Labor
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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
After years of fierce debate and political negotiations, New York's open market system is about to be overhauled under sweeping new regulations. Competitive RFPs will go out next year.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Nov. 1, 2019 at 9:20 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 -
Teamsters strike against Republic nears two months, Sanders weighs in
A labor action that started with two dozen workers has since led to a number of demonstrations around the country, including a multi-day collection stoppage in Washington. Negotiations have reportedly stalled on multiple fronts.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 15, 2019 -
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 -
Republic climate goals approved by Science Based Targets initiative
The international recognition is a first for any U.S. waste and recycling company’s sustainability plan. Republic has committed to reducing key greenhouse gas emissions 35% by 2030.
By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Sept. 24, 2019 at 9 a.m. -
ColumnScrap Collector: US stands as lone OECD opponent of Basel plastic amendment
Plus: Cambodia returning illegal waste imports, and India's capital cracking down on food waste at social functions.
By Rina Li • July 19, 2019 -
Deep DiveReduce, reuse, rescoot? A look at e-scooters' long-term sustainability
Scooters are touted as a clean, low-cost form of transportation, but their lifespan is far from sustainable — and their parts could pose a danger to recycling facilities.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 17, 2019 -
Tennessee sanitation workers file EEOC racial discrimination charges against Republic Services
A Teamsters complaint alleges "continuous efforts to make work conditions hostile and malicious" for Republic's black drivers in the Memphis area.
By Rina Li • July 16, 2019 -
Deadly day for workers refocuses spotlight on industry safety progress
Three unrelated June 13 fatalities across multiple states are the latest reminder that top-down policy fixes may not be able to drive fundamental changes in safety culture.
By Cole Rosengren • June 25, 2019 -
New York franchise bill: 1 company could exclusively win 15 of 20 zones
Much-discussed new legislation outlines a framework to enhance recycling services, labor standards and routing efficiency in the city's commercial waste industry. Now, it's in for a potentially bruising legislative process.
By Cole Rosengren • May 30, 2019
