Labor

$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 coronavirus is disrupting US waste and recycling

March 27: Raleigh Solid Waste Services dies due to COVID-19 complications. Multiple new cities limit or suspend curbside recycling. 

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden , Nami Sumida • UPDATED: March 27, 2020 at 11:10 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.

Waste and recycling trade groups issue coronavirus guidance for worker safety

SWANA, NWRA and ISRI do not think there is cause for heightened alarm. Though they emphasized broader caution, at a time when details are changing rapidly and many events are being postponed or canceled.​

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: March 12, 2020 at 10:37 a.m.

2019 earnings coverage for US waste and recycling companies

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly analysis of results from Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, Advanced Disposal Services, Casella Waste Systems and Covanta during 2019.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 26, 2020

NLRB finalizes joint employer rule

The rule will take effect April 27, according to NLRB, although the final date will be determined by the date of publication in the Federal Register.

By Ryan Golden • UPDATED: Feb. 25, 2020 at 2:38 p.m.

2019 earnings coverage: Casella Waste Systems

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the Vermont-based waste and recycling company as it completed another year of renewed expansion through acquisition.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Advanced Disposal Services

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from one of the U.S. industry's largest public waste companies, including details of its announced sale to Waste Management.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Republic Services

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the U.S. industry's second-largest player, including efforts to recalibrate its recycling business model.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Waste Management

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of a big year for the North American industry's largest player, including its plans to acquire Advanced Disposal Services.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Waste Connections

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the industry's third-largest player as it completed yet another year of major acquisition activity.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

Waste Connections did nearly $838M in 2019 acquisitions, sees 'long runway' ahead

While some analysts wonder if certain fall election results could change the M&A landscape, CEO Worthing Jackman said he sees billions worth of useful assets left to buy for years to come regardless.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 14, 2020

Deep Dive

7 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 Dive

Robots 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 Dive

On 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 Dive

High 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