Where curbside recycling programs have stopped and started in the US

One South Carolina sanitation district is calling it quits on recycling collection after March, citing collection and disposal costs that are four times those associated with garbage.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Jan. 9, 2023

BLS: Collection worker fatalities up dramatically in 2018

New data indicates that refuse and recyclable material collectors still have the fifth highest fatality rate in the nation. Multiple fatalities were also reported at landfills and MRFs.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 17, 2019

New York bottle bill expansion could boost glass container recycling by 65%: study

A recent study commissioned by the Department of Environmental Conservation found adding wine and liquor bottles to the state's redemption program could significantly boost recycling rates and ease processing issues at MRFs.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 13, 2019

On the line in California

The state may have a reputation for progressive recycling policies, but industry workers still face numerous hazards. Here are two of their stories.

By Susie Neilson • Dec. 11, 2019

Robots move in

More MRFs are turning to automation and advanced technology to fill gaps and boost efficiencies, especially in light of market changes, but a full replacement of human labor isn’t here yet.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2019

High risk, hidden workforce

With fluctuating injury rates, and ongoing fatalities, MRFs remain a key safety challenge. Operators discuss efforts to change that through better training, tighter protocols and a lower dependence on temporary labor.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 11, 2019

GFL Environmental aims to raise more than $1B, keeps IPO door open

One month after backing out of plans to go public, the Canadian agglomerate is looking for new funds through a debt and equity offering. Proceeds will be used for two pending U.S. acquisitions — including County Waste.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 10, 2019

The Waste Dive Awards for 2019

From operations to policy, these are some of the top organizations and executives that shaped the waste and recycling industry this year.

Dec. 9, 2019

Recycling Campaign of the Year: Michigan's 'Know It Before You Throw It'

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy's high-dollar statewide education campaign marks a notable strategy shift for the agency and a welcome dose of humor with its recycling raccoon mascots.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 9, 2019

Organization of the Year: SWANA

The association's profile continues to rise on recycling, safety and international issues. Sweeping structural changes and growing membership position it for more to come.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 9, 2019

Executive of the Year: Kerry Getter, Balcones Resources

The Texas-based industry veteran achieved a rare feat in 2019 – running a recycling company so sustainably that someone wanted to buy it during a commodity market downturn.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 10, 2019

Veolia North America's new CEO outlines big plans for waste growth

Brian Clarke is charged with spending recent divestment proceeds on expanding the French company's waste network. Priorities include hazardous waste, plastics recycling, PFAS treatment and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 5, 2019

Ann Arbor, Michigan approves new contract to reopen long-idled MRF

After previously prevailing over a larger company that would have processed the material elsewhere, nonprofit Recycle Ann Arbor has received a 10-year deal to revitalize the facility.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 22, 2020

Connecticut authority reassesses $333M WTE renovation plan

A potential deal with the Sacyr Rooney Recovery Team had faced local pushback and recent cost pressures due to the pandemic. The Materials Innovation Recycling Authority anticipates it could begin exporting waste to landfills without a new plan. 

By E.A. Crunden • Updated May 6, 2020

Santa Fe, New Mexico reopens idled MRF under new recycling contract

The city-owned plant is now being run by Town Recycling after sitting unused for four years. Given rising prices with Albuquerque-based Friedman Recycling, the move is seen as more cost-effective.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 27, 2019

How businesses can use EPR as a competitive advantage

Gina Lee of the Upcyclers Network makes a case for why manufacturers should come around to extended producer responsibility, citing two longtime examples in the ceiling panel and irrigation sectors.

By Gina Lee • Nov. 27, 2019

What circular economy proponents can learn from lead batteries

Kevin Moran and Woodrow Clark highlight why they view circular economy plans as the key resilience solution for California’s climate goals, with the nation's most highly recycled product as a model.

By Kevin Moran and Woodrow Clark • Nov. 27, 2019

RECYCLE Act proposes $75M for education, with widespread industry support

The legislation enters an increasingly crowded space of federal recycling policy proposals, but comes with broad consensus among notable stakeholders.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 26, 2019

Philadelphia reports 50% diversion rate, ongoing 'zero waste' progress

Despite high-profile recycling issues earlier this year, the city says its plans are still on track. Waste reduction and organics recycling are among the top priorities moving forward.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 25, 2019

Industry-backed RECOVER Act calls for $500M in recycling infrastructure grants

Key recycling, plastics, and glass industry players back the bipartisan bill, which would establish an infrastructure program in the U.S. EPA. Whether it can break out from the growing number of federal proposals remains to be seen.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 20, 2019

EPA Recycling Summit emphasizes need for urgent action, shies away from regulatory changes

Officials and industry representatives touted ongoing progress, including plans for new voluntary recycling goals, but generally expressed confidence that the market can handle this evolution with minimal policy interference.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 19, 2019

Trouble in paradise: Recycling a tough proposition for US territories

Devastating hurricanes have strained weak infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guam has newer infrastructure, but still faces market challenges. All are often overlooked in national recycling discussions.

By Genevieve Glatsky • Updated Nov. 18, 2019

Sims expands aluminum recycling in New York with Nespresso funding

Funding from Nespresso allowed the MRF operator to add a new nonferrous line for capturing lightweight materials that will also clean up its glass stream.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 18, 2019

Wheeler: EPA will set national recycling goals in 2020

The administrator told Waste Dive to expect multiple voluntary goals, but no new regulation, as part of increased agency engagement in the sector.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 15, 2019

How recycling has changed in all 50 states

The most comprehensive tracker of local recycling program changes, cancellations and solutions in the U.S. from November 2017 to November 2019. 

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 5, 2019