Houston residents welcome DOJ environmental justice investigation but say more work is needed

Activists say the EJ investigation is a “step in the right direction” but doesn’t get to the heart of other systemic issues, such as their concerns on landfill expansions being ignored.

By Megan Quinn • July 29, 2022

GFL Environmental largely overcomes inflation through pricing and fuel charges, raises 2022 revenue guidance

Executives outlined ongoing efforts to recover direct fuel costs, similar to existing programs by major competitors, and shared an updated outlook on acquisition strategy given the inflationary environment.

By Cole Rosengren • July 28, 2022

WIN Waste Innovations buys Ohio hauler, creating platform for further regional expansion

Following WIN’s purchase of Waste Away Systems, CEO Robert Boucher says more Ohio acquisitions are likely as the Northeast company looks to expand its collection footprint and internalize volumes at two landfills in the state.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 28, 2022

WM raises 2022 guidance, plans to restart notable M&A spending

CEO Jim Fish said during the company’s July 27 earnings call that even if an economic slowdown occurs, WM is well-positioned to gain market share. New investments in RNG projects and MRF automation are also progressing.

By Cole Rosengren • July 27, 2022

Connecticut's MIRA WTE facility finally closes, leaving many questions about regional capacity

The aging facility was handling 720,000 tons per year of waste, much of which is now getting landfilled. A legislative task force is assessing what comes next for the authority that operated it for decades.

By Cole Rosengren • July 27, 2022

Can carbon capture make incinerators a net-zero solution? European operators aim to find out.

Climate goals are inspiring European operators to explore new technologies for their emissions, yet the environmental and financial outcomes remain to be seen. Skeptics say reduction, reuse and recycling are still the best options.

By Leslie Nemo • July 26, 2022

Vanguard Renewables CEO on $700M sale to BlackRock, digester expansion and landfill competition

Neil Smith, who joined Vanguard after leading an energy company during a similar period of expansion, breaks down what the sale means for the company’s efforts to launch dozens of RNG-producing facilities.

By Cole Rosengren • July 25, 2022

Houston under DOJ investigation for alleged environmental justice violations around illegal dumping

Latino and Black residents say the city ignored repeated calls to clean up illegal dumping in their area. The DOJ investigation is notable for its rare focus on a municipal solid waste department, but the city calls the accusations “baseless.”

By Megan Quinn • July 25, 2022

New York seeks feedback on regulations to limit landfill expansion, update organics diversion law

Proposed changes are meant to clarify existing solid waste laws and make progress toward the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goal. The Department of Environmental Conservation will accept comments through Aug. 24.

By Megan Quinn • July 22, 2022

Fueled by new Clairvest investment, Boston Carting has many plans for the 'hottest market in the country'

CEO Patsy Sperduto, along with investors from Ironwood Capital and Laurel Mountain Partners, talk about future development and acquisition plans for the fast-growing company following a recapitalization.

By Cole Rosengren • July 21, 2022

Republic Services reports on progress toward 2030 climate goals, restates emissions accounting

The company says it’s on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost recovery of certain “key materials,” with more electric vehicles on the way. It has also begun using an industry-created emissions standard.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 22, 2022

As organics depackager equipment market grows, so do concerns over microplastics contamination

Companies like Vanguard Renewables are investing millions to facilitate commercial organics recycling as researchers and state regulators work to keep PFAS and microplastics out of the equation.

By Elizabeth Gribkoff • July 18, 2022

HomeBiogas CEO sees 'a lot of room' for on-site organics recycling to compete in waste market

Oshik Efrati — co-founder of an Israeli company that has deployed digester units in more than 100 countries — outlines plans to target U.S. homeowners, multifamily complexes and commercial establishments.

By Cole Rosengren • July 15, 2022

EPA seeks feedback on environmental justice action plan, equitable use of infrastructure funds

At a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, participants urged the agency to approve recycling projects, funded with infrastructure grant money, that avoid creating further environmental harm to disadvantaged communities. 

By Megan Quinn • July 14, 2022

Allied Industrial Partners expects Waste Eliminator to be 'first of several' industry investments

The latest private equity firm to enter this space discusses its $150 million investment plans for the Atlanta-area company, plus its own aspirations for other waste and recycling transactions.

By Cole Rosengren • July 13, 2022

Waste Eliminator becomes sizable metro Atlanta presence with new acquisitions

Two newly announced transactions in the region add recycling, transfer and disposal capacity for multiple streams. This is part of plans by Allied Industrial Partners to invest $150 million into the business.

By Cole Rosengren • July 7, 2022

How 3 Southern California programs are ramping up organics recycling

Preparing for SB 1383’s recycling requirements is a bigger lift for areas that didn’t already collect food scraps. Program officials in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino County share their stories in Part 4 of our series.

By Cole Rosengren • July 7, 2022

Red River bankruptcy proceedings continue as GFL Environmental takes over Fort Wayne contract

The Texas-based company is in talks to be acquired by a private equity firm. Meanwhile, the Indiana city is cutting ties with Red River after months of service issues that have also been seen in Nashville and elsewhere.

By Cole Rosengren • July 1, 2022

Future of troubled Renovare unclear after West Virginia facility closure, surprise merger reversal

The company — formerly known as BioHiTech Global — has seen its stock price plummet following financial, operational and legal issues. Former partner Entsorga sees a path forward for its shuttered showcase plant.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 1, 2022

California EPR bill passes state Assembly, final vote must happen immediately

After four years of attempts, this major legislation could finally pass. The bill must now make it through the state Senate and reach the governor’s desk by the end of June to avert a competing plastics ballot measure.

By Megan Quinn • June 30, 2022

Pay growth continued for top waste and recycling leaders in 2021 as CEO-median employee pay ratio widened

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

By Cole Rosengren • June 29, 2022

As inflation surges, pricing becomes focal point for upcoming New York commercial waste zone system

The city recently approved its first waste rate cap increase since 2018 and added greater weight to pricing proposals for a bid process that will reshape the market. Local stakeholders remain wary about how things will unfold.

By Cole Rosengren • June 27, 2022

California’s high-stakes experiment to cut organic waste disposal 75% by 2025

Waste companies and local governments in the state are making massive investments and operational changes to meet the demands of SB 1383. Explore the implications with our ongoing series.

Updated Nov. 14, 2022

San Francisco voters approve reform measure in wake of Recology corruption scandal

The first major change to the local refuse ordinance in 90 years will update a rate-setting process that resulted in significant overcharges. It could also affect the company’s lock on hauling permits, pending further legislative action.

By Cole Rosengren • June 8, 2022

How New Jersey’s environmental justice law is beginning to affect operators around the country

Environmental lawyer Matthew Karmel offers insight on the law's newly-released draft rule language, plus M&A considerations and tips for navigating EJ risk assessments in any state.

By Megan Quinn • June 7, 2022