Corporate: Page 2

2019 earnings coverage: Republic Services

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the U.S. industry's second-largest player, including efforts to recalibrate its recycling business model.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Waste Connections

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the industry's third-largest player as it completed yet another year of major acquisition activity.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

Covanta processed record waste last year, claims 'active' talks around new US capacity

Commodity market turbulence remains challenging, but Covanta touted strong pricing growth and a string of upcoming international projects. The company also emphasized its role as a landfill alternative as climate concerns mount.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 24, 2020

Casella faces New Hampshire landfill setback, reports another big growth year

The Northeast company withdrew an expansion permit and will temporarily redirect tonnage to other sites. The business continues to enlarge its footprint, including the acquisition of a New York recycling facility.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 24, 2020

Advanced Disposal reports 2019 growth ahead of pending acquisition by Waste Management

The Florida-based company noted winning two sizable collection contracts in the state, along with continuous recycling headwinds, in its annual earnings report.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 21, 2020

NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California

The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to eventually make the switch as they seek to meet their environmental goals. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 20, 2020

GFL Environmental reprices IPO, could still raise upward of $2.4B

The Canadian company is moving ahead with plans to sell subordinate shares at $19 each, along with a separate offering of tangible equity units, amid market turbulence. The offerings are set to close on Thursday.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: March 4, 2020 at 8:35 a.m.

Waste Connections did nearly $838M in 2019 acquisitions, sees 'long runway' ahead

While some analysts wonder if certain fall election results could change the M&A landscape, CEO Worthing Jackman said he sees billions worth of useful assets left to buy for years to come regardless.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

Republic Services sees 'momentum shift' around recycling contracts, plans solar investment

A multiyear effort to rework municipal recycling contracts is paying off, with hundreds now at higher pricing. The company also reported $526 million in M&A and ongoing overall price improvements.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

Waste Management predicts March DOJ approval for Advanced deal, with 'robust' divestiture interest

2019 earnings were favorable, despite prolonged recycling headwinds, and landfill pricing continues to rise. Executives now anticipate $100 million-plus in synergies if the Advanced Disposal deal closes.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

GFL Environmental spends millions to settle issues at Waste Industries landfills

Since acquiring the North Carolina-based company, GFL has had to assume responsibility for ongoing issues at sites in at least three southern states.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: Feb. 13, 2020 at 1:14 p.m.

Vermont finds PFAS in 95% of waste samples, as states increase landfill scrutiny

The report analyzed material from landfills, transfer stations and wastewater treatment plants — including some Casella Waste Systems sites. ​While state officials assert the "forever chemicals" are largely contained, pressure continues to rise.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 12, 2020

The quickly disappearing corrugated box: How packaging is changing

Manufacturers set their sights on packaging as a means to reduce waste, improve sustainability and lower shipping costs.

By Jen A. Miller • Feb. 11, 2020

National EPR campaign kicks off with anti-plastic film screening, activist support

Rep. Alan Lowenthal, sponsor of the upcoming Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, rallied activists around the bill at a Washington event. The film teases out likely divides between industry and advocacy groups.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 10, 2020

Maine packaging EPR bill, a national bellwether, could reshape municipal funding

The newly introduced bill will kick off a complex debate around whether producers should help pay recycling and disposal costs. The proposed model would be similar to one shaped in Québec, Canada.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Feb. 12, 2020 at 10:25 a.m.

Cascade breaks ranks with other cart manufacturers by adding 10% PCR plastic

Waste Management will be its first customer — as well as the company collecting the necessary curbside materials from residential customers – but municipalities are also looking to purchase the new "EcoCart."

By Leslie Nemo • Feb. 06, 2020

Deep Dive

How the REMADE Institute hopes to reshape manufacturing with recycling in mind

Grand plans of recyclability and reuse often fall short of real-life implementation. REMADE wants to close that gap, and quickly, with industry input along the way.

By Leslie Nemo • Feb. 05, 2020

Republic Services acquires Massachusetts C&D processor with rail transfer access

Devens Recycling, permitted for up to 1,500 tons per day of C&D and MSW, is among the largest of its kind in a capacity-constrained region. The deal is expected to open up valuable internalization opportunities.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Feb. 14, 2020 at 9:41 a.m.

Baltimore stays air pollution law pending resolution of Wheelabrator lawsuit

Wheelabrator and other opponents argue the law is intended to force closure of their incinerators. In a sign of potential national significance, a Covanta-affiliated group of 11 other local governments has also filed an amicus brief.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 04, 2020

Plastic bag group rebrands, sets new recycled content goals amid anti-plastics legislative push

The American Progressive Bag Alliance is now the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance and aims for 20% recycled content by 2025. Anti-plastics groups remain skeptical. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 03, 2020

Waste Management CEO projects fleet could be 75% CNG in 2021

The company is leaning into CNG much more than any of its large competitors as part of a greenhouse gas emission "offset" target, and is not making any public commitments yet on electric vehicles.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 03, 2020

Notable waste industry M&A activity continues in 2020

With confirmed deals by GFL Environmental, Waste Connections and Interstate Waste Solutions, the year is off to a busy start. The pending Waste Management-Advanced Disposal deal is among more to come.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 29, 2020

Waste Management reports Advanced Disposal acquisition delayed until Q2

The two companies have been working toward federal antitrust approval for many months, with a multi-state divestiture package close to finalized, but COVID-19 is now cited as a delaying factor.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: March 18, 2020 at 10:04 a.m.

Nestlé backs amendment to bill mandating PCR for plastic bottles in Maine

Joining multiple environmental groups, Nestlé Waters North America is pushing requirements for plastic bottles to have 30% PCR by 2030. The beverage giant is among many that need much more material to hit sustainability goals.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 27, 2020

Opinion

Letter to the editor: Starbucks food packaging goal also about food waste

Rhodes Yepsen, executive director of the Biodegradable Products Institute, says a broader materials management discussion is key to understanding the shift toward new waste reduction targets.