End of Waste Foundation's new blockchain recycling concept starts with glass

This unique "distributed responsibility system" aims to more than double glass recycling rates by 2030 through an injection of new funding into the process. Momentum Recycling is the platform's first industry partner.

By Cole Rosengren • May 6, 2019

Off the Route: Documentarian Amy C. Elliott on the 'apex of consumerism'

Elliott spoke to Waste Dive about her documentary "Salvage" — starring one of the last publicly accessible town dumps in North America — and our relationship with waste and consumption.

By Rina Li • May 6, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

The Rise of Recycling AI

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly common at MRFs, in collection trucks and even as a tool for consumer education at the point of generation.

By Waste Dive staff

LA Sanitation director's plans to tackle organics and hit 'zero waste' targets

In the second part of a recent Waste Dive interview, Enrique Zaldivar discusses California's transformative SB 1383 regulations, a large curbside organics pilot and extended producer responsibility.

By Cole Rosengren • May 3, 2019

Maine becomes first in the nation to enact statewide foam ban

Other states are in the process of approving or considering similar policies, following cities that have them in place.

By Cody Ellis • May 2, 2019

Casella recycling revenue rises, Boston negotiations ongoing

Despite commodity shifts, the company's recycling business is holding steady. Landfill pricing is also on the rise, and acquisition plans appear to be pacing ahead of annual goals.

By Cole Rosengren • May 2, 2019

DC public works breaks down successful recycling education campaign

The agency recorded a 9.5% capture rate increase and an 8% decline in contamination after implementing its "Waste Less, Recycle More" campaign.

By Catelyn Scholwinski • May 1, 2019

Scrap metal theft bill gains new momentum in Kansas legislature

The measure would activate a scrap metals theft database that has been in limbo for years after a previous version went unfunded.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 1, 2019

Advanced Disposal reports two acquisitions, recycling decline

The Florida company has gone into an extended quiet period following news of a planned merger with Waste Management, but its recent quarterly report offers a snapshot of business before the news broke.

By Cole Rosengren • May 1, 2019

Philadelphia to send all recyclables to Waste Management under new contract

The city had sent about half of its recyclables to a Covanta incinerator for nearly six months after a prior Republic Services contract expired without resolution.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 29, 2019

Republic still very much 'in the hunt' for acquisitions, outpacing 2019 plan

Advanced Disposal may not have been the right fit, but executives remain actively engaged in M&A. They also covered recycling turnaround plans, rising landfill costs and more during the company's Q1 earnings call.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2019

Scrap Collector: Investigation reveals pervasive plastic scrap smuggling into Malaysia

Plus: DSNY scraps supervisor's exam results in wake of cheating revelations, and Philippines President Duterte threatens war with Canada over illegal waste.

By Rina Li • April 26, 2019

Waste Management anticipates 15% customer growth from 'transformational' Advanced deal

Company executives offered insights into what's described as their biggest merger in 20 years — along with updates on recycling and E&P expansion.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2019

Waste Connections reports acquisitions in 7 states, with more to come

During the company's Q1 call, executives said they're ready to pick up any Advanced Disposal divestments and have stopped counting on Asian export markets for recycling.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2019

How Los Angeles is adapting to market changes — with an eye toward Mexico

Waste Dive recently met with LA Sanitation Director Enrique Zaldivar to discuss how his city is working through global changes in recycling.

By Cole Rosengren • April 24, 2019

Oregon Senate rejects statewide polystyrene foam container ban

The proposed ban was defeated in a 15-14 vote after three Democrats sided with Republican lawmakers in voting against the bill.

By Rina Li • Updated July 8, 2019

Lincoln, Nebraska's cardboard disposal decreases dramatically following ban

Viewed as a success, the one-year-old ban has led to a 76% decrease in cardboard going to the landfill – as well as higher overall recycling rates.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 24, 2019

Lakeshore Recycling Systems finalizes purchase of first landfill

Buying the site in western Illinois marks a departure from the company's previous vows to never own disposal assets. CEO Alan Handley recently explained the logic behind this move.

By Cole Rosengren , Rina Li • Updated June 19, 2019

Report: Global plastic trade's 'staggering' costs in Southeast Asia

Investigative analysis conducted by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and Greenpeace East Asia explores the repercussions of plastic pollution for countries that have seen post-China import spikes.

By Rina Li • April 23, 2019

Iowa waste authority approves $10.9M equipment contract for new MRF

The Metro Waste Authority is moving ahead with plans to construct its own recycling facility that will handle up to 45,000 tons per year and use equipment from CP Group.

By Cole Rosengren , Katie Pyzyk • Updated Aug. 22, 2019

Why one California facility gladly processes mixed plastics and MRF residuals

Titus MRF Services has run a prototype of its "secondary MRF" concept in Los Angeles for years and aspires to build a network of facilities along the West Coast.

By Cole Rosengren • April 22, 2019

Uncontained: The complex link between retail and packaging

Retailers know that the environmental effects of packaging are weighing on consumers' minds. But experts say it's not just about getting rid of plastic.

By Kaarin Moore • April 22, 2019

Apple expands electronics recycling, opens material recovery lab

The company reportedly diverted 48,000 metric tons of e-waste from landfill in 2018 and is working to do more — but its policies around product obsolescence and reparability remain a concern to some.

By Cody Ellis • April 22, 2019

Nestlé Waters North America striving for '100% recycling,' wary of plastic backlash

Waste Dive sat down with CEO Fernando Mercé at ISRI 2019 — where he accepted a recycling design award — to discuss plans for greater rPET usage, water bottles becoming a target for activism and more.

By Cole Rosengren • April 17, 2019

Report: Residential recycling rules more confusing than Ikea furniture or tax prep

A new survey from the Grocery Manufacturers Association highlights pervasive confusion among consumers about recycling symbols, rules and benefits.

By Catelyn Scholwinski • April 17, 2019

Unpacking the international business potential of China's scrap import ban

Closed Loop Partners' Chris Cui spoke with Waste Dive about National Sword's impact on the Chinese recycling industry — and potential opportunities for U.S. stakeholders in the policy's wake.

By Rina Li • April 17, 2019