New York commercial waste haulers hold their breath after submitting bids for 10-year contracts

Bids are in to operate in the Department of Sanitation’s upcoming commercial waste zone system. Haulers of all sizes are waiting to learn their fates while operating under lingering pandemic and inflationary pressures.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 24, 2022

Glass Packaging Institute launching MRF equipment leasing program, eyeing Midwest and Southeast

The group aims to help MRFs reduce contamination and generate more revenue from a cleaner glass stream while advancing toward its goal of achieving a 50% glass recycling rate by 2030.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 24, 2022

Replenysh is working to connect recycling deserts’ untapped supply of commodities with brands’ demand

The California-based startup wants to expand in communities with limited recycling access to collect materials that brands need for their circularity goals.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 23, 2022

Ya Fav Trashman fights illegal dumping with cleanups and social media

Terrill Haigler, a former Philadelphia sanitation worker, has become a rising star in the waste world. He discusses his new children’s book about the profession, “I’m Cool Too,” and how street cleanliness is an environmental justice issue.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 23, 2022

Red River Waste sold to private equity firm for $12.6M

The sale’s finalization marks the end of a long-running bankruptcy case and bid process for the Texas-based company that experienced service issues in multiple cities over recent months.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 22, 2022

Domestic destinations for recycled paper and plastic are growing. Is National Sword the reason?

A wave of investments occurred in the U.S. over the last five years, but experts debate how much is due to China's scrap import restrictions versus other economic, environmental and geopolitical factors.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 22, 2022

Disruptive MRF technology

The presort is the most dangerous and least efficient station in a MRF. A disruption is necessary.

Aug. 22, 2022

Where the Teamsters are looking to grow their ranks in waste and recycling

General President Sean O’Brien’s “militant” approach is reportedly influencing discussions with employers and members alike as the waste industry’s biggest union looks to expand its reach.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 18, 2022

Lawmakers, environmentalists say 2032 phase-out target for single-use plastics in national parks is too distant

Rep. Mike Quigley and other members of Congress are calling on the Department of the Interior to reassess its timeline to cut back on the use of plastic beverage containers, straws, cups, cutlery and bags.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 17, 2022

Rubicon stock begins trading, company reports nearly $197M in proceeds from SPAC deal

The Kentucky-based technology company has started trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RBT, with plans for further expansion following the new influx of capital.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 16, 2022

Biogas industry applauds House passage of Inflation Reduction Act with ‘historic’ implications

Anaergia and the American Biogas Council said new tax credits and other provisions will be a boon for anaerobic digestion and landfill gas projects. The bill also has implications for Superfund projects and corporate tax policy.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 15, 2022

Seeking funding and connections, recyclers turn to business incubator NextCycle

Recyclers and other businesses in Michigan, Colorado and Washington, the states where NextCycle operates, discussed the program’s impact on their circular economy goals during a Northeast Recycling Council webinar.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 12, 2022

How WIN Waste Innovations’ unique set of WTE, landfill and rail assets positions it for industry expansion

In an exclusive interview at its headquarters a little over a year after the company's formation, CEO Robert Boucher discussed a possible IPO, upcoming ESG initiatives and the outlook for legacy Wheelabrator facilities.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 11, 2022

ISRI rejects ‘advanced recycling’ label, says plastic-to-fuel projects should not count as recycling

Amid ongoing debate around the role and regulation of chemical recycling for certain plastics, the trade group has drawn a line in the sand about its approach to these emerging technologies.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 10, 2022

Public waste companies have spent nearly $3.9B on M&A so far this year

WM plans to get back in the mix with a greater level of spending, while Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems remain quite active. 

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 10, 2022

Biden signs CHIPS bill, spurring hopes that supply chains for waste equipment will improve

Waste and recycling groups have previously said they hope the $52.7 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing and related research can ease longstanding delays for trucks and other equipment.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 9, 2022

Recession or not, waste and recycling companies say outlooks remain strong

Regardless of the direction of the economy, industry execs on earnings calls pointed to waste volume trends, wage rates, price increase acceptance, and experience with past downturns to express confidence.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • Aug. 8, 2022

Republic Services eyes $600M in 2022 acquisition spending outside of US Ecology

With the recently purchased environmental solutions business delivering on planned cost savings, Republic’s future pipeline will focus primarily on recycling and solid waste transactions, execs said during their earnings call.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 5, 2022

Q2 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Catch up on the latest round of financial results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors and Stericycle.

Updated Aug. 10, 2022

Q2 recycling report: Commodity price peak may have subsided, MRF upgrades an ongoing priority

Follow the latest insights about market trends and investment priorities from executives at WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn • Updated Aug. 5, 2022

Rubicon on track to close $1.7B SPAC deal, go public this month following favorable shareholder vote

The Kentucky-based technology company is forecasting $736 million in revenue for the year, with big plans to expand organically and through acquisitions of other brokers once it finally goes public.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 3, 2022

Appeals court sends Browning-Ferris joint employer orders back to NLRB

The ruling comes as the agency reportedly is preparing new joint employment regulations. The original case relates back to organizing efforts led by temporary workers at a Republic Services subsidiary’s MRF in California.

By Kate Tornone • Aug. 2, 2022

Casella hits $1B in annual revenue, updates guidance for second time this year

CEO John Casella attributed the “best quarter in company history” to pricing programs that covered cost inflation and growth from 11 acquisitions this year. Recycling and disposal capacity projects are also progressing.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 1, 2022

Senate passes bills for recycling data collection, rural infrastructure grants

The bipartisan Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2022 and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act have garnered support from multiple waste and recycling organizations.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 1, 2022

Sprite shifting from green to clear bottles to boost recycling

Coca-Cola, which is also moving to 100% recycled plastic Dasani bottles in North America, says it aims to support a circular packaging economy.

By Chris Casey • July 28, 2022