Major waste and recycling companies report on a uniquely challenging Q2

The first full quarter to reflect the pandemic's effects showed volume and revenue declines among some solid waste companies, but it also saw multiple signs of resilience.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated Aug. 10, 2020

Waste Management reports $400M revenue decline in Q2, additional divestitures to GFL

Company executives said results "exceeded our expectations," during an earnings call, with economic activity picking back up around the country even as COVID-19 cases rise.

By Cole Rosengren • July 30, 2020

Halfway through an upended year, 8 big questions remain for waste and recycling

Back in January, Waste Dive laid out guiding themes for coverage around safety, M&A, sustainability, policy, organics and PFAS. Now, the pandemic has changed many of them and racial justice is also receiving heightened attention.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated July 28, 2020

Landfill mining may still be new, but it has a lot to offer

Doug Logan of Aggregates Equipment, Inc. explores the benefits, costs and future outlook for landfill mining. While not yet widely adopted, that could change as disposal capacity shrinks in certain regions.

By Doug Logan • July 24, 2020

Waste Management expected to pay $2.3M in New York landfill settlement

Under the terms awaiting judicial approval, the company would pay $1.3 million into a class action fund and $1 million for "improvement measures" at the High Acres Landfill. A second lawsuit over the site remains ongoing.

By E.A. Crunden • July 21, 2020

Major Connecticut WTE facility closing by 2022, waste to be exported

The expected move comes after plans to refurbish the Materials Innovation Recovery Authority's aging RDF facility fell apart for a host of reasons.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 10, 2020

Waste industry received at least $583M in PPP loans, preserved 67K jobs

Nearly 4,000 industry participants have received funding from the pandemic relief program since April, according to U.S. Small Business Administration data. Waste Dive has collected the full list for public access.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • July 16, 2020

House hearing highlights political divide over plastics and pandemic response

The plastics industry says the pandemic has proven the need for its products, which are a key component in masks and other equipment. Environmental advocates and many Democrats said the ramifications of plastics pollution outweigh the benefits.

By E.A. Crunden • July 10, 2020

Wheelabrator acquires New England hauler as part of vertical integration strategy

Charles George Companies, which has a decades-long history in the region, represents an expansion into collection and recycling operations across two states for the Macquarie-backed waste-to-energy company.

By Cole Rosengren • July 8, 2020

House Democrats back EPR, other recycling mandates in new climate plan

The lengthy document from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis endorses legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and hints at how Democrats could tackle policy on a wide range of emissions sources.

By E.A. Crunden • July 7, 2020

Waste industry focuses on PFAS strategies, research as long-term concerns mount

This year's SWANApalooza featured numerous sessions on PFAS management and treatment, underscoring the heightened attention around "forever chemicals" at landfills and other facilities.

By E.A. Crunden • June 26, 2020

GFL Environmental plans to accelerate US expansion following $835M divestiture acquisition

Pending assets from Waste Management and Advanced present multiple integration and expansion opportunities in 10 states, with GFL CEO Patrick Dovigi describing a move into Wisconsin as a "once in a lifetime opportunity."

By Cole Rosengren • June 25, 2020

Michigan legislature considers bill to shape recycling market development spending

Allocated two years ago, an annual $15 million recycling and reuse development budget is currently spent under guidance from waste laws that some think are outdated due to their landfill emphasis.

By Leslie Nemo • June 24, 2020

Waste Management extends closure timing for renegotiated $4.6B Advanced Disposal acquisition

Pending federal regulatory approval, the company is now targeting a fourth quarter close for the deal and its related divestitures to GFL Environmental across 10 states.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 25, 2020

Waste Management-Advanced divestitures projected to be substantially above original cap

Analysts and others report the federal antitrust review continues as closure targets rapidly approach. GFL Environmental is widely considered the likely buyer for a package centered around Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

By Cole Rosengren • June 23, 2020

WCA Waste sets 2030 sustainability goals, including 35% GHG reduction target

The Texas-based company aims to mitigate landfill emissions, purchase more CNG vehicles, recycle at higher volumes, improve safety rates and more, according to CEO Bill Caesar.

By Cole Rosengren • June 18, 2020

Senate hearing revives federal recycling discussion with little consensus

Lawmakers appeared keen to restart conversations around U.S. recycling issues. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) touted his own plastics-focused bill, while other lawmakers expressed reservations about such regulation.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated June 17, 2020

EPA ending policy of relaxed enforcement standards Aug. 31

Multiple state attorneys general previously sued to stop the controversial move. The waste industry has sought regulatory relief from states during the pandemic.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated July 1, 2020

Connecticut policy to limit landfilling faces pivotal moment as major WTE project stalls

An aging RDF facility that handles one-third of Connecticut's waste could begin exporting to out-of-state landfills unless an agreement can be reached between the local authority, developer and state officials in less than three months.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2020

C&D recyclers have seen steep impacts as pandemic responses pause road work, other projects

The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association said some members saw volumes down 50%-80%. As more states reopen, companies like Waste Management cite the sector as a source of potential optimism. 

By E.A. Crunden • June 4, 2020

GFL Environmental pledges to disclose, reduce GHG emissions in coming years

The Canada-based company's first sustainability report calculates emissions avoided from recycling, organics and other lines of business. GFL also touted its efforts to divert nearly 1.17 million metric tons of material in 2019.

By Cole Rosengren • May 27, 2020

Landfills emerge as promising battery storage sites to back up renewable energy

Like solar panels, batteries may present a new revenue stream for closed landfills. Projects are complete, or underway, in multiple states.

By Matthew Bandyk • May 26, 2020

Minnesota county pushes EPA for help over PFAS-laden leachate entering Lake Superior

St. Louis County commissioners recently asked the federal agency to address ongoing discharge concerns. The local facility operator says it treats leachate in a process removing 95% of regulated contaminants.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated May 29, 2020

Waste Management and Advanced Disposal still negotiating divestitures as deal deadline looms

The parties have less than two months to receive Department of Justice approval and close this $4.9 billion transaction under original terms. A look at competitive concerns around Chicago show the complexities involved.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated May 20, 2020

Tracking Waste Management's acquisition of Advanced Disposal, divestitures to GFL Environmental

More than 18 months after it was first announced, Waste Management has completed the $4.6 billion acquisition. Catch up on how it all unfolded with our in-depth coverage.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 2, 2020