Labor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

$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.

OSHA: Treat municipal waste and recycling with possible COVID-19 contamination normally

The federal workplace safety regulator's previous guidance said any municipal solid waste with coronavirus connections should be treated as regulated medical waste, sparking concerns throughout the industry. NWRA and SWANA pushed for the change.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: March 20, 2020 at 1:29 p.m.

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

Municipalities suspend recycling due to coronavirus impact on prison labor, broader safety concerns

Several areas across the country have temporarily cut programs as the pandemic ramps up, citing COVID-19 safety fears and dwindling availability of incarcerated workers at MRFs.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: March 19, 2020 at 10:04 a.m.

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

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.