Model legislation for postconsumer recycled content in plastic packaging aims to ‘harmonize’ state policy

The Northeast Recycling Council and Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association also note that any legislation should be paired with supporting efforts to boost recycling collection and infrastructure.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 7, 2022

US job growth tempered in August as waste management and remediation added 2.3K employees

After big increases in July, the pace of U.S. job growth in August slowed, and overall unemployment grew. For waste collection, MRFs and landfill workers, month-to-month results in August remained stronger than average.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 7, 2022

Waste Connections purchases A.J. Blosenski, one of Pennsylvania’s largest independent haulers

The multigenerational company has a large collection fleet, a rail-served C&D transfer facility and a dual-stream MRF. The transaction is seen as a logical expansion following Waste Connections’ purchase of Penn Waste.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 7, 2022

NLRB proposes return to broad joint employer rule

The regulation, which stems from organizing efforts at a Republic Services MRF, has been the subject of a political ping-pong match for years.

By Emilie Shumway • Sept. 7, 2022

Bio-based packaging companies say mushrooms and seaweed are the next alternatives to plastic

In a recent webinar, companies made their case for “bioregenerative” packaging that uses renewable, compostable materials with the same properties as plastic. Markets and supply chains are still warming to it.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 6, 2022

California bottle bill adds wine and spirits, plus last-minute funding for glass markets and recycling

The state’s largest recyclers and companies including Anheuser-Busch and Ball Corp. supported the measure, but it lost backing from environmental advocacy groups in the final stages due to cost concerns.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 2, 2022

WM buys central Virginia hauler and recycler in latest sign of M&A return

Green Earth, a company based in Harrisonburg that offers collection services and container rentals throughout the Shenandoah Valley, announced its sale in a letter to customers.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 2, 2022

WM acquires Ray’s Trash, the largest private hauler in the Indianapolis area

Ray’s, a family-run business since 1965, comes with hundreds of trucks and multiple transfer or recycling facilities. This is the first larger acquisition for WM since it bought Advanced Disposal Services in 2020.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 1, 2022

California closes another banner year for waste and recycling legislation with numerous bills

New action on the state’s container redemption program, diversion credits for waste-to-energy facilities and recycled content standards for thermoform plastic all passed at the end of the session.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 1, 2022

‘Like holding a bronco back’: Pro Disposal charts a path for controlled growth in South Carolina

President Alex Cano and investors explained how a new disposal acquisition sets the company up for further growth in the Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia, corridor.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 1, 2022

With $335M to invest in lithium-ion battery recycling, the Biden administration asks for guidance

Building on prior announcements, the agency is seeking ideas on “collection, transportation, processing, and recycling of batteries and scrap materials” that are used in electric vehicles.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 31, 2022

California legislature advances battery EPR and takeback bills, aiming to avert facility fires

The bills, supported by solid waste districts and haulers like Republic Services, intend to make battery recycling more convenient for consumers while improving safety along collection routes and in recycling or transfer facilities.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Sept. 1, 2022

LRS CEO outlines how M&A and sustainability are creating a Midwest powerhouse

One year into Macquarie’s ownership of LRS, CEO Alan Handley shared what’s next for the company’s expansion, talked plans to hit a $600 million revenue run rate, previewed a new Chicago MRF and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 30, 2022

San Francisco’s former DPW director, who took bribes from Recology, sentenced to 7 years

Nuru engaged in a multiyear corruption scheme with multiple city contractors, including Recology. One former Recology employee who pleaded guilty is due for sentencing and another was recently indicted.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 26, 2022

Waste Connections acquiring 3 franchise haulers around San Jose, California

The newly confirmed transactions involving haulers that service San Jose, Milpitas and Livermore, California, all come with long-term municipal contracts that fit the company’s acquisition strategy.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 25, 2022

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