Corporate: Page 2

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 plans to appeal Oregon landfill expansion denial

The Riverbend Landfill expansion was denied in a 2-1 vote by county officials in August. Commissioners pointed to pollution concerns and the site's location in a seismically active floodplain as reasons for their decision. 

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Oct. 1, 2020 at 11:21 a.m.

GFL Environmental closes $1.2B WCA Waste acquisition, now in 27 states

The news comes shortly after approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. CEO Patrick Dovigi said this purchase from Macquarie, and pending divestitures from Waste Management, were key drivers behind a recent IPO.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Oct. 1, 2020 at 10:17 a.m.

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

Deep Dive

New Jersey governor signs landmark environmental justice bill with big permit implications

The long-anticipated legislation had key backing from community groups. Despite some business opposition and industry trepidation, waste and recycling stakeholders also expressed support.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Sept. 18, 2020 at 12:01 p.m.

Republic Services orders 2,500 Nikola electric trucks, sending industrywide signal

President Jon Vander Ark said the days of CNG have largely passed and predicts electrification will become the future industry standard. Initial testing is expected to begin next year, with full production targeted for 2023.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 11, 2020

Waste Connections Q2: Economic recovery may have plateaued, notable E&P declines

While an ongoing downturn in the energy market skewed results, and other volumes remain down, the company's latest earnings report showed a resilient business. Annual guidance has been reinstated, and M&A plans continue.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 07, 2020

Republic Services settles into pandemic conditions, expects to be 'more profitable' going forward

Q2 revenues and volumes were down, but this was offset by other savings and trends are improving. The company reiterated plans for upward of $650 million in M&A this year, largely driven by the pending Santek deal.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 07, 2020

NLRB overturns Browning-Ferris decision, says company is not a joint employer

The board continues to reshape joint-employer law after a 2015 decision involving a Republic Services subsidiary and Leadpoint that temporarily heralded a major shift.

By Ryan Golden • Aug. 06, 2020

GFL Environmental reports record Q2 despite coronavirus effects, resumes M&A program

While volumes have been affected by the pandemic, especially in Canada, the company's rapid growth trajectory appears largely unaffected. Two new tuck-in deals were announced, with more in the pipeline, according to executives.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 06, 2020

Credit system designed to boost plastics recovery launching in 2021

The standard, modeled after carbon credits, is backed by multiple large brands and described as complementary to EPR systems. The Recycling Partnership has been piloting it for one Florida project.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Aug. 5, 2020 at 4:01 p.m.

Chemical recycling gaining limited traction so far, too focused on plastic-to-fuel, report finds

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) takes aim at an area of growing interest for the recycling industry. The plastics industry criticized GAIA's findings and argued chemical recycling offers economic opportunities.

By E.A. Crunden • Aug. 03, 2020

Major waste and recycling companies report on a uniquely challenging Q2

The first full quarter to reflect the pandemic's effects showed volume and revenue declines among some solid waste companies, but it also saw multiple signs of resilience.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Aug. 10, 2020 at 10:09 a.m.

Waste Management reports $400M revenue decline in Q2, additional divestitures to GFL

Company executives said results "exceeded our expectations," during an earnings call, with economic activity picking back up around the country even as COVID-19 cases rise.

By Cole Rosengren • July 30, 2020

The CFO's responsibility on diversity, unconscious bias and positive outcomes

During a CFO Live virtual event, panelists discussed diversity & inclusion efforts and where CFOs are particularly poised to make a difference.

By Jane Thier • July 29, 2020