PFAS packaging alternatives are on the rise as regulatory pressure mounts

Multiple new replacements that can repel grease and moisture are emerging, but details on what they are made of, or which ones are gaining favor, remain limited.

By April Reese • Aug. 25, 2023

Starbucks and Turn Systems’ reusable cup pilot aims for waste reduction

This is the coffee giant’s largest reusables test program so far, and findings could pave the way for a fully scaled, permanent program.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 23, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

The Rise of Recycling AI

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common at MRFs, in collection trucks and even as a tool for consumer education at the point of generation.

By Waste Dive staff

Recycling groups weigh in on Oregon EPR law details

Ameripen, ACC, AF&PA, The Recycling Partnership and others call for Oregon’s EPR law to expand its statewide collection list, adjust expectations for certain collection rates and clarify how “responsible end markets” are determined.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 23, 2023

How real-time data reshaped Houston’s solid waste department

Technology is making the city more responsive and efficient for its more than 2.3 million residents.

Aug. 21, 2023

CPGs, brands respond to EPA’s draft plastic pollution prevention strategy

PepsiCo, American Beverage, the Consumer Brands Association and others weighed in on defining key terms like “single-use,” EPR policies, recycled content research and more.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 16, 2023

Reusable cup systems gain scale through city and venue partnerships

Companies such as r.Cup and Turn Systems are seeing increased uptake for their products, often made from polypropylene, that can potentially be recirculated hundreds of times.

By Lela Nargi • Aug. 16, 2023

DTG Recycle CEO Vaughn steps down, founder takes on new role

The departure of longtime executive Tom Vaughn comes amid an eventful period of acquisitions, layoffs and landfill investments for the Macquarie-backed company.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 15, 2023

Louisiana has ‘significant opportunities’ to improve recycling

Strong end markets in the Gulf Coast region are a boon for recyclers, but lack of access and infrastructure stands in the way of better recycling rates, The Recycling Partnership and the Louisiana Recycling Coalition say.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 14, 2023

OCC recycling rate reaches 93% — depending on who you ask

Alternative calculations questioned these results. AF&PA stands by its numbers, despite criticism from industry experts, and introduced a new recycling rate that accounts for global trade changes.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 11, 2023

LRS gets $3M investment from beverage industry for container collection at its new MRF

American Beverage and Closed Loop Partners say the investment will boost the “quality and quantity” of containers recovered at a recently opened Chicago MRF known as The Exchange.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 11, 2023

Large waste companies spent nearly $2B on acquisitions through Q2

WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems recently reported spending totals and shared M&A outlooks for the rest of 2023.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 10, 2023

Maine bottle bill update reworks sorting and unclaimed deposits with eye to reuse

Redemption center operators applauded the law as another way to remedy their inflation and labor struggles. Beverage distributors say the law will unfairly impact their businesses.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 10, 2023

Collaboration across value chains key to increasing food service packaging recycling, experts say

A Foodservice Packaging Institute event prompted discussion of how to recover more paper cups and PET thermoforms and what data shows about how much food service packaging contaminates recycling streams.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 9, 2023

Rubicon talks about progress toward profitability, AI work with Palantir

The broker and software company reiterated expectations it would boost profitability by Q4 through price increases, cost-cutting efforts and updated service offerings. 

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 9, 2023

EPA’s hazardous waste site inspections and plastic pollution efforts falling short, agency report says

The agency must prioritize inspections at hazardous waste facilities to prevent possible pollution issues, the EPA’s Office of Inspector General says. Trash in waterways is another concern.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 8, 2023

Darrell Smith leaves National Waste & Recycling Association CEO role

Smith stepped into the position in 2017 and was at the helm during the COVID-19 pandemic. NWRA’s board will search for a new person for the role.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 4, 2023

Waste Connections caps Q2 with acquisition of Arrowhead waste-to-rail network

Waste Connections sees Arrowhead’s rail-served MSW landfill in Alabama as “one of our most strategic assets” to open up more integration and M&A opportunities in the Northeast.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 3, 2023

Kraft Heinz looks to transform plastic packaging portfolio

The food and beverage giant is now trying to cut virgin plastic use 20% by 2030. U.S. consumers can expect to buy certain mayo products in packaging made entirely from recycled content starting next year.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 2, 2023

Electronics recycling advocates make case for federal support

Lawmakers want effective electronics recycling programs to strengthen domestic supplies of critical minerals and create more jobs, but advocates say more investments and policy changes are needed to make that happen.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 2, 2023

Republic expects higher revenues amid plans for polymer centers, environmental solutions growth

Republic Services’ leaders shared new details about its polymer centers and continued integration of US Ecology, but noted it may have found the ceiling for price increases in certain markets.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 1, 2023

Republic announces plastic production plant partnership with Ravago

The $350 million Blue Polymers joint venture is meant to co-locate four facilities at Republic’s planned polymer centers and create 100% recycled PP and PE resins.

By Megan Quinn • July 31, 2023

Q2 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest results from Republic Services, WM, GFL Environmental, Stericycle and more as they release their midyear earnings reports.

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Aug. 10, 2023

Casella raises revenue guidance; net income takes hit with one-time costs

The $525M deal to acquire GFL assets, along with other recently completed acquisitions, are now reflected in Casella's updated guidance. A separate deal to acquire Twin Bridges is under attorney general review.

By Megan Quinn • July 28, 2023

Stericycle meets debt leverage ratio goal, maintains 2023 guidance

The company also continues to divest from international businesses and says it’s moving toward “greater investment flexibility” in the future. 

By Megan Quinn • July 27, 2023

GFL Environmental raises 2023 guidance, pays down debt after divestitures

The Canada-based company is using higher-than-expected proceeds from three separate asset sales to improve its leverage ratio and invest more in sustainability projects.

By Jacob Wallace • July 27, 2023