Corporate

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

Explore the Trendline➔

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

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

DOJ requires divestitures for Republic's acquisition of Santek, Kinderhook main buyer

A proposed settlement would see landfills, transfer stations and commercial collection routes in four Southeast states going to portfolio companies of the private equity firm. Texas routes would also be sold to Waste Connections.

By Cole Rosengren • April 01, 2021

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.

PPP funds for waste, recycling companies slow to roughly $41M in early 2021

Widening COVID-19 vaccine access and commercial customers reopening portend recovery from some of 2020's unprecedented challenges. Still, seven companies secured loans of over $1 million in January.

By Maria Rachal • March 03, 2021

Waste Connections pursues escalating New York legal fight in face of stiff competition

Subsidiary County Waste sued former owner Scott Earl over alleged unfair practices and issues related to the rise of his new company, Twin Bridges. The two are battling over prices and acquisition targets around the Capital Region.

By Cole Rosengren • March 02, 2021

Vehicle-related incidents still leading cause of industry worker deaths, SWANA says

Another timely concern raised at the SWANA Safety Summit: fighting the burnout that comes from workers' COVID-19 fatigue.

By Megan Quinn • March 01, 2021

Stericycle, Clean Harbors, US Ecology see small COVID-related revenue bumps

Despite headwinds in other business streams, Clean Harbors, for instance, completed nearly 14,000 COVID-19 responses and generated $120 million in decontamination-related revenue in 2020 amid the pandemic.

By Maria Rachal • March 01, 2021

2020 earnings coverage for US waste and recycling companies

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly analysis of results from Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Covanta and Casella Waste Systems during 2020.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

2020 earnings coverage: Waste Connections

The industry's third-largest company continued to expand through M&A, responded to the coronavirus pandemic and committed to $500 million in ESG spending.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

2020 earnings coverage: Covanta

The industry's largest incinerator operator was affected by the pandemic like many others and later initiated a strategic review that could bring notable changes to its future.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

2020 earnings coverage: Casella Waste Systems

This key Northeast company continued growing its dominant presence in the market amid the pandemic, with plans to further expand multiple key landfill assets.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

2020 earnings coverage: GFL Environmental

In its first year as a public company, starting right as the pandemic unfolded, GFL completed multiple major transactions and is on track for ongoing rapid growth.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

2020 earnings coverage: Waste Management

The North American industry's largest company weathered the pandemic, announced new ESG plans and completed the major acquisition of Advanced Disposal Services.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021

2020 earnings coverage: Republic Services

The industry's second-largest player adapted to the pandemic, completed a busy year of M&A and pushed ahead on fleet electrification plans.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 24, 2021