Republic sees growing returns from US Ecology acquisition, eyes additional M&A opportunities

CEO Jon Vander Ark said the environmental solutions business was exceeding expectations, and he sees continued opportunity for growth through cross-selling and pricing increases.

By Jacob Wallace • April 28, 2023

WM sees more cost cutting opportunities through labor attrition, new truck deliveries

The industry’s largest company saw increased expenses during Q1 but remains confident in hitting its annual guidance through pricing and cost reduction efforts. Executives also previewed an upcoming Toronto MRF project.

By Megan Quinn • April 27, 2023

Waste Connections anticipates another busy M&A year as Mittelstaedt outlines long-term plans

In his first report since returning as CEO, Ron Mittelstaedt shared updates on labor, inflation and M&A. Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, executives said they’ve already locked in price increases for a majority of business.

By Cole Rosengren • April 27, 2023

BP names new Archaea Energy CEO

This is the latest executive change the company has made in areas it calls its “growth engines” — bioenergy, convenience, EV charging, renewables and hydrogen.

By Brett Dworski • April 27, 2023

New York’s Brookhaven Landfill is closing soon. Is Long Island ready?

A prime destination for incinerator ash and C&D will soon be out of capacity. Winters Bros. Waste Systems has acquired rail transfer assets with plans to build a new site and is looking to play a lead role in the region’s next chapter.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2023

Casella Waste to acquire $525M worth of GFL assets in 3 states

Pending regulatory approval, the transaction would mark a major collection expansion for the Northeastern company into a region where it had already been developing new landfill capacity.

By Cole Rosengren • April 24, 2023

Landfill greenhouse gas emissions appeared to decline slightly in 2021, but real-world data remains scarce

Efforts to collect landfill gases appear to moderate emissions, and the waste sector did not see emissions increase from 2020, even as other categories did. The industry still wants a better accounting system.

By Jacob Wallace • April 14, 2023

Should more PFAS types be deemed hazardous? EPA seeks feedback

The agency already plans to include PFOS and PFOA in a hazardous designation under Superfund law but could now go further. The waste industry has previously raised concerns about possible liability and cost burdens.

By Megan Quinn • April 14, 2023

WM could earn more from RNG than from recycling by next year as part of dramatic scale-up

The company sees significant upside, including from new regulations and incentives, in building out a portfolio of RNG facilities with the potential to boost earnings as much as $600 million by 2026.

By Jacob Wallace • April 5, 2023

Connecticut environmental justice law could expand to transfer stations, chemical recycling facilities

The state’s legislature is advancing a bill that would expand the existing EJ law to include cumulative impact requirements in permitting decisions. This would follow similar laws in New York and New Jersey. 

By Megan Quinn • April 3, 2023

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