March 14, 2023

Lawmakers press for answers on hazardous waste facilities involved in Norfolk Southern derailment cleanup

During a Thursday Senate committee hearing, lawmakers said they want timelines and locations for sites that are handling material from East Palestine, Ohio. Shipments to a Republic Services site remain paused.

By Megan Quinn • March 10, 2023

Major solid waste and recycling companies spent nearly $6.3B on acquisitions in 2022

The multiyear trend of heightened deal spending continues. Catch up on financial details and 2023 M&A outlooks from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems.

By Cole Rosengren • March 8, 2023

Deep well disposal for PFAS attracts heightened interest as new regulations loom

Prior U.S. EPA guidance identified deep wells as a possible alternative to landfilling or incineration for these “forever chemicals,” and multiple facilities are touting their technologies as a solution.

By April Reese • March 6, 2023

Clean Harbors identifies incinerator, PFAS and new service sector opportunities for 2023

Clean Harbors anticipates new business opportunities in 2023 and beyond, possibly with companies following the reshoring trend. The company’s first major leadership change in 40 years is also in the works.

By Megan Quinn • March 2, 2023

Waste companies in the spotlight as hazardous cleanup from Ohio train derailment continues

WM, Republic Services and Clean Harbors are among those involved in managing waste from the site in East Palestine, Ohio. The U.S. EPA has gotten involved as some local communities resist accepting the material.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 28, 2023

Environmental justice is a growing operational factor. How are federal and state agencies defining it?

The definition of an environmental justice or disadvantaged area varies among states and between states and the U.S. EPA, with each term having a different range of implications.

By Myisha Majumder • Feb. 22, 2023

Casella previews ‘robust’ year of pricing to offset inflation; notes more acquisitions ahead

The Vermont-based company reported favorable Q4 results. Executives also previewed upcoming RNG projects, investment in a rail-served landfill and further growth through acquisitions.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 17, 2023

Q4 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors, Stericycle and Rubicon as they close out 2022 reports and give guidance for 2023.

Updated March 9, 2023

Waste Connections ends 2022 favorably despite headwinds; spent $2.3B on acquisitions

Waste Connections executives expect a strong start to 2023 due to anticipated acquisitions activity, as well as minor improvements in recycled commodity and energy credit values.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 16, 2023

Republic says it’s ready for any economy; M&A remains a priority after spending $2.7B in 2022

Executives said they anticipate growing revenue potential from the company’s environmental solutions division. The company also previewed upcoming plastic recycling center investments and acquisition plans.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 16, 2023

How the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard program changes could be a boon for landfill and AD operators

The program’s biggest change to date would set long-term renewable natural gas targets, add credits for powering electric vehicles and much more. WM, Republic Services, Anaergia, Covanta and others weigh in on what it means.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 16, 2023

Waste and recycling industry leaders discuss the operational impact of corporate ESG trends

LRS CEO Alan Handley and Vanguard Renewables Chief Sustainability Officer David Darr recently joined Waste Dive for a live discussion about investment trends, sustainability reporting, customer expectations and more.

By Waste Dive Staff • Feb. 15, 2023

EPA agrees to reevaluate MSW landfill emissions measurements in effort to settle lawsuit

A July 2022 lawsuit by the Environmental Integrity Project and others said the agency has not assessed certain emissions measurements since 1998 despite the Clean Air Act requiring their reevaluation every three years. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 13, 2023

With federal agencies still falling behind on PFAS deadlines, activists seek lawmakers’ help

The Environmental Working Group and Safer States say the U.S. EPA is moving too slowly on setting standards for PFAS in water, packaging and more. They’re pushing Congress and state legislatures to act as well.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2023

BP CEO describes Archaea acquisition as a ‘game changer’ for boosting biogas volumes

In their first earnings call since completing the purchase of a leading landfill gas project developer, BP executives outlined plans to ramp up capital spending and pursue new offtake options for the Archaea platform.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 8, 2023

Vicinity Energy takes over first WTE facility with $120M Michigan contract

Covanta opted out of the site after 30-plus years, creating an opening for Vicinity, a Veolia spinoff focused on district heating systems. Kent County plans to invest more than $40 million in upgrades to preserve the site.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 8, 2023

Minnesota renewable energy bill that could boost landfill gas, anaerobic digestion heads to governor’s desk

If the bill gets enacted, power from incinerators operating in environmental justice areas would not count toward the state’s renewable energy goals, but that from landfill gas and anaerobic digestion would.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 7, 2023

Federal lawmakers reintroduce bills calling for billions in food waste recycling and prevention grants

Sponsors of the COMPOST Act and Zero Food Waste Act say an injection of federal funding over 10 years will help scale up local projects. These bills failed to pass last session.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 3, 2023

WM boosts planned MRF and RNG spending by $590M, sees signs of inflation easing

Volumes may be flat, and recycling values are down, but executives hope cost control measures and long-term investments will offset headwinds. They said federal regulations are driving an attractive environment for RNG projects.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2023