Corporate

Waste companies putting pandemic behind them, anticipate more economic rebound coming

Outside of Canada, the majority of local economies have reopened and volumes are bouncing back. Catch up on results and takeaways on the first quarter of 2021 from the industry's largest solid waste operators.

By Waste Dive Team • May 10, 2021

Solid waste companies talk disposal pricing, ESG and Biden in Q1 earnings outlooks

Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Covanta and Casella Waste Systems leaders commented on pandemic recovery trends and other pressing topics.

By Cole Rosengren • May 10, 2021

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Trendline

The Waste Dive Outlook on 2021

Entering a second year of operating during a pandemic, the waste and recycling industry is poised to see further corporate traction on ESG goals, tech upgrades and M&A activity, as well as key policy developments from the Biden administration.

By Waste Dive staff

Companies ignoring ESG may become 'uninvestable,' says investment bank chief

Interest in sustainability goals is growing "enormously," and companies that ignore the trend risk rejection by investors, according to Larry Wieseneck, co-president of investment bank Cowen.

By Jim Tyson • May 10, 2021

Roundup: City reopenings portend commercial waste shifts

A string of recent state announcements will ease business restrictions in the coming weeks and months in the Northeast. Plus, state and local policy updates from Florida, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, California and more.

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • May 07, 2021

GFL Environmental reports positive volume outlook despite Canadian lag, closes 10 acquisitions

While Canada's pandemic restrictions continue to affect GFL's business, U.S. recovery trends and past acquisitions are providing a boost. Ample M&A opportunity remains due in part to potential tax changes, the company said.

By Cole Rosengren • May 06, 2021

Republic ups guidance as Santek acquisition is finalized, CEO handoff on horizon

Even after a long approval process for the just-closed Santek purchase the company is "not deterred" from pursuing larger M&A deals and intends to invest $600 million in acquisitions this year, said incoming CEO Jon Vander Ark.

By Maria Rachal • May 06, 2021

Florida passes bill to limit private hauler 'displacement,' reassess plastic bag policy

An industry lobbyist said the bill would make local governments "think long and hard" about pursuing certain franchise arrangements. The move comes as some cities and counties are discussing new service models.

By Cole Rosengren • May 05, 2021

Covanta intends to close multiple plants in coming years, divestitures still possible

Through its strategic review, the company anticipates $30 million in annual cost savings by 2023 and plans to exit certain operating contracts. Meanwhile, a new U.K. plant will begin receiving waste within weeks.

By Cole Rosengren • April 30, 2021

Waste Connections Q1: Landfill volumes 'above pre-COVID levels'

Amid pandemic recovery, in March the company had its largest hiring levels since September 2019. It reported better commodity pricing and solid waste volumes even in regions hit hardest by COVID-19.

By Megan Quinn • April 29, 2021

Waste Management raises guidance as pandemic recovery accelerates, predicts possible labor headwind

Pricing and the Advanced Disposal acquisition were key first quarter boosts. Executives also announced a new chief sustainability officer and weighed in on the Biden administration's infrastructure proposal.

By Cole Rosengren • April 27, 2021

Waste and recycling sector encourages coronavirus vaccinations as barriers fall

All U.S. adults are now eligible to receive a vaccine. Still, the need for PPE and other protections remain: "we've got to keep our head down until we have a significant portion of the population vaccinated," said Casella's CEO.

By Maria Rachal • April 20, 2021

Plastics Recycling Conference debates aspirational recycling goals as deadlines approach

Numerous organizations, companies and governments have pledged to meet recycling-related goals by as early as 2025. Panelists discussed what could help achieve these targets, despite skepticism.

By Megan Quinn • April 14, 2021

Q&A

Ron Gonen on 'waste profiteers,' transforming the recycling industry and getting serious about ESG

The Closed Loop Partners CEO and author of new book "The Waste-Free World" shares his views on how CPG companies, service providers, local governments and consumers must adapt to build a more circular economy.

By Cole Rosengren • April 08, 2021

Roundup: Biden infrastructure plan light on waste details, report highlights recycling data gap

The sector reacts to the president's $2 trillion proposal, Eunomia digs into state recycling performance, organics pilots are on the rise, New York City is tackling litter and more local stories from around the country

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • April 01, 2021

Republic closes acquisition of Santek, following DOJ divestiture agreement

A settlement includes collection and disposal assets in four Southeast states going to portfolio companies of Kinderhook Industries and Texas routes going to Waste Connections.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: May 5, 2021 at 5:38 p.m.

Republic Services names Vander Ark new CEO, Slager retiring

The long-anticipated elevation of Jon Vander Ark, currently the company's president, takes effect in June. Don Slager, a multi-decade industry veteran, will continue in a consulting role through the end of the year.

By Cole Rosengren • March 31, 2021

Roundup: How cities are bucking privatization, fighting contamination via smartphones

A Washington city explains ending its 15-year relationship with Waste Connections, Waste Pro plans to walk from contract troubles in Memphis and more local stories from around the country.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal • March 26, 2021

Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act reintroduced, plastics industry ramps up opposition

The bill would ban some single-use plastic products, set recycled content requirements and enact a national EPR program. Opponents criticize the bill's efforts to suspend permitting for plastic production facilities.

By Megan Quinn • March 25, 2021

Wheelabrator debuts WIN Waste Innovations brand following Tunnel Hill acquisition

The newly combined operations of 10 companies will have an estimated $1 billion annual revenue run rate. Following a recapitalization, CEO Bob Boucher said more M&A is planned and an IPO or sale could happen in the future.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: April 6, 2021 at 11 a.m.

Deep Dive

New York commercial waste overhaul on horizon, but funding unresolved

After a year-long pandemic delay, the city is moving on an RFP process to reshape the open market system. Dozens of companies recently took the first application step, potentially including newcomers Waste Management and Winters Bros.

By Cole Rosengren • March 19, 2021

Racial justice scorecard says waste companies fall short on providing detailed workplace equity metrics

Waste Management and Republic Services were listed in an As You Sow report calling on S&P 500 companies to acknowledge racism and provide details related to pay equity, promotions, recruitment and retention numbers.

By Megan Quinn • March 17, 2021

GFL Environmental acquiring Canada's Terrapure, including key Toronto-area industrial landfill

The company pursued the C$927.5 million deal for many years, which will further solidify its presence throughout Canada. The transaction could close by the end of the year and integration of major 2020 deals is ahead of schedule.

By Cole Rosengren • March 16, 2021

SEC official: Companies avoiding ESG disclosures 'risk higher costs of capital'

"Arguments in favor of a single global ESG reporting framework are persuasive," said the corporation finance lead at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, adding the agency "should play a leading role" in creating such standards.

By Jim Tyson • March 16, 2021

Deep Dive

Renewed focus on landfill calculations as waste industry faces pressure to reduce emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change are under growing scrutiny from regulators and investors alike. Finding the most precise way to measure them remains a complex effort.

By Leslie Nemo • March 09, 2021

Recology agrees to San Francisco rate settlement worth more than $107M, as competitors circle

The city attorney's office reached the deal while pursuing a broader public corruption investigation. Now, Waste Management, Republic Services and others see a window to revisit the company's local monopoly.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: March 5, 2021 at 4:05 p.m.