Corporate
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Permission granted by Rubicon
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 -
Courtesy of Advanced Disposal Services
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 at 1:26 p.m. -
Courtesy of Advanced Disposal Services
Tracking Waste Management's acquisition of Advanced Disposal
One of the industry's largest transactions in years, between two of its biggest companies, has generated significant interest since being announced in 2019. Catch up on all of the latest developments with our ongoing coverage.
By Cole Rosengren • 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 -
Permission granted by E.A. Crunden
Stericycle and Covanta report medical waste volumes down despite initial coronavirus concerns
Even as COVID-19 waste ramped up, prompting concerns about China-like levels, public companies largely saw a decrease in overall volume following the cancellation of elective procedures and other effects.
By E.A. Crunden • May 18, 2020 -
Controversy over incinerator-linked PFAS in New York draws scrutiny from federal lawmakers
Testing done near a Norlite facility in New York indicates incineration of PFAS may be spreading the toxic chemicals. Sen. Chuck Schumer has asked two federal agencies to launch a probe amid broader federal scrutiny.
By E.A. Crunden • May 14, 2020 -
Brian Tucker/Waste Dive
Deep DiveCarton 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 at 3:49 p.m. -
Courtesy of Waste Management
5 key pandemic trends from the solid waste industry's Q1 earnings reports
Results are in for seven publicly-traded North American companies, and it's clear the industry is resilient. But many questions remain about adapting to volume shifts and whether early optimism for economic recovery will bear out.
By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • May 13, 2020 -
Cole Rosengren
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 -
Permission granted by E.A. Crunden
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 -
Getty Images
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 at 10:26 a.m. -
Cole Rosengren
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 07, 2020 -
Cleveland landfilling recyclables after unsuccessful second attempt to secure processing contract
A prior contract expired last month and the city declined to accept a new bid that would have reportedly cost around $200 per ton. The sudden processing suspension caught residents and some local officials by surprise.
By E.A. Crunden • May 06, 2020 -
E.A. Crunden
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 06, 2020 -
Courtesy of Republic Services
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 06, 2020 -
"Jogger Crosses Empty New York City Street During COVID19 Quarantine" by Anthony Quintano is licensed under CC BY 2.0
New York, among nation's hardest hit markets, delays commercial waste zone RFP due to pandemic
A momentous policy change will have to wait as companies ranging in size from Waste Connections to a local three truck operator report substantial volume declines due to the novel coronavirus.
By Cole Rosengren • May 04, 2020 -
Deep Dive
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 01, 2020 -
Covanta
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 -
Permission granted by LA Sanitation and Environment
Masks becoming more common for collection workers despite lack of national guidance
Industry groups are following OSHA's lead and not advising the use of face coverings nationwide yet. In the meantime, more service providers are using them and state or local governments are increasingly issuing policies.
By Cole Rosengren • April 28, 2020 -
The image by Mr. TinDC is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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 -
Courtesy of RoadRunner Recycling
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 -
Permission granted by E.A. Crunden
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 -
Permission granted by James Wallington, Central Texas Refuse
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 -
Master Sgt. Hecht, Matt. (2020). [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Covering COVID-19's evolving impact on the waste and recycling sector
The coronavirus pandemic has brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry deemed essential and continuing its work. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's original reporting here.
By Waste Dive Team • UPDATED: May 21, 2020 at 11:01 a.m. -
Industry groups push for inclusion of recycling infrastructure in next federal coronavirus aid package
The Recycling Partnership, NWRA, SWANA and others argue recycling should be in the next stimulus effort as part of any infrastructure designation amid fears that momentum around national bills has faltered during the pandemic.
By E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020
