Rubicon doubles down on higher-margin software business in ongoing push to boost profitability

After weathering challenges and executive changes, the tech-focused waste broker projects a turnaround. In addition to noting price increases on waste accounts, Rubicon touted a software expansion for commercial fleets.

By Cole Rosengren • March 9, 2023

Plastics recyclers examine influence of secondary sortation, legislation and flexible packaging on PCR markets

Speakers from Republic Services, AMP Robotics, IHS Markit, NOVA Chemicals, Eunomia and others discussed how to advance their efforts at this week’s Plastics Recycling Conference.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal , Jacob Wallace • March 8, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Navigating Modern MRF Operations

Recycling facility operators are increasingly investing in new technology to keep up with evolving regulations and customer demands.

By Waste Dive staff

Major solid waste and recycling companies spent nearly $6.3B on acquisitions in 2022

The multiyear trend of heightened deal spending continues. Catch up on financial details and 2023 M&A outlooks from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems.

By Cole Rosengren • March 8, 2023

4 ways the waste and recycling industry can build relationships with lawmakers

A range of industry professionals with legislative backgrounds shared advice at this week’s Plastics Recycling Conference about how to help the sector’s issues get attention.

By Megan Quinn • March 7, 2023

RoadRunner Recycling lays off 10% of its workforce

The Pittsburgh-based waste and recycling technology company, which raised $90 million and acquired Compology last year, is scaling down to weather a more challenging business environment, it said.

By Cole Rosengren • March 7, 2023

EPR ‘crucial’ to hitting resource recovery goal, GFL exec says

Packaging and waste management stakeholders, including GFL Environmental’s vice president of resource recovery, discussed emerging policy battlegrounds at a Product Stewardship Institute webinar.

By Maria Rachal • March 3, 2023

Waste companies shake off lackluster Q4 commodity prices with recycling investment plans for 2023

While companies such as WM, Republic Services and Waste Connections saw an annual decline in overall recycling revenues, updated contract structures and ongoing MRF investments are helping their profitability.

By Megan Quinn • March 1, 2023

Honda signs supply deal with Ascend Elements for recycled battery materials

The deal comes as automakers and battery suppliers ramp up production capacity.

By Kate Magill • March 1, 2023

Bottle bill or ‘recycling refund’ legislation? Advocates commit to 2023 policy push

More than a dozen organizations voiced support for passing container deposit laws in 2023 and changing some terminology to garner more support. Some MRF representatives are wary. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 27, 2023

US Plastics Pact makes varied progress on circular packaging; 2025 targets may be out of reach

Executive Director Emily Tipaldo praised data collection that’s occurred since 2020, even as maximizing reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging has run into barriers.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 27, 2023

Stericycle touts revenue improvements, previews 2023 capital investments

CEO Cindy Miller said the company continues to grow revenues and bounce back from inflationary pressures, settlement costs and divestiture impacts in 2022. It’s looking ahead to a Nevada facility opening and other investments.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 24, 2023

To raise recycling rates, The Recycling Partnership advocates for packaging EPR in every state

A new report from the group says “smart, well-designed” extended producer responsibility for packaging will dramatically boost recycling. Policy and government lead Dylan de Thomas discusses what that could look like.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 22, 2023

Casella previews ‘robust’ year of pricing to offset inflation; notes more acquisitions ahead

The Vermont-based company reported favorable Q4 results. Executives also previewed upcoming RNG projects, investment in a rail-served landfill and further growth through acquisitions.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 17, 2023

Q4 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors, Stericycle and Rubicon as they close out 2022 reports and give guidance for 2023.

Updated March 9, 2023

Waste Connections ends 2022 favorably despite headwinds; spent $2.3B on acquisitions

Waste Connections executives expect a strong start to 2023 due to anticipated acquisitions activity, as well as minor improvements in recycled commodity and energy credit values.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 16, 2023

Republic says it’s ready for any economy; M&A remains a priority after spending $2.7B in 2022

Executives said they anticipate growing revenue potential from the company’s environmental solutions division. The company also previewed upcoming plastic recycling center investments and acquisition plans.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 16, 2023

What’s in store for state recycling policy in 2023?

Recycling policy experts from Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan and Washington predicted the legislative season’s biggest trends in a live panel discussion with Waste Dive.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 15, 2023

RTS acquires Cycle in effort to broaden reverse vending systems at sports stadiums and events

Recycle Track Systems will offer Cycle’s RVMs as part of its expanding stadium and recycling rewards business. The companies recently debuted a new machine at the Super Bowl.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 15, 2023

Waste and recycling industry leaders discuss the operational impact of corporate ESG trends

LRS CEO Alan Handley and Vanguard Renewables Chief Sustainability Officer David Darr recently joined Waste Dive for a live discussion about investment trends, sustainability reporting, customer expectations and more.

By Waste Dive Staff • Feb. 15, 2023

Lawmakers call for EPA to more tightly regulate plastic production and cut ties with chemical recycling

In a letter, lawmakers urged Administrator Michael Regan to carry out provisions first outlined in last year’s Protecting Communities from Plastic Act, saying the agency can do more to curb plastic pollution.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 14, 2023

Production begins at Circularix’s inaugural rPET facility

The company, which is a joint venture between Macquarie Group and HPC Industries, plans to open four additional PET recycling facilities in the next two years to meet growing demand.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 14, 2023

Sonoco reports ‘pivotal year’ of growth driven by consumer packaging demand and M&A

During a recent earnings call, CEO Howard Coker touted the importance of the company’s metal packaging acquisition — its largest ever — and why he thinks it “feels like we are in a recession.” 

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2023

Sustainability talks emphasizes real talk and bold action for 2023

Between the ever-increasing tsunami of plastics; textile- and food waste filling up landfills; and mountains of packaging being kicked to the curb every day, it’s time for bold action toward a sustainable future.

Feb. 13, 2023

With federal agencies still falling behind on PFAS deadlines, activists seek lawmakers’ help

The Environmental Working Group and Safer States say the U.S. EPA is moving too slowly on setting standards for PFAS in water, packaging and more. They’re pushing Congress and state legislatures to act as well.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2023

Direct Pack gets Recycling Partnership grant for PET thermoform recycling in Mexico

California-based Direct Pack bought over 4,000 tons of PET from Phoenix in 2022 — a relationship the city touted ahead of the Super Bowl — for processing in Mexicali, where new capacity will be built.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 14, 2023