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

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

Tracking GHG emissions of US waste management companies

GFL Environmental reported a slight decrease in emissions compared to its 2021 baseline. Previously, Casella reported an uptick in emissions from a 2022 baseline.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace , Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 18, 2025

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

WM’s sustainability report shows progress on GHG emissions reduction, diversity

The company’s most recent report, which reflects newer metrics it first published in 2022, shows progress on reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions aligned with SBTi requirements. WM made less progress on its materials recovery goal due to construction on recycling facility upgrades.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 7, 2023

Republic expects higher revenues amid plans for polymer centers, environmental solutions growth

Republic Services’ leaders shared new details about its polymer centers and continued integration of US Ecology, but noted it may have found the ceiling for price increases in certain markets.

By Jacob Wallace • Aug. 1, 2023

WM lowers 2023 guidance due to commodity prices but reports ‘solid results’ despite headwinds

WM CEO Jim Fish said he was pleased with how the company managed inflation, commodity and volume headwinds to end the second quarter.

By Megan Quinn • July 26, 2023

Republic Services updates climate transition plan, advances safety metrics

The company reported continued progress on its landfill gas collections and materials circularity efforts. It also says it’s still on track to purchase 50% electric trucks by 2028.

By Jacob Wallace • July 25, 2023

Amazon phasing out plastic mailers and working to reduce e-commerce packaging

While 92% of its packaging material weight in the U.S. and Canada is recyclable curbside, Amazon intends to further eliminate hard-to-recycle materials and has seen a boost in deliveries that ship in their own containers.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 21, 2023

Heritage-Crystal Clean set to go private in $1.2B transaction

The pending transaction could see private equity firm J.F. Lehman & Co. purchase one of North America’s larger providers of various environmental services.

By Cole Rosengren • July 20, 2023

Wastequip touts recycled Toter cart, safety and diversity in first ESG report

The company has been working to align its goals through a corporate responsibility program since 2020. The report reveals the carbon intensity of certain products and progress in using recycled resins in Toter products.

By Jacob Wallace • July 20, 2023

Strategic Materials reports lowered emissions, greater waste diversion

The glass recycler reported its second year of GHG emissions measurements and said it will soon set SBTi-aligned reduction targets.

By Megan Quinn • July 19, 2023

GreenWaste releases sustainability report with first emissions goals

The report sets a net zero by 2040 goal. GreenWaste is also looking to reduce its incident rate for workplace injuries.

By Jacob Wallace • June 20, 2023

WIN Waste Innovations’ first sustainability report touts material recovery, avoided emissions

The Northeast-based company’s initial report includes statistics on the overall amount of material being recycled and managed, though it isn’t disclosing greenhouse gas emissions data yet.

By Jacob Wallace • May 22, 2023

EPA mapping tool shows how rising sea levels could affect hazardous waste facilities

The federal agency wants such facilities to more quickly prepare for increased flooding and says a new interactive map will help with planning.

By Megan Quinn • May 19, 2023

Amazon, Yum Brands, Kroger face upcoming shareholder votes on circular packaging

Shareholder advocacy nonprofit As You Sow, which negotiated a recent agreement with McDonald’s, has filed numerous proposals seeking to curb plastic usage and prompt major brands to consider reusable packaging.

By Maria Rachal • May 10, 2023

Waste industry braces for ‘bumps and bruises’ in EV rollout as California sets the pace

Haulers and vehicle manufacturers at WasteExpo said they expect a potential collision between regulation-fueled demand and limited supply of battery-electric trucks. Charging infrastructure is also a growing concern.

By Jacob Wallace • May 10, 2023

WM CEO Jim Fish discusses the economy, labor automation and sustainability investments

The industry’s most high-profile executive weighed in about what will and won’t be changing when it comes to WM’s strategy on temporary labor, secondary processing for recyclables, anaerobic digestion and more.

By Cole Rosengren • May 10, 2023

Covanta CEO shares environmental services and M&A outlook after sizable Circon deal

In a recent interview, Azeez Mohammed outlined the company’s new scale and offerings after closing the deal this week. Plus, he shared an update on the serious facility fire in Miami-Dade County.

By Jacob Wallace • May 4, 2023

Ball’s net zero climate plans touts support for EPR, container deposit policy

Director of Global Sustainability Adam Shalapin discusses what’s needed to realize more can-to-can recycling, Ball’s approach to policy advocacy and why a climate plan considering multiple paths is important.

By Maria Rachal • April 7, 2023