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

EPA: National recycling rate 35% in 2017, composting at record high

New figures show overall MSW volumes increased, with total recycling volume declining slightly. The agency also resumed its focus on greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 14, 2019

California city finds local recycling solution for 30K unwanted carts at fraction of prior cost

It wasn't entirely clear why recycling facilities weren't interested in these carts, which are often reground and repurposed into new ones. Waste Dive tracked down manufacturer Bonar Plastics to learn more. 

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Jan. 15, 2020

Phoenix City Council preserves curbside recycling with rate increase

The city, viewed as a model for circular economy efforts, had run into financial challenges due to a turbulent recycling market and growing population. This will be its first residential rate increase since 2009.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Feb. 12, 2020

Keep on recycling, America. But companies must do their part too

The new Association of Mission-Based Recyclers – including Eco-Cycle, the Ecology Center, Eureka Recycling and Recycle Ann Arbor – calls on packaging companies to start working collaboratively.

By Association of Mission-Based Recyclers • Nov. 13, 2019

Adam Minter on why secondhand markets are the true circular economies

Waste Dive spoke with the "Junkyard Planet" author about what the waste industry can learn from the reuse sector, textile recycling trends and misconceptions about e-waste he discovered writing the new book "Secondhand."

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 12, 2019

New D.C. zero waste bill would have major implications for composting and recycling

The bill would establish EPR programs for sharps and batteries, impose organics diversion requirements on many businesses, and establish a surcharge based on contamination levels in recyclables. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 11, 2019

New Hampshire legislators call for major changes to meet modern 'realities' of waste and recycling

A legislative committee set out to examine the state of New Hampshire's recycling, but ended up writing a broad report about underlying infrastructure and policy challenges.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 11, 2019

Rising BLS injury, illness rate for collection workers troubles industry

Incidence rates were up for collection employees in 2018, to more than double the national average, but declined at both landfills and MRFs.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 8, 2019

DTG acquires first landfill amid rapid Northwest expansion

The landfill marks a new frontier for DTG, the largest recycler of C&D in the region. The company told Waste Dive it is eyeing further expansion.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 8, 2019

EPA touts importance of federal engagement ahead of America Recycles Day

Waste Dive recently spoke with EPA officials about creating a national messaging strategy, supporting market development and reengaging on recycling.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 6, 2019

National plastics draft bill gains momentum amid industry push to tackle pollution

Sweeping nationwide plastics legislation is creeping closer to reality with a new draft. But the plan is likely to meet with resistance from recycling industry groups and product manufacturers, who prefer more voluntary solutions.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 6, 2019

Casella Q3: Northeast still focal point, Pennsylvania could be key to future

The Vermont company is pushing the envelope for landfill pricing – as it ramps up capacity at multiple sites – and is eyeing potential divestments from Waste Management's Advanced Disposal acquisition.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 4, 2019

What cities can learn from Phoenix's circular economy experiments

Home to a unique incubator, the fast-growing Arizona city has embarked on multiple new ventures in recent years. WASTECON panelists shared economic, logistical and political advice.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 1, 2019

Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga

The multiyear push to implement a nonexclusive franchise system has been tumultuous and complex. Follow along with Waste Dive’s in-depth coverage.

Updated Nov. 20, 2024

Republic Services Q3: Expect $550M in M&A this year, 'strong' 2020 pace

Republic sees many expansion opportunities within its core capabilities, possibly even in Canada, and reported few economic concerns. Executives also addressed recycling, E&P and labor pressures.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 31, 2019