EPR-style legislation draws ongoing state-level interest despite pandemic setbacks

At this year's virtual Northeast Recycling Coalition conference, state officials and EPR proponents highlighted possible traction in Maine, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut, among other states.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 27, 2020

Waste Management completes $4.6B acquisition of Advanced Disposal, following regulatory approval

The news caps off a more than 18-month process, with substantially more divestitures than originally planned. The sale to GFL Environmental of divested assets in 10 states is now complete.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 30, 2020

EPA expands coal ash storage options for utilities in move NGOs say violates DC Circuit ruling

The power industry says the rule is based on a record EPA has built since 2015, and will apply to only a narrow subset of facilities.

By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 20, 2020

Burning 'forever chemicals' emerges as industry flash point

Sending PFAS to incinerators is drawing lawmaker scrutiny and public outcry, but some experts say it may be the only realistic solution.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Toxic PFAS waste that lasts 'forever' poses financial, logistical challenges for landfills

Some worry PFAS could have National Sword-level implications for landfills. Stakeholders are aiming to avoid blame for contamination, while seeking out solutions to address the mounting crisis.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Disposing 'forever' toxics: How the waste and recycling industry is tackling the PFAS chemicals crisis

Found everywhere from Arctic seawater to the blood of most humans, PFAS are inevitable in the waste stream. With the prospect of regulations and litigation mounting, the industry is figuring out how to handle one of its most difficult issues in years.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Casella receives expansion approval for New Hampshire landfill facing lawsuit

The company can now expand its North Country Environmental Services solid waste landfill in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. That site is dealing with ongoing litigation related to the Clean Water Act. 

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 15, 2020

Waste Management updates sustainability plan with 2025 targets focused on climate

Existing 2038 sustainability goals haven't changed, but executives recognized the need for more near-term progress. Procuring more renewable energy and reducing recycling contamination are among the newly announced priorities.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 15, 2020

Recycling policy landscape shifts as major groups float disposal surcharges, packaging fees

Recycling Partnership and American Chemistry Council plans are the latest ideas for new funding. The National Waste & Recycling Association critiqued disposal charges but now supports recycled content mandates.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 8, 2020

Shreveport, Louisiana contract impasse and MRF closure pauses multiple recycling programs

The city could become one of the nation's largest to lose curbside recycling service following failed negotiations with Pratt Industries and Republic Services. Some Waste Management operations in Texas are also affected.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 29, 2020

Top stories from 2020's WasteExpo

Catch up on coverage of sessions about federal elections, evolving approaches to technology, PFAS regulations, recycling technology, policy and more.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Sept. 30, 2020

Waste industry figures see major election consequences for taxes and regulation

WasteExpo speakers, including Ron Mittelstaedt, said national Democratic victories could lead to an emphasis on climate and PFAS regulations. Corporate and capital gains tax rates could also rise, with M&A implications.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 21, 2020

'Challenging regulatory framework' for PFAS unfolding nationwide, with waste implications

Speakers at WasteExpo said surface water regulations for PFAS are next on the horizon, with scrutiny of stormwater and landfill gas not far off. 

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 18, 2020

Citing age and costs, Florida county shutting down incinerator in 2021

Bay County commissioners recently voted to wind down operations at the facility and will shift disposal to a county-owned landfill. This marks the latest closure of an older facility as new mass burn capacity is slow to materialize.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 9, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Advanced Disposal shareholders approve amended terms for $4.6B sale to Waste Management

This favorable vote on a lower price, largely considered a foregone conclusion, marks the latest milestone toward closing a major transaction that has been delayed by divestiture requirements and pandemic effects.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 26, 2020

Coalition of 9 states says EPA delaying landfill emissions rule, asks court to intervene

The states joined with the Environmental Defense Fund to fight the agency's long-running delay of Obama-era methane regulations for landfills, which has sparked prior litigation. 

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 24, 2020

Waste Pro's new COO pledges more executive time in the field, talks 'controlled growth' strategy

Keith Banasiak discusses his parallel career path alongside new CEO Sean Jennings, as well as the company's pandemic response, ESG perspective, future M&A plans and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2020

Industry-supported organics hauling bill comes up short in California legislature

Proponents say AB 2959 would clarify a loophole allowing smaller haulers to undercut franchise agreements and hinder progress toward state diversion targets. Critics said it would hurt the state's efforts to curb organic waste.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 19, 2020

Oregon land use board denies Waste Management's appeal over Riverbend Landfill expansion

The Riverbend Landfill expansion was previously voted down by county commissioners in 2020 over concerns including potential effects on farmers.

By E.A. Crunden , Megan Quinn • Updated April 13, 2021

GFL Environmental closes $1.2B WCA Waste acquisition, now in 27 states

The news comes shortly after approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. CEO Patrick Dovigi said this purchase from Macquarie, and pending divestitures from Waste Management, were key drivers behind a recent IPO.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 1, 2020

New Jersey governor signs landmark environmental justice bill with big permit implications

The long-anticipated legislation had key backing from community groups. Despite some business opposition and industry trepidation, waste and recycling stakeholders also expressed support.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 18, 2020

Waste Connections Q2: Economic recovery may have plateaued, notable E&P declines

While an ongoing downturn in the energy market skewed results, and other volumes remain down, the company's latest earnings report showed a resilient business. Annual guidance has been reinstated, and M&A plans continue.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

Republic Services settles into pandemic conditions, expects to be 'more profitable' going forward

Q2 revenues and volumes were down, but this was offset by other savings and trends are improving. The company reiterated plans for upward of $650 million in M&A this year, largely driven by the pending Santek deal.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

GFL Environmental reports record Q2 despite coronavirus effects, resumes M&A program

While volumes have been affected by the pandemic, especially in Canada, the company's rapid growth trajectory appears largely unaffected. Two new tuck-in deals were announced, with more in the pipeline, according to executives.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 6, 2020