Corporate
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New Georgia bill would require coal ash to be treated like MSW
The proposed legislation would impose stricter regulations on coal ash cleanup. Waste Management is among the companies that have pointed to coal ash as a potentially lucrative waste stream.
By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 17, 2020 -
Waste Connections acquires regional hauler and MRF operator Penn Waste
Founded in 2000, Penn Waste has grown to include a collection fleet that services counties throughout South Central Pennsylvania and one of the largest residential MRFs in the United States. This marks the latest in a series of major industry acquisitions.
By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 16, 2020 -
OpinionIf you're not recycling glass are you really recycling?
As more municipalities drop glass over financial pressure, processors maintain the market is viable. Neil Seldman of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance argues glass is still essential.
By Neil Seldman • UPDATED: Jan. 17, 2020 at 8:46 a.m. -
Casella granted key permits for controversial C&D landfill expansion in New York
Residents have expressed repeated concerns over a potential increase in radioactive fracking material at the site. But Casella argues the Hakes Landfill is safe and in full environmental compliance.
By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 14, 2020 -
Southern Recycling ending curbside recycling in Kentucky county, nearby counties face hurdles
Warren County is seeking a replacement program, but it is unclear what commodities will be included. Other local counties are choosing to scrap their programs without immediate replacements on the horizon.
By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 13, 2020 -
Taco Bell wants compostable, recyclable packaging by 2025
The chain will also remove harmful chemicals like PFAS, phthalates and BPA from its consumer packaging as part of a larger sustainability initiative.
By Lauren Stine • Jan. 13, 2020 -
Republic landfill expansion moves ahead in California after failed appeal
The Forward Landfill's lifespan will be extended to 2036 under the plan. The move comes as the state launches a major organics diversion initiative and seeks sweeping waste reduction goals.
By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 10, 2020 -
GFL Environmental acquiring Michigan-based American Waste for $380M
The pending deal would expand GFL's presence into northern Michigan with a landfill, MRF, C&D recycling facility, collection fleet and other assets. It comes as the company's U.S. revenue continues to rise.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Jan. 10, 2020 at 9:14 a.m. -
Disposal capacity crunch paves way for more industry consolidation and price increases, per report
New data from Waste Business Journal projects the $76 billion U.S. waste industry is down to 18 years of remaining landfill capacity on average, with the Northeast among the most constrained regions.
By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 08, 2020 -
House passes sweeping new PFAS bill with waste implications
The legislation could establish disposal regulations for "forever chemicals." While some in the industry are apprehensive, others see opportunity. President Trump has already signaled strong opposition.
By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Jan. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m. -
Deep Dive7 pressing questions for the waste and recycling industry in 2020
The year is shaping up to be a major one for the industry's future. We'll be digging into safety, corporate consolidation, climate commitments, recycling policy, organics, PFAS, politics and more.
By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Jan. 06, 2020 -
Illinois escalates fight with Waste Connections landfill over air pollution violations
The state attorney general's office updated its complaint against the Winnebago landfill. Illinois is already suing the site over numerous violations, but Waste Connections has said it is working to address the problems.
By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 02, 2020 -
Covanta will set 'science-based' emissions reduction target by 2022 as part of climate focus
Covanta's new sustainability report argues incineration can play a key role in diverting waste from landfills, a major source of methane, and previews a growing focus on climate concerns.
By E.A. Crunden • Dec. 23, 2019 -
New York cuts transfer station permits as NWRA mulls legal appeal
The city's Department of Sanitation has already cut more than 1,300 tons worth of daily capacity, with 21 more permits to go. Industry operators who lost a fight over the law that enables this face an uncertain path forward.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 20, 2019 -
Deep DiveCan Loop disrupt society's packaging habit? Inside TerraCycle's grand experiment
The reusable shopping platform, which launched with big hype and is now eyeing retail, has already raised one key question in its early days: What are the true costs of convenience?
By Karine Vann • UPDATED: Dec. 23, 2019 at 9:17 a.m. -
Climate change becomes widely recognized corporate factor for waste and recycling
While many of the largest companies have been releasing sustainability reports for years, 2019 marked a potential turning point in the level of detail and acknowledgment for this looming issue.
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Industry maintains rapid pace of M&A, consolidation in 2019
Fueled by a prolonged economic boom and lower corporate tax rates (among other factors) industry agglomerates continued to expand through acquisition. Smaller players also ramped up activity.
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Stericycle abandons plans for North Las Vegas site following pushback over health and environmental risks
The medical waste company previously faced a historically high fine over emissions violations in Utah. Nevada residents and officials had expressed concern that a similar situation might play out at the new site.
By E.A. Crunden • Dec. 19, 2019 -
New Jersey Assembly passes organics diversion mandate without landfill exemption
Following Gov. Phil Murphy's conditional veto of a contentious bill earlier this year, legislators are moving ahead with a bill intended to spur organics recycling. Landfill operators with gas-to-energy systems remain displeased.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 19, 2019 -
Blue Bottle, aiming for 'zero waste' in 2020, could eliminate to-go coffee cups
The upscale coffee chain's goals mirror a larger shift as more and more companies target their waste footprints. The cup pilot will begin in two California locations.
By E.A. Crunden • Dec. 13, 2019 -
Vanguard Renewables will operate digesters around US in $200M Dominion deal
Proposed projects in five states will trap methane from cow manure to create renewable natural gas offer "a new way to improve on farm economics."
By Catherine Morehouse • UPDATED: Dec. 13, 2019 at 11:55 a.m. -
Deep DiveRobots move in
More MRFs are turning to automation and advanced technology to fill gaps and boost efficiencies, especially in light of market changes, but a full replacement of human labor isn’t here yet.
By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2019 -
Deep DiveOn the line in California
The state may have a reputation for progressive recycling policies, but industry workers still face numerous hazards. Here are two of their stories.
By Susie Neilson • Dec. 11, 2019 -
Deep DiveHigh risk, hidden workforce
With fluctuating injury rates, and ongoing fatalities, MRFs remain a key safety challenge. Operators discuss efforts to change that through better training, tighter protocols and a lower dependence on temporary labor.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 11, 2019 -
Waste Management scores Supreme Court win in long-running fight over New Orleans landfill
The nation's highest court declined to block the company's lawsuit alleging bribery by a rival. Waste Management argues River Birch sought to edge the company out of the post-Hurricane Katrina market in Louisiana.
By E.A. Crunden • Dec. 11, 2019
