Corporate: Page 2

Waste industry has received federal stimulus funding, but no one knows how much

The U.S. Small Business Administration could not provide a breakdown of how much went to the industry from a broader $15 billion funding category. Trade groups are aware of smaller companies applying, but also do not have data.

By E.A. Crunden • April 22, 2020

New player founded by former Advanced Disposal CEO enters Austin, Texas market via M&A

Integrated Waste Solutions recently acquired Central Texas Refuse and a sizable greenfield landfill project. Chairman Charlie Appleby and board member David Green discuss the potential to become "a very large company," including a focus on recycling. 

By Cole Rosengren • April 21, 2020

Covering COVID-19's evolving impact on the waste and recycling sector

The coronavirus pandemic has brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry deemed essential and continuing its work. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's original reporting here.

By Waste Dive Team • UPDATED: June 1, 2020 at 10:21 a.m.

Industry groups push for inclusion of recycling infrastructure in next federal coronavirus aid package

The Recycling Partnership, NWRA, SWANA and others argue recycling should be in the next stimulus effort as part of any infrastructure designation amid fears that momentum around national bills has faltered during the pandemic. 

By E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020

Deep Dive

Pandemics were not part of most contingency plans, but waste and recycling industry proving resilient

Precautions previously in place for industry disruptions did not account for a coronavirus-induced economic disruption. Companies and public sector consultants discuss what's next more than a month in.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020

New analysis finds sites owned by Waste Management and others could be discharging PFAS

The Environmental Working Group singled out around 30 waste sites as potential sources. While the pandemic diverts attention from PFAS, federal lawmakers say current focus on public health could drive regulation of the toxic chemicals.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: April 16, 2020 at 5:12 p.m.

COVID-19 turns some recycled fiber market dynamics on their head

Surges in consumer toilet paper and e-commerce purchases are causing a boom in demand for certain types of recycled fiber, but supply is falling short. Moore & Associates, ISRI, Closed Loop Partners, The Recycling Partnership and others weigh in.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 13, 2020

Deep Dive

As some MRFs close during the pandemic, more adapt and carry on

Social distancing has become a challenge, PPE is in high demand and staffing availability is shifting. While MRFs in some states have closed, the industry's biggest residential recyclers report their facilities are still largely operational.

By Cole Rosengren • April 08, 2020

New York reports more than 350 COVID-19 cases among sanitation workers, one death

The city's outsized numbers far surpass reported cases involving the industry in other metropolitan areas, based on inquiries by Waste Dive, but transparency is limited and collection workers remain concerned about ongoing exposure risks.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: April 9, 2020 at 9:23 a.m.

Waste Management resumes all California MRF operations after COVID-19 concerns

Waste Management previously sent force majeure letters to municipal customers warning of potential issues during the pandemic. Other companies were also making changes that could temporarily disrupt residential recycling.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: May 19, 2020 at 11:48 a.m.

Paid sick leave policies in the spotlight as COVID-19 concerns mount for frontline workers

While some of the industry's largest companies have expanded leave policies and raised hourly wages, smaller operators may be less equipped to adapt.

By E.A. Crunden • April 06, 2020

Chicago's ailing recycling program under new scrutiny

Pre-pandemic, the Department of Streets and Sanitation announced plans for a new waste study, aldermen called for oversight hearings and residual rates were a controversial issue. This attention comes as recycling contracts are up for renewal soon.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 01, 2020

Small-scale organics recyclers struggle amid coronavirus pandemic

New York City and San Francisco are including curbside organics collection among essential public services. But fallout from COVID-19 has meant dramatic changes for small-scale composters, including temporary program suspensions. 

By E.A. Crunden • March 31, 2020

Deep Dive

Uncharted waters: Waste and recycling companies adapting to the coronavirus economy

Commercial volumes are down dramatically in many markets, employee hours are being cut and contract terms are tested. How service providers respond could have lasting reputational and financial implications.

By Cole Rosengren • March 31, 2020

Republic Services confirms acquisition of Santek Waste Services, sizable landfill operator

The Tennessee-based company, known for its focus on privatizing publicly-owned landfills, has grown into a vertically-integrated player with assets in nine states. The deal would give Republic new capacity in multiple key markets.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: May 6, 2020 at 9:14 a.m.

$2T coronavirus stimulus package expected to directly help small haulers and frontline workers

The federal relief package prioritizes other industries, but SWANA and ISRI indicated smaller businesses and individual workers would still benefit. President Trump signed the stimulus Friday. 

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: March 27, 2020 at 4:46 p.m.

COVID-19 puts BYO coffee cups on hold, but sanitized reusable systems could fill the void

Major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin' have banned the use of personal to-go containers in recent weeks over coronavirus fears, raising new questions in a wider debate around packaging safety. 

By Karine Vann • March 25, 2020

Stericycle: Medical waste volumes from COVID-19 not as high as Ebola so far

Medical waste companies are seeking a uniform approach as the industry braces for coronavirus waste impact. NWRA, Stericycle and others are warning against "overclassifying" coronavirus waste as medical waste as part of that effort.

By E.A. Crunden • March 19, 2020

Coronavirus poses multiple safety risks for waste and recycling workers

Concerns persist about infection exposure while social distancing requirements are changing how collection routes and MRFs are operated. Labor unions are calling for answers around paid leave policies.

By Cole Rosengren • March 18, 2020

How the coronavirus is disrupting US waste and recycling

Catch up on this week's pandemic news, including updates on SWANA's worker support fund, comments from Republic Services' CEO on residential volumes, the latest curbside recycling program resumptions and more.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden , Nami Sumida • UPDATED: May 29, 2020 at 11:35 a.m.

Medical waste companies preparing for potentially elevated volumes as coronavirus concerns accelerate

China has seen staggering amounts of medical waste. It is unclear if U.S. impacts might be similar, but companies such as Veolia North America and Stericycle are closely monitoring new developments. 

By E.A. Crunden • March 17, 2020

GFL Environmental paid more than $15M to settle Waste Industries landfill suit in Tennessee

A local official called the settlement over the Decatur County landfill "significant," not only for its dollar amount but also for the scope of agreements the company made around operational changes.

By E.A. Crunden • March 13, 2020

Waste companies react to coronavirus and alter travel plans amid uncertain operational effects

Some of the industry's largest companies shared an evolving range of approaches to travel expectations, meeting structures, and operational decisions. Plans for SWANApalooza and ISRI 2020 have been suspended.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 12:26 p.m.

New Jersey governor signs contentious organics diversion bill

New Jersey will become the ninth site with some form of food waste diversion policy, but a multiyear debate over whether landfills with gas capture systems should count as a form of organics recycling is likely to continue.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: April 15, 2020 at 9:54 a.m.

Ambrosia, organics recycler behind food waste-based cleaning product, eyes expansion

The company is still scaling up plans for more processing capacity, but its CEO also now sees potential for a new business line. The concept could gain traction amid rising consumer awareness of food waste, experts say.

By Cole Rosengren • March 10, 2020