As Washington county pursues one last landfill expansion, WTE could be next

King County’s Cedar Hills landfill is filling up and can just expand once more. Faced with rail export as the only other option, supporters of a new incinerator finally see an opportunity to advance their plans.

By Leia Larsen • Updated Nov. 27, 2019

Waste Connections scores legal win in ongoing California landfill fight

A judge found equitable estoppel against the county, bolstering Waste Connections as the company works through ongoing legal battles with Los Angeles County over its permitting conditions at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 21, 2019

Trouble in paradise: Recycling a tough proposition for US territories

Devastating hurricanes have strained weak infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guam has newer infrastructure, but still faces market challenges. All are often overlooked in national recycling discussions.

By Genevieve Glatsky • Updated Nov. 18, 2019

Casella landfill expansion settlement calls for PFAS plan by 2024 in Vermont

A local environmental group sought to block the expansion of the state's last landfill over concerns with leachate and odor issues. Now, the parties have reached an agreement allowing the project to move forward.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 13, 2019

New Hampshire legislators call for major changes to meet modern 'realities' of waste and recycling

A legislative committee set out to examine the state of New Hampshire's recycling, but ended up writing a broad report about underlying infrastructure and policy challenges.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 11, 2019

New D.C. zero waste bill would have major implications for composting and recycling

The bill would establish EPR programs for sharps and batteries, impose organics diversion requirements on many businesses, and establish a surcharge based on contamination levels in recyclables. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 11, 2019

Rising BLS injury, illness rate for collection workers troubles industry

Incidence rates were up for collection employees in 2018, to more than double the national average, but declined at both landfills and MRFs.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 8, 2019

DTG acquires first landfill amid rapid Northwest expansion

The landfill marks a new frontier for DTG, the largest recycler of C&D in the region. The company told Waste Dive it is eyeing further expansion.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 8, 2019

Court sides with EPA on landfill emissions rule delay

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals backed the agency's authority in extending its deadline for promulgating the Obama-era rule — the latest action in a lengthy legal back-and-forth. 

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Oct. 25, 2020

Waste Management settles with Delaware county over C&D landfill expansion

The company can now pursue plans to vertically expand its Minquadale landfill by another 10 feet, pending state permit approval, but will no longer push for an originally proposed 60-foot expansion.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Dec. 2, 2019

Trump administration continues efforts to ease utility regulatory burdens with dual coal ash proposals

Environmental advocates say the new rules would allow coal-fired power plants to continue polluting and coal ash waste to remain in place longer.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2019

Casella Q3: Northeast still focal point, Pennsylvania could be key to future

The Vermont company is pushing the envelope for landfill pricing – as it ramps up capacity at multiple sites – and is eyeing potential divestments from Waste Management's Advanced Disposal acquisition.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 4, 2019

Waste Management and DSNY prepare defense for trial over upstate landfill complaints

A New York judge has allowed a case brought by residents around the High Acres landfill to go forward. The dispute echoes growing tensions in the region amid decreasing capacity. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 4, 2019

Tetra Tech pushes solar power on closed landfills as a clear winner for operators and owners

The firm argues that installing solar panels on inactive sites can help operators financially, in addition to garnering community support. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 1, 2019

Republic Services Q3: Expect $550M in M&A this year, 'strong' 2020 pace

Republic sees many expansion opportunities within its core capabilities, possibly even in Canada, and reported few economic concerns. Executives also addressed recycling, E&P and labor pressures.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 31, 2019

Waste Connections Q3: Acquisition offers worth $600M on the table

Recent M&A activity was quieter, but the company did close on a greenfield landfill project. Overall financial performance was strong, despite nagging headwinds from recycling and RIN credits.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 30, 2019

Republic's Vander Ark: Recycling challenges structural, not cyclical

The company's new president touched on Trump, trade flows, shareholder profits, disposal trends, municipal relations, climate policy and much more during his WASTECON keynote.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 28, 2019

GFL cancels IPO, vows to keep up M&A pace

Reports indicate the Canadian giant's debt load, and recent net losses amid a period of expansion, made some investors hesitant about the proposed share price. 

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 24, 2019

Waste Management Q3: Consumers driving landfill volumes, industrial activity less certain

The industry giant reported yet another profitable quarter for collection and disposal, warding off ongoing recession concerns and compensating for a bad stretch of recycling commodity prices.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 24, 2019

Virginia DEQ revokes Meridian landfill permit following repeated violations, escalating conflict

In an unusual move, state regulators have revoked a permit from Meridian subsidiary CFS after multiple complaints about the company's Tri-City landfill. An appeal is expected.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 21, 2019

Alabama ruling hits two landfills with ongoing environmental justice concerns

A ruling over alternative cover practices, which the state allowed, centers around sites run by Arrowhead Environmental Partners and Advanced Disposal Services. An appeal is considered likely.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 18, 2019

Honolulu's lone MSW landfill ordered to close by 2028, path forward unclear

One of Oahu's only landfills, operated by Waste Management under contract, was recently given an expiration date by state regulators. Discussions about building a new site have long been controversial.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 16, 2019

Wheelabrator ash landfill expansion in Connecticut denied, for now

Plans to expand a monofill that serves numerous state facilities have temporarily stalled over concerns about environmental harm to wetlands. Given a lack of regional alternatives, the company intends to press on.  

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 14, 2019

New Jersey governor reaches closure agreement with contentious landfill

Following the New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority's previous plans to appeal an order to shut down its Keegan Landfill, a settlement has been reached to begin capping the site.

By Leia Larsen • Updated Dec. 20, 2019

As EPA preps coal ash rollback, study finds heightened risks of water, soil contamination

Changes to the federal coal ash rule have been long awaited by the utility industry and environmentalists, but a new Duke University study suggests health risks of the toxins may be greater than previously thought.

By Catherine Morehouse • Oct. 3, 2019