Texas conference highlights growing PFAS, environmental justice concerns

Speakers at the 2020 Texas Recycling and Composting Summit covered PFAS contamination in biosolids, a state market development study, racial issues in the industry and more.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 13, 2020

City sanitation workers across the country seek hazard pay, looking to federal relief funds for help

With no end in sight to the pandemic, municipal sanitation workers in Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities are asking for better compensation. Successful efforts in multiple Virginia cities offer a possible model to follow.

By Amir Khafagy • Oct. 12, 2020

Recycling policy landscape shifts as major groups float disposal surcharges, packaging fees

Recycling Partnership and American Chemistry Council plans are the latest ideas for new funding. The National Waste & Recycling Association critiqued disposal charges but now supports recycled content mandates.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 8, 2020

Plastic processors moving ahead on polystyrene recycling plant in Illinois

The 100-ton-per-day plant will incorporate Agilyx's depolymerization technology, in partnership with multiple plastics producers. New CEO Tim Stedman said this project is part of a shift in the company's business model.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 7, 2020

Reloop launches North American division to shake up circular economy policy progress

Elizabeth Balkan, formerly of the Natural Resources Defense Council and New York's Department of Sanitation, is leading the global platform's effort to support changes around packaging and recycling at all levels of government.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 1, 2020

Shreveport, Louisiana contract impasse and MRF closure pauses multiple recycling programs

The city could become one of the nation's largest to lose curbside recycling service following failed negotiations with Pratt Industries and Republic Services. Some Waste Management operations in Texas are also affected.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 29, 2020

New Jersey governor signs sweeping bill limiting carryout bags, polystyrene foam and straws

The bill has been described as one of the strictest of its kind in the country, and the only one to target paper bags. Gov. Phil Murphy signed it despite calls for a veto by certain trade groups.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 4, 2020

MRF experts foresee further adoption of robotics, potential for 'boutique' facilities

WasteExpo panelists from GFL Environmental, RRT Design & Construction and Machinex Technologies recently discussed a range of ongoing technology changes, with some speculating optical sorter adoption may have peaked.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 23, 2020

Calls for e-cigarette legislation increase amid growing fire hazard to waste and recycling industry

The proliferation of vape pens for nicotine and cannabis is the latest example of how embedded lithium-ion batteries are creating a safety risk for the sector. Advocates hope national and state policy proposals can change that.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 22, 2020

Top stories from 2020's WasteExpo

Catch up on coverage of sessions about federal elections, evolving approaches to technology, PFAS regulations, recycling technology, policy and more.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Sept. 30, 2020

Long Beach, California, revamps recycling to focus on plastics by item type, not resin numbers

Though the city waited as long as it could for new markets to appear, international trade changes ultimately led public works officials to alter their approach to curbside recycling.

By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 16, 2020

WasteExpo: Positive recycling trends endure despite steep pandemic impacts

During the virtual event, representatives from the U.S. EPA, New York Department of Sanitation and Waste Management discussed recent impacts to recycling, as well as signs for optimism around domestic markets.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 15, 2020

New York sanitation commissioner warns against 'devastating' budget cuts ahead of resignation

After six-plus years on the job, Kathryn Garcia is considering a run for mayor. In an exit interview, she discourages further layoffs, forecasts more commercial waste zone delays and says "zero waste" by 2030 is likely unattainable.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 14, 2020

McDonald's selects TerraCycle's Loop for UK reusable cup pilot

The partnership is the latest sign of major brands taking greater interest in circular solutions. It also marks an expansion beyond grocery for the ambitious reuse platform.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 10, 2020

Waste Management report shows untapped recycling potential, clarifies policy positions

While observers are still parsing the details on MRF investments and material flows, some see the information as the latest sign that more can be done collectively to maximize national recycling activity.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 10, 2020

Bay Area startup Trash Warrior eyes West Coast growth after securing new funding

The San Francisco-based technology company, founded last year, is looking to make its mark in the area by competing on price and following a familiar "Uber for trash" dream.

By Samuel Wendel • Sept. 8, 2020

Reuse platforms push technology as saving grace from pandemic pressures

Last week's Circularity 20 featured leaders from Loop, Algramo, CupClub and other new ventures looking to expand market share during a year of surprising resurgence for single-use items.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 2, 2020

California governor signs nation's first recycled content requirement for plastic beverage containers

Containers will need to have 50% recycled content by 2030, a standard described as among the world's most aggressive. This comes after another major packaging bill did not pass during this year's legislative session.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 25, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Diverse group of stakeholders launch US Plastics Pact, aim for circular packaging by 2025

The collaborative is part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's worldwide Plastics Pact network. Members include major waste trade groups, recyclers and large brands.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 26, 2020

Advanced Disposal shareholders approve amended terms for $4.6B sale to Waste Management

This favorable vote on a lower price, largely considered a foregone conclusion, marks the latest milestone toward closing a major transaction that has been delayed by divestiture requirements and pandemic effects.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 26, 2020

Wastequip aims to develop product GHG emission scores as part of new sustainability program

VP Kristin Kinder cited customer demand and industry trends as motivating factors behind a step many equipment manufacturers have yet to take, while also discussing diversity and inclusion efforts.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 25, 2020

Waste Pro's new COO pledges more executive time in the field, talks 'controlled growth' strategy

Keith Banasiak discusses his parallel career path alongside new CEO Sean Jennings, as well as the company's pandemic response, ESG perspective, future M&A plans and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2020

Loop's quest for reuse dominance has only gotten more ambitious during the pandemic

Some refill systems took a hit due to initial virus concerns, but the TerraCycle-backed platform's sales rose. Now, CEO Tom Szaky could be poised to set new sanitary standards and gain market share for years to come.

By Karine Vann • Aug. 19, 2020

GFL Environmental closes $1.2B WCA Waste acquisition, now in 27 states

The news comes shortly after approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. CEO Patrick Dovigi said this purchase from Macquarie, and pending divestitures from Waste Management, were key drivers behind a recent IPO.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 1, 2020