Labor
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Deep Dive7 pressing questions for the waste and recycling industry in 2020
The year is shaping up to be a major one for the industry's future. We'll be digging into safety, corporate consolidation, climate commitments, recycling policy, organics, PFAS, politics and more.
By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Jan. 06, 2020 -
BLS: Collection worker fatalities up dramatically in 2018
New data indicates that refuse and recyclable material collectors still have the fifth highest fatality rate in the nation. Multiple fatalities were also reported at landfills and MRFs.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Dec. 17, 2019 at 2:23 p.m. -
Deep DiveRobots move in
More MRFs are turning to automation and advanced technology to fill gaps and boost efficiencies, especially in light of market changes, but a full replacement of human labor isn’t here yet.
By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2019 -
Deep DiveOn the line in California
The state may have a reputation for progressive recycling policies, but industry workers still face numerous hazards. Here are two of their stories.
By Susie Neilson • Dec. 11, 2019 -
Deep DiveHigh risk, hidden workforce
With fluctuating injury rates, and ongoing fatalities, MRFs remain a key safety challenge. Operators discuss efforts to change that through better training, tighter protocols and a lower dependence on temporary labor.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 11, 2019 -
Dive Awards
Organization of the Year: SWANA
The association's profile continues to rise on recycling, safety and international issues. Sweeping structural changes and growing membership position it for more to come.
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 09, 2019 -
Rising BLS injury, illness rate for collection workers troubles industry
Incidence rates were up for collection employees in 2018, to more than double the national average, but declined at both landfills and MRFs.
By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 08, 2019 -
Casella Q3: Northeast still focal point, Pennsylvania could be key to future
The Vermont company is pushing the envelope for landfill pricing – as it ramps up capacity at multiple sites – and is eyeing potential divestments from Waste Management's Advanced Disposal acquisition.
By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 04, 2019 -
Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga
The multi-year fight to pass franchise zone legislation has been tumultuous and complex. Catch up with Waste Dive's ongoing, in-depth coverage.
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Looking forward after historic New York commercial waste zone approval
Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed four bills, including one to establish commercial waste zones, that will bring sweeping changes to the city's open market system.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Nov. 21, 2019 at 9:51 a.m. -
Republic Services Q3: Expect $550M in M&A this year, 'strong' 2020 pace
Republic sees many expansion opportunities within its core capabilities, possibly even in Canada, and reported few economic concerns. Executives also addressed recycling, E&P and labor pressures.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 31, 2019 -
New York City Council advances commercial zone bill, opponents make final push
The successful vote came after 13 council members endorsed a letter requesting more time to consider a proposal that will dramatically reshape the city's open market system. A final vote is scheduled for Oct. 30.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 29, 2019 -
Massachusetts Teamsters end Republic strike, quit jobs
After 84 days, and multiple rounds of unsuccessful contract negotiations, two dozen workers voted to end their demonstration. Their strike attracted national attention, including from multiple presidential candidates.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Nov. 21, 2019 at 9:41 a.m. -
New York commercial waste zone bill finalized ahead of imminent vote
Aside from new language on labor retention, the version council members will be asked to vote on remains largely unchanged from a prior draft. A vote is expected Oct. 30.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Oct. 23, 2019 at 8:52 a.m. -
Federal court OKs Waste Pro workers' overtime, joint employment suit
The order could allow a jury to decide whether Waste Pro USA was a joint employer along with Waste Pro of Florida, Inc., and therefore liable for the alleged violations.
By Jennifer Carsen • Oct. 09, 2019 -
Deep Dive
Who comes out on top if New York passes commercial waste zones?
How many local haulers will be left to win franchise contracts, and whether any new entrants join the fray, all comes down to how legislative negotiations play out.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Oct. 9, 2019 at 3:06 p.m. -
Industry's top trade groups sign first OSHA safety alliance
The NWRA and SWANA will collaborate with federal regulators to share information on a range of safety issues, with a focus on small- and medium-sized employers.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Oct. 2, 2019 at 8:39 a.m. -
DOL finalizes $35K overtime threshold
The update takes effect Jan. 1 and is perhaps one of the most anticipated rulemakings from DOL.
By Ryan Golden • Sept. 24, 2019 -
Senate confirms Scalia as labor secretary
The former solicitor of labor appeared measured in his responses during a confirmation hearing that saw criticism of his record as a management-side attorney.
By Ryan Golden • UPDATED: Sept. 26, 2019 at 5 a.m. -
Teamsters' clash with Republic Services expands in Georgia and beyond
As collection workers strike in Massachusetts, actions have also been reported in California, Georgia and Indiana.
By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 11, 2019 -
ColumnScrap Collector: Plastic makes its way into oceans – and 2020 climate forum
Plus: California county settling landfill employee racial discrimination suit, and UK waste management giant Biffa pleading not guilty to export charges.
By Rina Li • Sept. 06, 2019 -
Teamsters continue Republic strike in Massachusetts, picket in California
Teamsters Local 25 have been on strike for a week over initial contract negotiations. Meanwhile, the union is ramping up pressure elsewhere, and Republic has taken the issue to court.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Sept. 5, 2019 at 11:04 a.m. -
Bernie Sanders's $16.3T climate plan promises major waste and recycling shifts
The Democratic presidential candidate's platform includes a national recycling program, divestment from incinerators, funding for food recovery and composting investments, and a right to repair policy.
By Rina Li • Aug. 30, 2019 -
Deep DiveWhat's next for California container recycling after rePlanet's closure?
Losing the state's largest recycling center operator in one fell swoop could challenge California's redemption program. Supporters and critics alike offer ideas for stabilization.
By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 28, 2019 -
Republic Services Q2: M&A spending much higher than planned
More referrals than ever have put the Arizona company on track for a big year of acquisitions. Overall quarterly results were also strong — with some hope even for recycling.
By Cole Rosengren • July 26, 2019
