Corporate

New Jersey passes sweeping bill limiting carryout bags, polystyrene foam and straws

The bill has been described as one of the strictest state bills of its kind in the country, and the only one to target paper bags. Trade groups are calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to veto the legislation, but he is expected to sign it.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 25, 2020

MRF experts foresee further adoption of robotics, potential for 'boutique' facilities

WasteExpo panelists from GFL Environmental, RRT Design & Construction and Machinex Technologies recently discussed a range of ongoing technology changes, with some speculating optical sorter adoption may have peaked.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 23, 2020

Waste industry figures see major election consequences for taxes and regulation

WasteExpo speakers, including Ron Mittelstaedt, said national Democratic victories could lead to an emphasis on climate and PFAS regulations. Corporate and capital gains tax rates could also rise, with M&A implications.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 21, 2020

Top stories from 2020's WasteExpo

Catch up on coverage of sessions about federal elections, evolving approaches to technology, PFAS regulations, recycling technology, policy and more.

By Waste Dive Team • UPDATED: Sept. 23, 2020 at 1:53 p.m.

Long Beach, California, revamps recycling to focus on plastics by item type, not resin numbers

Though the city waited as long as it could for new markets to appear, international trade changes ultimately led public works officials to alter their approach to curbside recycling.

By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 16, 2020

As technology spreads across the industry, independent haulers see adaptability as unique edge

From collection vehicles to the back office, industry systems are evolving rapidly. National players may have more resources, but during a WasteExpo panel smaller companies said they can pivot more quickly.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 16, 2020

How to participate in the 2020 Waste Dive Awards

Industry Dive is gearing up for the 2020 Dive Awards and we want to hear your ideas on the people, organizations and ESG initiatives that stood out. Submissions are open until 12 p.m. ET on Sept. 28.

By Waste Dive Team • UPDATED: Sept. 17, 2020 at 9 a.m.

WasteExpo: Positive recycling trends endure despite steep pandemic impacts

During the virtual event, representatives from the U.S. EPA, New York Department of Sanitation and Waste Management discussed recent impacts to recycling, as well as signs for optimism around domestic markets.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 15, 2020

McDonald's selects TerraCycle's Loop for UK reusable cup pilot

The partnership is the latest sign of major brands taking greater interest in circular solutions. It also marks an expansion beyond grocery for the ambitious reuse platform.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 10, 2020

Waste Management report shows untapped recycling potential, clarifies policy positions

While observers are still parsing the details on MRF investments and material flows, some see the information as the latest sign that more can be done collectively to maximize national recycling activity.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 10, 2020

Bay Area startup Trash Warrior eyes West Coast growth after securing new funding

The San Francisco-based technology company, founded last year, is looking to make its mark in the area by competing on price and following a familiar "Uber for trash" dream.

By Samuel Wendel • Sept. 08, 2020

CNG trucks still used by many in the industry, but electric vehicles gaining ground

Natural gas-powered vehicles have been the industry's preferred form of alternative fuel for years, but while investments continue, 2020 is shaping up to be the year that electric breaks through.

By Lori Lovely • Sept. 02, 2020

California governor signs nation's first recycled content requirement for plastic beverage containers

Containers will need to have 50% recycled content by 2030, a standard described as among the world's most aggressive. This comes after another major packaging bill did not pass during this year's legislative session.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Sept. 25, 2020 at 9:41 a.m.

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Aug. 31, 2020 at 11:42 a.m.

Diverse group of stakeholders launch US Plastics Pact, aim for circular packaging by 2025

The collaborative is part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's worldwide Plastics Pact network. Members include major waste trade groups, recyclers and large brands.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 26, 2020

PFAS test at Covanta-operated incinerator scrapped following public outcry

The New Jersey DEP expressed disappointment, while the U.S. EPA said it will continue partnering with states and local governments as it seeks ways to destroy the toxic chemicals.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Aug. 26, 2020 at 10:42 a.m.

Advanced Disposal shareholders approve amended terms for $4.6B sale to Waste Management

This favorable vote on a lower price, largely considered a foregone conclusion, marks the latest milestone toward closing a major transaction that has been delayed by divestiture requirements and pandemic effects.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 26, 2020

Q&A

Wastequip aims to develop product GHG emission scores as part of new sustainability program

VP Kristin Kinder cited customer demand and industry trends as motivating factors behind a step many equipment manufacturers have yet to take, while also discussing diversity and inclusion efforts.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 25, 2020

Q&A

Waste Pro's new COO pledges more executive time in the field, talks 'controlled growth' strategy

Keith Banasiak discusses his parallel career path alongside new CEO Sean Jennings, as well as the company's pandemic response, ESG perspective, future M&A plans and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2020

Deep Dive

Loop's quest for reuse dominance has only gotten more ambitious during the pandemic

Some refill systems took a hit due to initial virus concerns, but the TerraCycle-backed platform's sales rose. Now, CEO Tom Szaky could be poised to set new sanitary standards and gain market share for years to come.

By Karine Vann • Aug. 19, 2020

Food waste coalition launches with 14 major manufacturers and retailers

The group, whose members include General Mills, Kellogg, Nestlé and Walmart, have targeted cutting global food loss per capita in half by 2025.

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 19, 2020

Industry-supported organics hauling bill comes up short in California legislature

Proponents say AB 2959 would clarify a loophole allowing smaller haulers to undercut franchise agreements and hinder progress toward state diversion targets. Critics said it would hurt the state's efforts to curb organic waste.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 19, 2020

Waste Management faces new setback in yearslong push to expand Oregon landfill

The Riverbend Landfill expansion was denied in a 2-1 vote, but could still be appealed. County commissioners pointed to pollution concerns and the site's location in a seismically active floodplain as reasons for their decision. 

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 14, 2020

GFL Environmental to buy WCA for $1.2B, complementing Waste Management-Advanced divestitures

CEO Patrick Dovigi said this purchase from Macquarie and the pending divestitures were key drivers behind a recent IPO. Going forward, GFL anticipates focusing on integration and 25-30 tuck-in deals per year.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 13, 2020

Balcones acquisition of Florida recycler latest step toward new type of vertical integration

The deal marks the Texas-based company's first purchase since it sold a majority stake to Closed Loop Partners in 2019. More plans are in the works, with a potential focus on secondary processing capabilities in the Southeast.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 12, 2020