Environmental, Social and Governance
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Recology reports further emissions reductions, plans for new regulations
The employee-owned company based in California released its fifth annual sustainability report. Last year it set new targets to reduce emissions from landfills and facilities.
By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 21, 2024 -
Republic ups guidance amid stronger commodity prices, despite lower volumes
The company said a weak construction market and the shedding of some contracts will likely lower volumes through 2024. However, underlying financial metrics remain strong thanks to strong pricing growth.
By Jacob Wallace • July 25, 2024 -
Deep Dive
Satellite and flyover tech advances for landfill methane as industry seeks more clarity
WM is testing a range of emissions detection options as it works to solidify a measurement system by next year. This comes as more groups are launching satellites and asking the U.S. EPA to update its regulations.
By Leslie Nemo • July 9, 2024 -
Enviri outlines long-term plans for ‘complete suite’ of PFAS services, rail divestment
During an investor day event, Enviri touted plans to offer a broad range of PFAS services as part of its move to become a full-service environmental remediation company and potentially hit $2.7 billion in revenue by 2027.
By Megan Quinn • June 25, 2024 -
Sponsored by Aclarity
Leachate disposal in a PFAS-filled world
Leachate disposal has always been challenging for waste facilities, but PFAS has significantly complicated the process. Explore how landfill operators can manage PFAS in leachate, navigate new regulatory challenges and implement innovative treatment methods to protect drinking water and the environment.
By Leanne Hersey • June 3, 2024 -
Republic shareholders nix Teamsters’ proposal to report labor impact of climate policies
A strong majority of shareholders voted against the proposal, which sought to compel Republic to more explicitly detail how its investments in automation and artificial intelligence affect workers.
By Jacob Wallace • May 30, 2024 -
Q&A
Casella president outlines growth plans for mid-Atlantic and other priorities
Ned Coletta, roughly six months into his role as president, is working on multiple aspects of the company’s strategy. He recently shared updates on disposal capacity, PFAS treatment, RNG projects, training and more.
By Megan Quinn • May 16, 2024 -
Sponsored by Reworld™
Common wastewater challenges and how to solve them
For many businesses, wastewater offers unique challenges that require best-in-class solutions.
April 22, 2024 -
SEC stays climate-risk disclosure rule as it works through legal challenges
The agency maintains that the regulation is within the agency’s authority and said it “will continue vigorously defending the Final Rules’ validity in court.”
By Lamar Johnson • April 4, 2024 -
How 3 large states want to address waste with federal climate funding
The U.S. EPA received 45 state priority climate action plans, the first step in accessing Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funding.
By Jacob Wallace • March 21, 2024 -
Q&A
SWANA CEO envisions collaborative environment to build safety, culture
Amy Lestition Burke, SWANA’s new CEO, says building partnerships can make the industry and the organization stronger and better resourced to take on climate change and an evolving workforce.
By Megan Quinn • March 19, 2024 -
Deep Dive
How a new wave of clean fuels bills could spur a biogas boom
New Mexico became the fourth state to enact a program, which has the potential to give biogas projects from landfills and on-farm digesters a boost. Could more states soon follow?
By Jacob Wallace • March 13, 2024 -
Clean Harbors’ environmental services segment continues hot streak to end 2023
The company projects another year of growth for its environmental services segment in 2024 thanks to capital investments and acquisitions. It’s also making changes to boost its struggling Safety-Kleen business.
By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 22, 2024 -
GFL 2023 earnings
GFL posts record solid waste pricing, sees expansion opportunities through EPR and M&A
Continued strong pricing, combined with volume shedding of subpar contracts, contributed to margin expansion in solid waste. That trend combines with other tailwinds as GFL continues to improve its debt.
By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 21, 2024 -
SWEEP certifies first company for environmental achievement
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery is the first in a pilot cohort to receive certification under the standard, which recognizes achievement in sustainable materials management practices.
By Jacob Wallace • Feb. 9, 2024 -
Sponsored by Rubicon
How Dubuque, Iowa reduced residential waste volumes
Dubuque wanted to educate its 20,000 residential customers on proper waste disposal practices.
By Rubicon • Jan. 22, 2024 -
By the numbers: Key 2023 waste and recycling trends
Look back on the year through data points on issues such as labor, M&A, federal funding, state policy and commodity pricing.
By Jacob Wallace , Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2023 -
Stericycle sets net zero GHG goal in latest sustainability report
The company aims to achieve a net zero scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions goal by 2050 and reduce its injury rate through new driver training and other improvements.
By Megan Quinn • Nov. 28, 2023 -
Waste Connections’ Mittelstaedt talks industry changes, improvements during time away from CEO job
Ron Mittelstaedt discussed how trends in sustainability, technology and investor interest are “rapidly changing” the waste industry during a session at the Corporate Growth Conference.
By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 21, 2023 -
Q&A
WM’s chief sustainability officer on the future of recycling
Tara Hemmer sees WM’s recycling investments as key to its overall sustainability strategy. Technology will allow WM to respond to customers’ changing sustainability needs in coming years, she said.
By Megan Quinn • Nov. 10, 2023 -
Final TCFD report notes growth in climate disclosures as task force disbands
There has been “steady momentum” in the number of companies disclosing information aligned with the group’s recommendations, but the report said more progress is needed to mitigate climate risks.
By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 30, 2023 -
Waste Connections sets more ambitious GHG reduction target, reports lower emissions in 2022
The company says it has nearly reached a 2033 scope 1 and 2 reduction target. It’s now doubling the goal to a 30% reduction and is seeking approval from the Science Based Targets initiative.
By Megan Quinn • Oct. 25, 2023 -
Tracker
Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies
Clean Harbors, Synagro and Recology recently shared their 2023 sustainability reports. Compare their progress with other major waste companies, including WM, Republic Services, Enviri, Stericycle and more.
By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace , Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 30, 2024 -
Synagro publishes first sustainability report as it ramps up SB 1383 compliance assistance
The company is looking to increase its diversion of biosolids from landfills while accepting greater quantities of food waste, eyeing an opportunity to improve its emissions.
By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 10, 2023 -
Recology meets cleaner fleet goal, announces new 5-year targets
The West Coast waste hauler and processor fuels 90% of its vehicle fleet via renewable or alternative fuels. It set new goals on landfill emissions and facility power.
By Jacob Wallace • Sept. 27, 2023