Casella Waste: 2018 was 'year to refocus on growth,' more to come

Higher pricing due to ever-tightening Northeast disposal capacity, along with a heightened pace of acquisitions, has left the Vermont company energized heading into 2019.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 25, 2019

Advanced Disposal caps off 'solid' 2018, projects M&A uptick

While the company's core solid waste business remains stable, CEO Richard Burke projects continued price hikes related to recyclables collection — even for customers that have already seen an initial round of increases.

By Rina Li • Feb. 25, 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

Scrap Collector: Report highlights plastic's hidden global health costs

Plus: EPA accused of stealing Nintendo soundtrack for online recycling game, and Canada refusing to sign hazardous waste treaty amendment amidst ongoing dumping scandal.

By Rina Li • Feb. 22, 2019

Major glass, plastic recycling changes proposed in Washington state

One bill would create a plastic EPR strategy, the other seeks to eliminate glass from curbside collection, and both have drawn notable industry attention.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 21, 2019

Massachusetts city, hauler head to trial over post-China recycling contract terms

A recent ruling in an ongoing suit between New Bedford and ABC Disposal found that while National Sword doesn't qualify as a force majeure event, it might still count as an "uncontrollable circumstance."

By Igor Geyn • Feb. 20, 2019

Is New York's 2030 'zero waste' goal receding from reach?

Three key initiatives — single-stream recycling, curbside organics expansion and "save-as-you-throw" — are on hold indefinitely. Now, both skeptics and boosters are questioning whether it's practical or possible to hit the mark.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 20, 2019

Waste Connections did $1B worth of acquisitions in 2018, foresees another 'outsized year'

During the Q4 earnings call, executives also discussed public pressure on plastics, the viability of franchising and ongoing labor trends.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 15, 2019

Hawaii State Senate approves bill to limit and ban single-use plastics

The legislation, which targets straws, polystyrene foam containers, plastic bags and other items, is now headed to the House.

By Bryan M. Gold • Updated March 6, 2019

Waste Management going on sustainability 'offensive,' buying more landfills

As the company's results continue to reach record highs, its stated focus is to keep spending on "technology and people" — including shareholders.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 15, 2019

Los Angeles City Council approves RecycLA settlement with seven service providers

A new contract amendment will bring a number of changes to the major franchise program — including city funding to cover controversial recycling service fees and a higher contamination threshold.

By Cole Rosengren , Rina Li • Updated Feb. 20, 2019

Inside Republic's recycling messaging, and an Arizona MRF, with two VPs

Pete Keller and Richard Coupland, the company's primary public faces on recycling, recently met with Waste Dive to talk contract pricing, GHG calculations, end markets and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2019

Nashville to expand curbside recycling collection with $2M state grant

The city is doubling its collection frequency by adding 16 new trucks at a time when others are scaling back curbside programs.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 12, 2019

California counties call for state commission on 'significant' recycling disruptions

A recent letter from the California State Association of Counties to newly inaugurated Gov. Gavin Newsom is part of a push for greater action around market development.

By Bryan M. Gold • Feb. 11, 2019

Michigan gets unprecedented $15M boost for recycling in lame duck surprise

The annual influx from a new online sales tax is one of the largest recycling budget increases for any state in recent memory. Proponents hope it can kickstart a wholesale policy rethink and foster market development.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 11, 2019

Republic Services has 'overcome' China hurdle, says recycling success up to customers

Reporting favorable 2018 earnings, CEO Don Slager projected slow and steady progress on labor retention, technology updates and M&A.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 8, 2019

Scrap Collector: Time for federal action on plastic pollution?

Plus: mussels losing their grip to microplastics, Recology MRF workers struggling with needle influx and UK politicians calling for an end to plastic waste exports abroad.

By Rina Li • Feb. 8, 2019

Waste Management CEO talks climate change, ocean plastic and 'zero waste'

Waste Dive sat down with Jim Fish for an exclusive interview at the company's sustainability forum in Phoenix to parse out its latest environmental messaging.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 6, 2019

Indicted Massachusetts mayor ends PAYT program ahead of recall election

Mayor Jasiel Correia has long promised, and previously attempted, to cancel the controversial program. Critics say the timing and fiscal reasoning are suspect.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 30, 2019

APR: Recycled plastics reduce energy consumption, GHG emissions

A new report examines the entire lifecycle of using recycled versus virgin resins in the manufacturing process, focusing on PET, HDPE and PP.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 29, 2019

Does Berkeley, California's foodware ordinance provide a new national model?

The law, described as "the most ambitious, comprehensive legislation to reduce throw-away foodware in the United States," mandates a $0.25 disposable cup fee, among many other requirements.

By Rina Li • Jan. 29, 2019

How small cities around the country are fighting to save recycling

Solutions to preserve access and reduce contamination are emerging from municipalities, partners and citizen-led efforts in states such as Oregon, Virginia and New Hampshire.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 28, 2019

Scrap Collector: Memphis sanitation strike's living legacy, Ocean Cleanup's destructive potential

Plus: waste collection work linked to musculoskeletal disorders, Malaysia cracks down on illegal plastic importers and China announces plans for "waste-free cities."

By Rina Li • Jan. 25, 2019

KFC commits to fully recoverable or reusable plastic packaging by 2025

The fast food chain has also signed on as a partner of the NextGen Consortium, which is focused on packaging alternatives, and joins a growing list of brands removing traditional plastics from their stores.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 25, 2019

Washington state recycling market incubator bill signed into law

The law will establish a Recycling Development Center to incentivize new companies to process recyclable materials and develop more local end markets.

By Katie Pyzyk , Rina Li • Updated May 1, 2019

TerraCycle promises 'future of consumption' with Loop reuse system

Dozens of major brands have partnered to launch this ambitious new packaging model in the U.S. and France. TerraCycle and Suez break down how it could change the waste equation in the coming decades.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 24, 2019