Workforce

Waste Management sees path to offset 'acute' inflation, labor turbulence through pricing and automation

The company raised revenue guidance again but faced a challenging quarter. During one recent week an estimated 900 employees were out due to COVID-19 at the same time as volumes increased due to the economic rebound.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 26, 2021

M&A hit 'historic highs' amid the talent crunch. How are HR teams coping?

Acquiring employers are being asked a key question from their workers, one executive told HR Dive: "Is my company showing up for me?"

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 21, 2021

City Haul: A new class of municipal waste leaders emerges

Over half of the 10 largest U.S. cities have new public works, sanitation or solid waste directors since the start of 2020. Positions have evolved during the pandemic and amid shifting trends in technology and public engagement.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 20, 2021

Republic Services aims to bolster diesel technician pipeline, with eye toward EV training

Addressing worker shortages and offering opportunities to veterans and underserved populations, Republic's Technical Institute trains employees and potential hires to service its current and future vehicle fleet.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 14, 2021

Waste Pro execs, on their way to $900M in revenue, outline multiyear Southeast growth strategy

While other family-led operations are selling this year, this Florida-based company says it's here to stay. CEO Sean Jennings and COO Keith Banasiak share their outlook on M&A, labor, municipal relations and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 11, 2021

Searching for operational insight, MRFs comb data from AI

As recycling technology gets more sophisticated, MRF operators and equipment manufacturers say material characterization data from AI-powered systems may be even more valuable than the labor robots provide.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 06, 2021

Waste and recycling employers watch for next steps on COVID-19 requirements

Waste Pro and Rumpke are among the large employers who have encouraged vaccinations and will be affected by an OSHA rule. The industry is considering how to assist and accommodate existing and prospective workers.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 04, 2021

What's next for Recology in San Francisco after $36M DOJ penalty, bribery charge

The West Coast company is looking to move forward after three subsidiaries admitted to one charge of bribery in a deferred prosecution agreement, but it still faces legal action and a push to change local collection systems.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 29, 2021

Extreme heat drives OSHA to develop new federal workplace standard

The advanced notice set to be released next month is the first step in the development of a federal standard to prevent heat-related illness and death.

By Jennifer Goodman • Sept. 21, 2021

Covanta, Casella, Vanguard Renewables and others continue the conversation at virtual WasteExpo

The event included insight on industry discussions such as EPR, environmental justice, waste-to-energy, climate change, recycling and technology.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal • Sept. 17, 2021

Biden directs OSHA to create new coronavirus vaccine requirements for large employers

A temporary emergency standard could mandate businesses with more than 100 employees ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or require unvaccinated workers to have a weekly negative test result.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 10, 2021

FDA approval of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provides cover for employer mandates

"I've received a number of calls from clients who were on the fence, and now, this is something that helps to solidify their confidence," one attorney said.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 01, 2021

Vaccine mandates set for waste and recycling workers in multiple cities

While major private-sector employers haven't announced any vaccine mandates to date, government employees in New York, Philadelphia, Denver and elsewhere face new requirements.

By Cole Rosengren • UPDATED: Aug. 25, 2021 at 9:31 a.m.

OSHA recommends masks for many vaccinated workers

Among others, employees in areas of substantial transmission should wear masks to protect unvaccinated co-workers, the agency said.

By Kate Tornone • Aug. 19, 2021

New York adopts commercial waste safety rules as local industry prepares for bigger shift

After years of scrutiny, local haulers now must follow new labor and vehicle safety requirements within the city. It's the latest in a series of reforms leading up to commercial waste franchise zones.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 18, 2021

Waste industry monitors service disruptions amid spread of delta variant

Local news reports reveal coronavirus-driven worker absences and pickup delays reminiscent of earlier in the pandemic. Industry leaders are still encouraging vaccinations and some cities require them for their own employees.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 16, 2021

With mask, vaccine mandates on the rise, employers have options — but consistency is key

The delta variant is driving new outbreaks and government guidance. Whatever employers choose, inconsistent enforcement is a "recipe for disaster," one attorney said.

By Ryan Golden • Aug. 11, 2021

Resource Recycling Conference highlights role of markets, labor and climate in municipal recycling

Panelists at last week's virtual event discussed how positive market shifts for certain postconsumer plastics and fiber grades are influencing MRF investment decisions, while labor availability is a key issue in servicing local programs.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • Aug. 10, 2021

Waste Connections seeing 'record' seller enthusiasm for M&A, multiple West Coast deals in works

Like competitors, the company has largely recovered lost pandemic business and is raising prices to stay ahead of wage pressures. To date, 14 acquisitions have closed and many more are in this year's pipeline, leaders said.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 05, 2021

Q2 earnings: Solid waste companies raise annual expectations, weigh in on labor issues

Major companies saw strong results from recycling and highlighted active M&A opportunities. Catch up on takeaways from Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems.

By Waste Dive Team • UPDATED: Aug. 5, 2021 at 1:01 p.m.

10 ways the PRO Act could change the game for employers and organized labor

Currently being considered in the Senate, the bill would strengthen the ability of unions to form and collectively bargain, amend the definition of a joint employer and bring many other changes to the workplace.

By Emilie Shumway • Aug. 03, 2021

Casella anticipates further expansion into Connecticut after Willimantic acquisition

The Northeast company touted "productive conversations" with other potential sellers in the region, and it estimated the McKean Landfill could come online in Pennsylvania by the end of 2022, during its latest earnings call.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 02, 2021

Republic Services Q2: 'no pause' on M&A after Santek, eyeing environmental solutions deals

The labor shortage and coronavirus pose some uncertainty, the company acknowledged, but it raised guidance based on strong recovery trends. Executives also discussed new landfill gas and recycling opportunities.

By Maria Rachal • July 30, 2021

Waste Management Q2 bolstered by economic recovery, even with labor, supply chain strains

The company saw record recycling results and plans to accelerate investment in that area this year. It also increased its annual guidance yet again, seeing further potential to recover business affected by the pandemic.

By Cole Rosengren • July 27, 2021

New association aims to build pipeline of truck drivers, technicians

The Next Generation in Trucking Association has a nationally registered apprenticeship program, which it says can help employers retain drivers.

By S.L. Fuller • July 20, 2021