Recycling

Deep Dive

Environmental efforts key for Biden, but industry expects limited recycling policy movement in 2021

While existing initiatives such as a national recycling goal are likely to make headway, and Democratic majorities in Congress could affect legislation, trade groups don't anticipate major changes due to a crowded agenda.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 20, 2021

Chicago could see full privatization of residential recycling under new contract

The city received three bids for collection and processing of material from its Blue Cart program. Waste Management stuck to its current zones, Lakeshore Recycling Systems is making a citywide play and Sims is bowing out.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 20, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Trendline

Recycling during a pandemic

The recycling industry experienced notable recent turbulence due to market and policy shifts. The COVID-19 pandemic brought even more disruption, while some say it is proving the sector's resilience.

By Waste Dive staff

How mattress recyclers adapt to evolving consumer trends

Bulky, hard to compact and ubiquitous, mattresses are seen as a promising area to help reduce hauling costs and drive progress on recycling. The ongoing shift to foam varieties is adding new complexity to this evolving market.

By Karine Vann • Jan. 15, 2021

Cleveland seeks roadmap to more circular economy while awaiting curbside recycling reboot

The city is still in the process of deciding how to revamp and restart its long-stalled recycling program. In the meantime, a deep dive into its waste streams may help shape circular economy plans.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 13, 2021

Deep Dive

9 questions about the future of waste and recycling in 2021

As we gear up for another eventful year, Waste Dive will be focusing on trends around ESG, M&A, recycling policy, market development, PFAS, local budgets, collection technology, safety, diversity and much more.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Jan. 13, 2021

Deep Dive

Packaging, PPE and surgical supplies: How COVID-19 is pushing hospitals to reduce waste

Some waste is inevitable, but supply chain leaders are finding ways to reduce quantities, in addition to reusing and recycling when possible and adjusting procurement and packaging.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 12, 2021

Rise in takeout waste presents new opportunity for reusable containers

With office and indoor dining activity greatly diminished during the pandemic, takeout boxes and other containers are increasingly common in the residential stream. California company Dispatch Goods aims to change that.

By Karine Vann • Jan. 06, 2021

How COVID-19 is changing packaging

The pandemic-accelerated shift to e-commerce has driven changes in automation, packaging size, consumer perception of packaging and waste, and design for more return-friendly packaging.

By Jen A. Miller • Jan. 06, 2021

Recology names new CEO Coniglio, following retirement of longtime leader

Sal Coniglio's elevation to the top job comes six months after he became chief operating officer. This move caps off former CEO Mike Sangiacomo's 37-year stint at the major California-based private company.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 05, 2021

Deep Dive

The unfulfilled promises of plastic film recycling

The pandemic spurred an uptick in plastic bag use, as already limited retail take back options became more scarce. Stakeholders from all sides think it's time for new ideas.

By Karine Vann • UPDATED: Jan. 5, 2021 at 8:21 a.m.

Deep Dive

How local waste and recycling leaders are grappling with coronavirus-driven budget pressures

Lost revenues, rising operating expenses and limited federal aid have left local leaders looking for creative solutions. In some cases, the pandemic has also created opportunities to update their practices.

By Leslie Nemo • Dec. 22, 2020

Deep Dive

No 'green halo' for renewables: Veolia, First Solar, others tackle wind and solar environmental impacts

From manufacturing effects to the difficulty of recycling PV panels and turbine blades, solar and wind in particular can spur consequences the industries are trying to reduce.

By Lynn Freehill-Maye • Dec. 18, 2020

Collection worker fatalities fell in 2019, rank as 6th deadliest job: BLS

It's the first time since 2012 refuse and recycling collectors haven't landed in the top five most fatal occupations, as tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fatal transportation incidents fell dramatically after a 2018 spike.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 17, 2020

5 takeaways on emerging trends from the National Zero Waste Conference

Recycled content, plastics policy, climate connections and racial justice are among top priorities heading into 2021. The event also marked the latest sign of a revived National Recycling Coalition. 

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 16, 2020

2020 shapes up as major year for M&A, consolidation in waste and recycling industry

Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Wheelabrator and many others all had a particularly active stretch of deal-making across numerous states.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 15, 2020

New England M&A heats up as Wheelabrator, Boston Carting Services expand

The private equity-backed players are just two examples of companies making moves in a region many view as primed for consolidation. As other companies expand their footprints, there may be more to come.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 15, 2020

GE announces first US wind turbine blade recycling program with Veolia

Blades, the only turbine component not getting recycled, will now be shredded to replace raw material for cement manufacturing with lower CO2 emissions.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Dec. 11, 2020

Inspector General faults Chicago for multifamily recycling stagnancy, lawmakers call for answers

The Department of Streets and Sanitation was found to be falling short in multiple areas when it comes to enforcing recycling for numerous buildings in the city. Local aldermen are calling for a hearing on the issue in January.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2020

Continuus Materials pursuing new Pennsylvania plant for paper and plastic recovery

The manufacturer of Everboard, a unique roofing material, sees opportunities to use more plastic packaging in addition to its usual feedstock of cartons. Construction could begin as early as next year.

By Leslie Nemo • Dec. 10, 2020

Environmental groups urge Biden to take action on plastics, prioritize market development

The Presidential Plastics Action Plan calls for eight types of action by the president-elect, including support for the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 09, 2020

Republic Services highlights plastic market limitations, clarifies EPR stances, in report

A recent report, stemming from a shareholder resolution this year, shows the financial complexities around managing mixed plastics. It's also the latest sign of an industry shift on the rising producer responsibility discussion.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 09, 2020

Dive Awards

ESG Action of the Year: New Jersey's environmental justice law

The law offers an example of stakeholders uniting on key ESG considerations such as potential emissions and pollution benefits, racial justice and evolving corporate policies impacting such issues.

By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 09, 2020

Dive Awards

People of the Year: Waste and recycling workers

The entire industry has stepped up during a significantly challenging year, but none of it would be possible without the frontline workers who put themselves at risk to keep it all running.

By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 09, 2020

Dive Awards

Organization of the Year: Sanitation Foundation

As New York sanitation workers were caught in the initial epicenter of the pandemic, hundreds were infected and multiple died. A city nonprofit played a key role in supporting them and adapting to a very eventful year.

By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 09, 2020

Dive Awards

The Waste Dive Awards for 2020

During a year of crisis and challenge, these are some of the people, groups and initiatives that met the moment.

By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 09, 2020