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

Balcones acquisition of Florida recycler latest step toward new type of vertical integration

The deal marks the Texas-based company's first purchase since it sold a majority stake to Closed Loop Partners in 2019. More plans are in the works, with a potential focus on secondary processing capabilities in the Southeast.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 12, 2020

New Jersey governor signs landmark environmental justice bill with big permit implications

The long-anticipated legislation had key backing from community groups. Despite some business opposition and industry trepidation, waste and recycling stakeholders also expressed support.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Sept. 18, 2020

Waste Connections Q2: Economic recovery may have plateaued, notable E&P declines

While an ongoing downturn in the energy market skewed results, and other volumes remain down, the company's latest earnings report showed a resilient business. Annual guidance has been reinstated, and M&A plans continue.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

Republic Services settles into pandemic conditions, expects to be 'more profitable' going forward

Q2 revenues and volumes were down, but this was offset by other savings and trends are improving. The company reiterated plans for upward of $650 million in M&A this year, largely driven by the pending Santek deal.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

NLRB overturns Browning-Ferris decision, says company is not a joint employer

The board continues to reshape joint-employer law after a 2015 decision involving a Republic Services subsidiary and Leadpoint that temporarily heralded a major shift.

By Ryan Golden • Aug. 6, 2020

GFL Environmental reports record Q2 despite coronavirus effects, resumes M&A program

While volumes have been affected by the pandemic, especially in Canada, the company's rapid growth trajectory appears largely unaffected. Two new tuck-in deals were announced, with more in the pipeline, according to executives.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 6, 2020

Credit system launches aimed at boosting plastics recovery

The standard, modeled after carbon credits, is backed by multiple large companies including Danone, Nestlé, Tetra Pak and Veolia. The concept is described as complementary to EPR systems.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 10, 2021

Chemical recycling gaining limited traction so far, too focused on plastic-to-fuel, report finds

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) takes aim at an area of growing interest for the recycling industry. The plastics industry criticized GAIA's findings and argued chemical recycling offers economic opportunities.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 3, 2020

Major waste and recycling companies report on a uniquely challenging Q2

The first full quarter to reflect the pandemic's effects showed volume and revenue declines among some solid waste companies, but it also saw multiple signs of resilience.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated Aug. 10, 2020

Waste Management reports $400M revenue decline in Q2, additional divestitures to GFL

Company executives said results "exceeded our expectations," during an earnings call, with economic activity picking back up around the country even as COVID-19 cases rise.

By Cole Rosengren • July 30, 2020

Corrugated box industry bolstered by pandemic trends, including e-commerce

In a year upended by major challenges, corrugated boxes are emerging as a potential bright spot for recyclers. But shifts from industrial and commercial volumes over to residential collection have generated quality concerns. 

By E.A. Crunden • July 29, 2020

Colorado law calls for exploration of recycling market development center, EPR policies

A bill recently signed by Gov. Jared Polis directs state staff to study creating a new market development program and launching a statewide education program, among other items.

By Leslie Nemo • July 29, 2020

Halfway through an upended year, 8 big questions remain for waste and recycling

Back in January, Waste Dive laid out guiding themes for coverage around safety, M&A, sustainability, policy, organics and PFAS. Now, the pandemic has changed many of them and racial justice is also receiving heightened attention.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated July 28, 2020

Renewed interest in automated side loaders driven by pandemic concerns, persistent safety issues

ASLs have become increasingly popular with some predicting they could see more interest due to pandemic safety concerns. But tighter capital budgets may be a short-term challenge.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated July 23, 2020

Flexible packaging separation pilot deemed a success, but end markets unproven

Curbside collection of this emerging stream isn't expected to happen at scale near-term, and sustainable markets don't currently exist. But the Pennsylvania MRF that tested it reports clear benefits.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 22, 2020

Major Connecticut WTE facility closing by 2022, waste to be exported

The expected move comes after plans to refurbish the Materials Innovation Recovery Authority's aging RDF facility fell apart for a host of reasons.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 10, 2020

Waste industry received at least $583M in PPP loans, preserved 67K jobs

Nearly 4,000 industry participants have received funding from the pandemic relief program since April, according to U.S. Small Business Administration data. Waste Dive has collected the full list for public access.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • July 16, 2020

New California regulation could jump-start solar panel recycling sector

The state's upcoming classification of photovoltaic panels as universal waste is expected to allow for greater efficiencies in handling a material stream that is projected to grow substantially in coming decades.

By Matthew Bandyk • July 15, 2020

Container demand changing alongside pandemic-driven volume shifts

Service providers are adjusting capital spending following months of heightened residential activity and regional drops in commercial waste. Cart and container manufacturers discuss the emerging effects for their businesses.

By Lori Lovely • July 14, 2020

Diageo and PepsiCo will debut paper bottles in 2021

The alcohol giant will launch the 100% plastic-free packaging for Johnnie Walker whisky early next year, while PepsiCo and Unilever are developing it for their products. 

By Lillianna Byington • July 14, 2020

House hearing highlights political divide over plastics and pandemic response

The plastics industry says the pandemic has proven the need for its products, which are a key component in masks and other equipment. Environmental advocates and many Democrats said the ramifications of plastics pollution outweigh the benefits.

By E.A. Crunden • July 10, 2020

Risk and race concerns fuel ongoing debate around hazard pay during pandemic

Sanitation workers have held numerous strikes and demanded concessions including hazard pay, frequently linking their fight to movements like Black Lives Matter. But the issue remains a contentious one for the waste industry.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • July 9, 2020

Wheelabrator acquires New England hauler as part of vertical integration strategy

Charles George Companies, which has a decades-long history in the region, represents an expansion into collection and recycling operations across two states for the Macquarie-backed waste-to-energy company.

By Cole Rosengren • July 8, 2020