Corporate: Page 2

Deep Dive

Connecticut policy to limit landfilling faces pivotal moment as major WTE project stalls

An aging RDF facility that handles one-third of Connecticut's waste could begin exporting to out-of-state landfills unless an agreement can be reached between the local authority, developer and state officials in less than three months.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2020

Recycling coalition asks Congress to pass EPR bill over plastics-backed RECOVER amid relief talks

Environmental nonprofits have pushed back on recent industry efforts to get priority legislation included in potential pandemic relief bills. Now, they're pointing to the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act as part of the solution.

By E.A. Crunden • June 01, 2020

Federal court hands Waste Management win in latest round of Reno, Nevada franchise fight

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court's decision that the industry giant's exclusive franchise contract does not violate antitrust law. The smaller recycling companies waging this legal battle have sought to undercut that agreement.

By Cole Rosengren • May 28, 2020

GFL Environmental pledges to disclose, reduce GHG emissions in coming years

The Canada-based company's first sustainability report calculates emissions avoided from recycling, organics and other lines of business. GFL also touted its efforts to divert nearly 1.17 million metric tons of material in 2019.

By Cole Rosengren • May 27, 2020

NWRA-backed Senate legislation introduced to make waste and recycling services eligible for PPP funding

The trade group previously called a related bipartisan House bill "a win" for the industry that could address "bad debt" concerns, and this week reiterated calls for Congress to pass the legislation. 

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: June 18, 2020 at 11:06 a.m.

Rubicon's first ESG report emphasizes software pivot, $208M potential savings for cities

The technology company plays up its municipal offerings and highlights case studies from commercial customers, while talking about a "waste wake-up call." More detailed climate metrics are expected in a future edition.

By Cole Rosengren • May 22, 2020

Waste Management and Advanced Disposal still negotiating divestitures as deal deadline looms

The parties have less than two months to receive Department of Justice approval and close this $4.9 billion transaction under original terms. A look at competitive concerns around Chicago show the complexities involved.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: May 20, 2020 at 1:26 p.m.

Tracking Waste Management's acquisition of Advanced Disposal

One of the industry's largest transactions in years, between two of its biggest companies, has generated significant interest since being announced in 2019. Catch up on the latest developments with our ongoing coverage.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: July 30, 2020 at 2:11 p.m.

How much top waste CEOs, and their median employees, earned in 2019

Recent proxy filings detail the rising, multimillion-dollar figures paid to the CEOs of Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Covanta and Casella Waste Systems.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • May 18, 2020

Stericycle and Covanta report medical waste volumes down despite initial coronavirus concerns

Even as COVID-19 waste ramped up, prompting concerns about China-like levels, public companies largely saw a decrease in overall volume following the cancellation of elective procedures and other effects.

By E.A. Crunden • May 18, 2020

PFAS incineration in New York spurs legislation, loss of federal contracts

Testing near a Norlite facility previously indicated incineration of PFAS may be spreading the toxic chemicals. The state's Department of Environmental Conservation has since told the company to discontinue this practice.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: June 22, 2020 at 9:34 a.m.

Deep Dive

Carton manufacturers invested big in attaining 'recyclable' status, but can they sustain it?

By funding education, sorting technology and end markets, the industry-backed Carton Council earned highly-sought federal recyclability status. Yet some MRFs and governments question if this packaging is worth the effort.

By Leslie Nemo • UPDATED: May 13, 2020 at 3:49 p.m.

5 key pandemic trends from the solid waste industry's Q1 earnings reports

Results are in for seven publicly-traded North American companies, and it's clear the industry is resilient. But many questions remain about adapting to volume shifts and whether early optimism for economic recovery will bear out.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • May 13, 2020

GFL Environmental Q1: Notable Canadian coronavirus effects, ongoing North American expansion

In its first report since going public, GFL outlined financial effects from the pandemic and optimism for an economic recovery. Executives also previewed future growth plans after starting the year with significant M&A spending.

By Cole Rosengren • May 12, 2020

Recycling proponents split on $1B RECOVER Act ask for future pandemic relief package

Environmental groups have decried the push for additional infrastructure funding as a "plastics bailout." The picture is more complicated when factoring in stances from other trade groups, including the glass and fiber sectors.

By E.A. Crunden • May 11, 2020

Major waste industry companies highlight coronavirus challenges in Q1 earnings reports

The economic effects of COVID-19 will be much more prominent in Q2 reports, but early indicators of revenue and volume declines began appearing in March. Companies also reported ongoing pressures on recycling.

By Waste Dive Team • UPDATED: May 13, 2020 at 10:26 a.m.

Waste Connections Q1: Coronavirus cut revenue by $12M, worst effects in Northeast and Canada

Q2 results will be affected, with April revenues down by 6%, but executives reported early signs of a potential turnaround. While M&A activity has been delayed, multiple deals are still in the works.

By Cole Rosengren • May 07, 2020

Cleveland lawmakers, unhappy with mayor's timeframe to revive recycling, eye alternatives

Cleveland is currently disposing its recyclables after an unsuccessful second attempt to secure a processing contract. While a consultant is expected to help assess next steps, elected officials and residents want quicker action.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: June 3, 2020 at 1:10 p.m.

Waste Management: $40M coronavirus Q1 revenue hit, Advanced Disposal deal progressing

The company suspended 2020 guidance, repeatedly emphasizing unpredictable conditions. While executives were optimistic about early landfill trends, long-term effects on small business customers were described as "the big unknown."

By Cole Rosengren • May 06, 2020

Republic Services reports tough coronavirus effects, but optimistic 'worst is behind us'

Q1 earnings were positive, but more recent double-digit percentage volume declines from the pandemic shutdown have been difficult. Still, executives reported early signs of recovery and heightened M&A activity.

By Cole Rosengren • May 06, 2020

New York, among nation's hardest hit markets, delays commercial waste zone RFP due to pandemic

A momentous policy change will have to wait as companies ranging in size from Waste Connections to a local three truck operator report substantial volume declines due to the novel coronavirus.

By Cole Rosengren • May 04, 2020

Deep Dive

Puerto Rico's yearslong debate over WTE continues as the island's landfill issues mount

After a proposed incinerator project stalled in 2018, the territory's long-term plan remains uncertain as noncompliant landfills are reaching capacity. Meanwhile, recycling programs and waste reduction efforts are still evolving.

By Genevieve Glatsky • May 01, 2020

Covanta negotiating with Florida county over first US incinerator expansion in years

Pasco County commissioners approved initial plans to expand the facility, despite concerns over the potential $525 million cost. County officials deemed the move essential, but some said recycling efforts need improvement.

By E.A. Crunden • April 29, 2020

Masks becoming more common for collection workers despite lack of national guidance

Industry groups are following OSHA's lead and not advising the use of face coverings nationwide yet. In the meantime, more service providers are using them and state or local governments are increasingly issuing policies.

By Cole Rosengren • April 28, 2020

With EPR bills frozen due to coronavirus in many states, proponents still see path forward

The coronavirus has paused activity for high-profile bills focused on packaging, including one with momentum in Maine. Backers believe the current financial strain on local governments makes these policies even more important.

By E.A. Crunden • April 24, 2020