Upstream CEO talks about the role of EPR in expanding reuse-refill, ‘golden opportunity’ for recycling industry

The reuse-refill sector has become increasingly mainstream, as shown by the nonprofit’s Reusies award event. Matt Prindiville shares his latest outlook on where it’s going next and how the traditional waste industry can be involved.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 7, 2022

Facing falling recycled commodity prices, waste companies pivot in Q3

After enjoying increasing recycled commodity values for the first half of 2022, industry operators faced major commodity price declines.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 4, 2022

Top waste companies spent $1.1B on Q3 acquisitions, with more to come

Here’s what executives at the industry’s largest companies had to say about the M&A environment this year — and how much each has spent.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 4, 2022

GFL Q3 revenue jumps, ESG targets to come this month

GFL Environmental’s revenue bump came amid economic headwinds and notable costs related to fuel, trucks and MRF fires, as discussed on its earnings call Thursday.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 3, 2022

Waste Connections says pricing strategy helped achieve solid Q3

Higher activity in waste treatment services related to oil and gas, up 52% from last quarter, was a strong point amid inflation and “precipitous” declines in recycled commodity prices, especially for OCC, CEO Worthing Jackman said.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 3, 2022

Plastic markets fall, EPA urged to update policies and other top recycling stories from October

The month’s notable recycling headlines include recent plastic market trends, questions about the United States' long-held waste hierarchy and calls to standardize recycling bin labels.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 2, 2022

Is EPR an answer to compostable packaging’s contamination and labeling hurdles?

Extended producer responsibility laws can and should encompass compostable packaging, industry players at a recent Product Stewardship Institute webinar said. 

By Megan Quinn • Updated Nov. 15, 2022

Where voters will consider waste and recycling initiatives

San Diego and Denver are among the localities with ballot measures, which range from affecting waste fees to recycling facility funding to more access to composting.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 1, 2022

Mattress, textile, organics disposal bans begin in Massachusetts

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection is now requiring local governments and businesses to keep certain materials out of the waste stream.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 1, 2022

Waste Connections reports a decline in GHG emissions despite acquisitions, sets new ESG targets

The company plans investments in RNG facilities, MRFs and electric collection vehicles as well as new goals to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 15%, building on a recent decline of 7%, it said in its 2022 sustainability report.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 31, 2022

Q3 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest round of financial results from WM, Republic Services, Casella Waste Systems, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and more.

Updated Dec. 1, 2022

Casella reports 13 acquisitions in 2022, sees M&A opportunity in potential recession

The Vermont-based company said its pricing and fee strategy have worked well in a tight economic environment. Executives also previewed upcoming plans for acquisition and landfill expansion spending.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 28, 2022

Environmental justice voices in the waste and recycling industry

Catch up on these Q&A conversations with experts from the U.S. EPA, Ya Fav Trashman, Detroit Dirt and others on how the waste and recycling industry can play a role in environmental justice efforts.

By Megan Quinn • Updated March 14, 2023

Republic Services pricing at record highs as it fights recycled commodity price declines and cost inflation

The company is still integrating US Ecology while returning M&A focus to solid waste and recycling. Leaders also noted in an earnings call the opportunity to work with BP, which is buying renewable natural gas projects partner Archaea.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 28, 2022

Plastic recycling rates are low. Could better data collection help?

Better collaboration between stakeholders and more formalized laws around recycling data collection would give the U.S. a better road map for improving recycling, speakers at a webinar from The Recycling Partnership said.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 27, 2022

Casella narrows ESG focus to 5 key targets for 2030

The Vermont-based company previously set 10 ESG targets in its 2020 report but has narrowed the focus to five key metrics related to emissions reduction, recycling volumes, fleet efficiency and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 27, 2022

WM spent nearly $200M on acquisitions in Q3, outlines future potential of big ESG investments

Recycling revenues are taking a hit, but executives said their updated contract models will provide insulation. CEO Jim Fish also shared a goal to eventually expand margins via price increases, not just recover costs.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 26, 2022

WM sets new ESG targets for GHG emissions, recycling volumes, diversity and more

The company’s first full-year report since acquiring Advanced Disposal Services shows an emissions uptick, but WM says upcoming investments will reverse that.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 26, 2022

Cyclyx’s $100M plastic project described as a boon for Houston. Environmental groups are skeptical.

Houston could get a new plastics processing facility as early as 2024 if a deal among ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell and Cyclyx goes through.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 26, 2022

Rubicon’s stock has struggled since going public. Is the SPAC trend to blame?

The tech company — which brokers waste and recycling services — rang the opening bell on Wall Street this week after its stock price declined and its founder stepped down as CEO. Analysts say a turnaround is still possible.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 21, 2022

Balcones Resources wins Phoenix MRF contract valued at $158M

Texas-based Balcones beat out Republic Services, GFL Environmental, Recology and CellMark for a five-year contract, with potential extensions, to operate the Arizona city’s North Gateway and 27th Avenue facilities.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 21, 2022

Waste Connections purchasing California company Upper Valley Disposal

Upper Valley provides a range of collection, recycling, composting and disposal services in Napa County. Following the recent death of founder Bob Pestoni, the family decided to sell its multigenerational business.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 19, 2022

Why are PET prices declining? Experts cite a ‘confluence of events’ tied to the shifting economy

The summer’s steep dips have slowed, but economic indicators suggest more short-term turbulence could be afoot. Analysts say it’s too soon to draw conclusions about how this relates to brands’ recycled content commitments.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 19, 2022

New nonprofit Just Zero taking a national approach to zero waste and closing disposal sites

Zero waste advocates formerly with the Conservation Law Foundation say the group will provide local activists with national-level resources for drafting legislation and more.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 18, 2022

Lost carts, heavy volumes: Florida waste haulers get back to work after Hurricane Ian

Waste Pro and WM are among the companies that have worked through heavy waste volumes, long wait times at disposal sites, damaged infrastructure, limited access to certain island areas and other disruptions.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 18, 2022