Federal court hands Waste Management win in latest round of Reno, Nevada franchise fight

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court's decision that the industry giant's exclusive franchise contract does not violate antitrust law. The smaller recycling companies waging this legal battle have sought to undercut that agreement.

By Cole Rosengren • May 28, 2020

GFL Environmental pledges to disclose, reduce GHG emissions in coming years

The Canada-based company's first sustainability report calculates emissions avoided from recycling, organics and other lines of business. GFL also touted its efforts to divert nearly 1.17 million metric tons of material in 2019.

By Cole Rosengren • May 27, 2020

NWRA-backed Senate legislation introduced to make waste and recycling services eligible for PPP funding

The trade group previously called a related bipartisan House bill "a win" for the industry that could address "bad debt" concerns, and this week reiterated calls for Congress to pass the legislation. 

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

Rubicon's first ESG report emphasizes software pivot, $208M potential savings for cities

The technology company plays up its municipal offerings and highlights case studies from commercial customers, while talking about a "waste wake-up call." More detailed climate metrics are expected in a future edition.

By Cole Rosengren • May 22, 2020

New York follows through with sanitation cuts, preserves some organics funding

Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration cut funding for curbside organics collection, recycling outreach and other areas in a new budget agreement. Funding for drop-off sites and community composting was preserved.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated July 1, 2020

Road ahead for recycled PET markets complicated by coronavirus-induced supply disruptions

Market analysts expect the cost of recycled PET will eventually start to gain parity with virgin, but recent low oil prices and issues with container redemption programs are complicating that outlook.

By Leslie Nemo • May 20, 2020

Pandemic exacerbates UBC recycling issues, following aluminum market decline

Pricing had been depressed since last year due to a variety of global factors. Now, suspensions of some container redemption and curbside recycling programs are further complicating supply issues.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 20, 2020

Tracking Waste Management's acquisition of Advanced Disposal, divestitures to GFL Environmental

More than 18 months after it was first announced, Waste Management has completed the $4.6 billion acquisition. Catch up on how it all unfolded with our in-depth coverage.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 2, 2020

Waste Management and Advanced Disposal still negotiating divestitures as deal deadline looms

The parties have less than two months to receive Department of Justice approval and close this $4.9 billion transaction under original terms. A look at competitive concerns around Chicago show the complexities involved.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated May 20, 2020

How much top waste CEOs, and their median employees, earned in 2019

Recent proxy filings detail the rising, multimillion-dollar figures paid to the CEOs of Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Covanta and Casella Waste Systems.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • May 18, 2020

Carton manufacturers invested big in attaining 'recyclable' status, but can they sustain it?

By funding education, sorting technology and end markets, the industry-backed Carton Council earned highly-sought federal recyclability status. Yet some MRFs and governments question if this packaging is worth the effort.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated May 13, 2020

GFL Environmental Q1: Notable Canadian coronavirus effects, ongoing North American expansion

In its first report since going public, GFL outlined financial effects from the pandemic and optimism for an economic recovery. Executives also previewed future growth plans after starting the year with significant M&A spending.

By Cole Rosengren • May 12, 2020

Recycling proponents split on $1B RECOVER Act ask for future pandemic relief package

Environmental groups have decried the push for additional infrastructure funding as a "plastics bailout." The picture is more complicated when factoring in stances from other trade groups, including the glass and fiber sectors.

By E.A. Crunden • May 11, 2020

Major waste industry companies highlight coronavirus challenges in Q1 earnings reports

The economic effects of COVID-19 will be much more prominent in Q2 reports, but early indicators of revenue and volume declines began appearing in March. Companies also reported ongoing pressures on recycling.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated May 13, 2020

Waste Connections Q1: Coronavirus cut revenue by $12M, worst effects in Northeast and Canada

Q2 results will be affected, with April revenues down by 6%, but executives reported early signs of a potential turnaround. While M&A activity has been delayed, multiple deals are still in the works.

By Cole Rosengren • May 7, 2020

Cleveland lawmakers, unhappy with mayor's timeframe to revive recycling, eye alternatives

Cleveland is currently disposing its recyclables after an unsuccessful second attempt to secure a processing contract. While a consultant is expected to help assess next steps, elected officials and residents want quicker action.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated June 3, 2020

Waste Management: $40M coronavirus Q1 revenue hit, Advanced Disposal deal progressing

The company suspended 2020 guidance, repeatedly emphasizing unpredictable conditions. While executives were optimistic about early landfill trends, long-term effects on small business customers were described as "the big unknown."

By Cole Rosengren • May 6, 2020

Republic Services reports tough coronavirus effects, but optimistic 'worst is behind us'

Q1 earnings were positive, but more recent double-digit percentage volume declines from the pandemic shutdown have been difficult. Still, executives reported early signs of recovery and heightened M&A activity.

By Cole Rosengren • May 6, 2020

Puerto Rico's yearslong debate over WTE continues as the island's landfill issues mount

After a proposed incinerator project stalled in 2018, the territory's long-term plan remains uncertain as noncompliant landfills are reaching capacity. Meanwhile, recycling programs and waste reduction efforts are still evolving.

By Genevieve Glatsky • May 1, 2020

Covanta negotiating with Florida county over first US incinerator expansion in years

Pasco County commissioners approved initial plans to expand the facility, despite concerns over the potential $525 million cost. County officials deemed the move essential, but some said recycling efforts need improvement.

By E.A. Crunden • April 29, 2020

With EPR bills frozen due to coronavirus in many states, proponents still see path forward

The coronavirus has paused activity for high-profile bills focused on packaging, including one with momentum in Maine. Backers believe the current financial strain on local governments makes these policies even more important.

By E.A. Crunden • April 24, 2020

RoadRunner Recycling CEO says new $28.6M funding round to fuel expansion, despite pandemic

Graham Rihn discusses the Pittsburgh company's plans to scale its business, focused on capturing smaller volumes through source-separated collection, along with COVID-19 effects for a variety of customers.

By Cole Rosengren • April 22, 2020

Waste industry has received federal stimulus funding, but no one knows how much

The U.S. Small Business Administration could not provide a breakdown of how much went to the industry from a broader $15 billion funding category. Trade groups are aware of smaller companies applying, but also do not have data.

By E.A. Crunden • April 22, 2020

New player founded by former Advanced Disposal CEO enters Austin, Texas market via M&A

Integrated Waste Solutions recently acquired Central Texas Refuse and a sizable greenfield landfill project. Chairman Charlie Appleby and board member David Green discuss the potential to become "a very large company," including a focus on recycling. 

By Cole Rosengren • April 21, 2020

One year covering COVID-19's impact on the waste and recycling sector

The coronavirus pandemic brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry that continued its work throughout the crisis. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's reporting from the initial year.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated March 15, 2021