Workforce

Republic Services ESG reports call out growing risks from extreme heat, rainfall

These chronic climate risks could interrupt business, diminish productivity, risk worker safety and damage facilities, according to analysis in two 2021 ESG reports the company recently released.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 12, 2022

Recession or not, waste and recycling companies say outlooks remain strong

Regardless of the direction of the economy, industry execs on earnings calls pointed to waste volume trends, wage rates, price increase acceptance, and experience with past downturns to express confidence.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • Aug. 8, 2022

Waste worker head counts increase in better-than-expected July jobs report

The employment data release followed two weeks of industry earnings reports in which discussions of hiring struggles were less prominent than they were in previous quarters.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 8, 2022

Stericycle bounces back in Q2 after slow start to the year

CEO Cindy Miller says a stronger labor pool, pricing levers and new infrastructure efficiency projects such as an automated sharps processing system will help improve business for the rest of 2022.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 5, 2022

Republic Services eyes $600M in 2022 acquisition spending outside of US Ecology

With the recently purchased environmental solutions business delivering on planned cost savings, Republic’s future pipeline will focus primarily on recycling and solid waste transactions, execs said during their earnings call.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 5, 2022

Q2 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Catch up on the latest round of financial results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors and Stericycle.

Updated Aug. 10, 2022

Clean Harbors says industrial reshoring is helping waste pipeline, reports Georgia acquisition

The environmental services company saw significant growth in its latest results, touting signs it thinks will continue in the months ahead. During their earnings call, executives also discussed capacity expansion, PFAS and ESG impacts.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 3, 2022

Appeals court sends Browning-Ferris joint employer orders back to NLRB

The ruling comes as the agency reportedly is preparing new joint employment regulations. The original case relates back to organizing efforts led by temporary workers at a Republic Services subsidiary’s MRF in California.

By Kate Tornone • Aug. 2, 2022

GFL Environmental largely overcomes inflation through pricing and fuel charges, raises 2022 revenue guidance

Executives outlined ongoing efforts to recover direct fuel costs, similar to existing programs by major competitors, and shared an updated outlook on acquisition strategy given the inflationary environment.

By Cole Rosengren • July 28, 2022

WM raises 2022 guidance, plans to restart notable M&A spending

CEO Jim Fish said during the company’s July 27 earnings call that even if an economic slowdown occurs, WM is well-positioned to gain market share. New investments in RNG projects and MRF automation are also progressing.

By Cole Rosengren • July 27, 2022

Nashville approves $13.5M in new collection contracts with Platform Waste, Waste Pro

The new contracts are the latest ripple effect from Red River’s service issues in recent months. They follow emergency contracts the city approved with WM and Waste Pro earlier this year.

By Cole Rosengren • July 22, 2022

Fueled by new Clairvest investment, Boston Carting has many plans for the 'hottest market in the country'

CEO Patsy Sperduto, along with investors from Ironwood Capital and Laurel Mountain Partners, talk about future development and acquisition plans for the fast-growing company following a recapitalization.

By Cole Rosengren • July 21, 2022

Republic Services reports on progress toward 2030 climate goals, restates emissions accounting

The company says it’s on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost recovery of certain “key materials,” with more electric vehicles on the way. It has also begun using an industry-created emissions standard.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 22, 2022

Citing weak enforcement, advocates pitch $100M OSHA funding increase

A budgetary expansion of that size would be roughly five times greater than what OSHA received in the most recent Congressional spending bill.

By Ryan Golden • July 13, 2022

Allied Industrial Partners expects Waste Eliminator to be 'first of several' industry investments

The latest private equity firm to enter this space discusses its $150 million investment plans for the Atlanta-area company, plus its own aspirations for other waste and recycling transactions.

By Cole Rosengren • July 13, 2022

American Trucking Associations says 4 factors will fuel worsening driver shortfall

Retirements are leading the trade group’s projection of a 160,000 driver shortfall by 2030. Drug and alcohol violations are seen as one factor sidelining potential drivers.

By David Taube • July 11, 2022

Summer heat affects collection routes as OSHA continues process toward workplace heat standard

Waste and recycling workers are among those at risk for heat stress and illness as many parts of the U.S. experience record-breaking temperatures.

By Maria Rachal • July 6, 2022

Red River bankruptcy proceedings continue as GFL Environmental takes over Fort Wayne contract

The Texas-based company is in talks to be acquired by a private equity firm. Meanwhile, the Indiana city is cutting ties with Red River after months of service issues that have also been seen in Nashville and elsewhere.

By Cole Rosengren • July 1, 2022

Pay growth continued for top waste and recycling leaders in 2021 as CEO-median employee pay ratio widened

See the latest compensation data for executives at WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Harsco and Casella Waste Systems in our annual report.

By Cole Rosengren • June 29, 2022

As inflation surges, pricing becomes focal point for upcoming New York commercial waste zone system

The city recently approved its first waste rate cap increase since 2018 and added greater weight to pricing proposals for a bid process that will reshape the market. Local stakeholders remain wary about how things will unfold.

By Cole Rosengren • June 27, 2022

WM explains plans to accelerate automation amid a 'war for talent'

With the company potentially phasing out up to 7,000 positions in the next few years, Chief Customer Officer Michael Watson elaborated on efforts to “upskill” employees and seize growth opportunities even in a tight labor market.

By Maria Rachal • June 15, 2022

California's high-stakes experiment to cut organic waste disposal 75% by 2025

Waste companies and local governments in the state are making massive investments and operational changes to meet the demands of SB 1383. Explore the implications with our ongoing series.

Updated July 12, 2022

San Francisco voters approve reform measure in wake of Recology corruption scandal

The first major change to the local refuse ordinance in 90 years will update a rate-setting process that resulted in significant overcharges. It could also affect the company’s lock on hauling permits, pending further legislative action.

By Cole Rosengren • June 8, 2022

City Haul: Federal pandemic funds offer rare opportunity for waste and recycling investments

Climate and cleanliness goals, plus worker safety concerns, help sanitation projects compete for flexible American Rescue Plan funds, as localities also await next steps on the rollout of recycling grants through the infrastructure law.

By Maria Rachal • May 24, 2022

Willie Goode, founder of multiple DC-area waste companies, reflects on 30 years in business

After starting out on the back of a truck, the CEO of Maryland-based Goode Cos. has since grown a multi-company portfolio. He reflects on what it took to get there, a tough contract experience in Florida and what's next.

By Cole Rosengren • May 23, 2022