Corporate

States active on recycling and waste legislation in first half of 2021

Lawmakers have tackled legislation aimed at cutting single-use plastics, reducing materials headed to disposal and increasing recycled content use, but they also missed the chance to pass other high-profile EPR bills.

By Waste Dive Team • June 14, 2021

Waste Management looks to surpass 80% CNG collection fleet

With 70% of its routed fleet already there, that goal is for the next five to seven years. “We're going to continue to buy predominantly CNG where the opportunity exists," said COO John Morris, following a new fleets report.

By Maria Rachal • June 02, 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

Moving from value to values: an ESG assessment

CFOs should create a new agenda around "the three R's": risk, regulation and returns, in an effort to better understand the trade-offs between economic outcomes and broader value outcomes, panelists said at Gartner's CFO & Finance Executive Conference.

By Jane Thier • May 28, 2021

Roundup: Boston mayoral candidates talk up curbside organics, litter differs in bottle bill states

Plus: recycling updates in Atlanta, Milwaukee and Louisville, Kentucky, and tips on building community support for waste reduction initiatives from Texas.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal • May 27, 2021

Republic shareholders reject ESG-linked pay proposal while industry sees another year of rising CEO compensation

A recent Teamsters-backed effort to tie executive compensation to environmental performance was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the pay gap between solid waste CEOs and median employees continues to widen.

By Cole Rosengren • May 25, 2021

With landfill emissions regulation, EPA enforces once-delayed methane pollution rule

The EPA's final rule on municipal solid waste landfill emissions starts the clock for operators to comply with federal requirements as the Biden administration and activists urge swifter climate action.

By Megan Quinn • May 24, 2021

Roundup: Driver shortages hamper local waste collection, US recycling infrastructure begs $17B expansion

Plus: California's budget surplus yields $130 million proposal for recycling infrastructure, New York City progresses on solutions for its curbside trash problem, and more municipal news from around the U.S.

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • May 20, 2021

Waste Management offering no-cost education for employees' dependents to improve retention

The program will expand in 2022 to include employees' nearly 34,000 benefits-eligible dependents, and will be a "key differentiator" for the company, said Chief People Officer Tamla Oates-Forney.

By Emilie Shumway • May 20, 2021

Florida recyclers take a 'back to basics' approach to public education

To achieve Florida's 75% recycling rate goal, clear, consistent messaging to residents must be part of the effort, speakers at a Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation event said.

By Megan Quinn • May 19, 2021

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

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