WM explains plans to accelerate automation amid a 'war for talent'

With the company potentially phasing out up to 7,000 positions in the next few years, Chief Customer Officer Michael Watson elaborated on efforts to “upskill” employees and seize growth opportunities even in a tight labor market.

By Maria Rachal • June 15, 2022

California’s high-stakes experiment to cut organic waste disposal 75% by 2025

Waste companies and local governments in the state are making massive investments and operational changes to meet the demands of SB 1383. Explore the implications with our ongoing series.

Updated Nov. 14, 2022

San Francisco voters approve reform measure in wake of Recology corruption scandal

The first major change to the local refuse ordinance in 90 years will update a rate-setting process that resulted in significant overcharges. It could also affect the company’s lock on hauling permits, pending further legislative action.

By Cole Rosengren • June 8, 2022

City Haul: Federal pandemic funds offer rare opportunity for waste and recycling investments

Climate and cleanliness goals, plus worker safety concerns, help sanitation projects compete for flexible American Rescue Plan funds, as localities also await next steps on the rollout of recycling grants through the infrastructure law.

By Maria Rachal • May 24, 2022

Willie Goode, founder of multiple DC-area waste companies, reflects on 30 years in business

After starting out on the back of a truck, the CEO of Maryland-based Goode Cos. has since grown a multi-company portfolio. He reflects on what it took to get there, a tough contract experience in Florida and what's next.

By Cole Rosengren • May 23, 2022

How top waste companies are competing around M&A, recycling, inflation and labor

Hear what executives from Casella Waste Systems, Coastal Waste & Recycling, LRS, Republic Services, USA Hauling & Recycling, Waste Connections and others had to say about key trends at WasteExpo.

By Cole Rosengren • May 18, 2022

Dispatches from WasteExpo Day 1: Latinx business leaders, mobile collection apps and PFAS in biosolids

The industry's largest event kicked off with sessions focused on the link between diversity and sustainability, young rising leaders, fleet technology rollouts, a notable new PFAS law in Maine and more.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • May 10, 2022

Republic Services plugs US Ecology-driven expansion, Archaea RNG deal

After finalizing the $2.2 billion US Ecology acquisition, Republic said it has another $400 million worth of solid waste and recycling deals "in the advanced stages of closing" and is eyeing tuck-ins in environmental solutions.

By Maria Rachal • May 6, 2022

Preparing for wave of pandemic-related wrongful death, personal injury lawsuits

The first such case, involving a woman who claims her husband died after she brought home the coronavirus from on-site work during the lockdown, has been cleared to proceed to trial. 

By Robert Freedman • May 5, 2022

GFL Environmental's momentum continues with 21 deals, further potential to recover fuel costs

Following the Sprint purchase, executives anticipate further M&A opportunities. They were also optimistic in an earnings call about further potential from recovering Canadian volumes, price increases and lower labor turnover.

By Cole Rosengren • May 5, 2022

Clean Harbors Q1 boosted by HydroChem PSC deal, growing environmental services demand

Executives touted plans for an upcoming Nebraska incinerator and are optimistic about gaining further ground in a market that has become more consolidated following Republic's purchase of US Ecology.

By Cole Rosengren • May 4, 2022

Q1 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Catch up on the latest round of financial results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors and Stericycle.

By The Waste Dive Team • Updated May 6, 2022

Casella forecasts $1B in annual revenue, growing M&A pipeline

The Northeastern company reported a positive quarter despite facility construction setbacks, inflation issues and lower landfill volumes. It also previewed upward of $500 million in potential acquisition opportunities.

By Megan Quinn • April 29, 2022

Stericycle reports challenging Q1, detailing recovery from labor and inflation headwinds

As it saw a decline in pandemic-related waste, Stericycle experienced its most acute period of driver illnesses yet. The company also previewed a new medical waste facility and closed out a $90 million corruption settlement.

By Megan Quinn • April 28, 2022

WM describes 'conservative' approach on M&A, sees strong Q1 price and volume trends

Executives at the industry's top company kicked off earnings season with updates on efforts to offset inflation, reduce head count through automation and focus more on ESG investments than on big acquisitions.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2022

OSHA wants to make injury data public, but employers fear a PR nightmare

Employers also could face increased union activity, one employment law attorney said. The proposed regulations are similar to an Obama-era rule that the Trump administration ultimately rescinded.

By Carla Bell and Kate Tornone • April 25, 2022

Stericycle shareholders pass civil rights proposal; similar proposals pass at WM, fail at Republic

The Teamsters and investment firm Parnassus previously said independent audits could clarify progress on corporate ESG and DEI goals. The companies have said they already provide needed data on the issues.

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 2, 2022

M&A trends, DEI improvements and the future of electronics repair are the talk of NERC conference

At a virtual Northeast Recycling Council event, the DOJ weighed in on its antitrust review process, panelists discussed "rethinking our internal structures" on DEI and electronics repair advocates celebrated state legislative progress.

By Megan Quinn • Updated April 29, 2022

Here comes the sun: OSHA launches new program for heat safety

The agency will inspect the jobsites of over 70 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor settings when the National Weather Service issues a heat warning or advisory for a local area.

By Zachary Phillips • April 14, 2022

In need of skilled talent, 'clean tech' employers prioritize purpose

"The biggest piece of it is to know the company you're working for," said Sue Wingert, vice president of human resources at RoadRunner Recycling.

By Ryan Golden • April 8, 2022

White House credits apprenticeships, outreach for trucker employment gains

Domino's, Frito-Lay, PepsiCo, Albertsons and UPS are among more than 100 employers that have launched programs to improve driver retention since December.

By Colin Campbell • April 4, 2022

Solid waste worker deaths down 46% in 2021, SWANA reports

SWANA reported 28 industry fatalities in North America during 2021, with most of the deaths among collection workers. Vehicle-related deaths remain prevalent among workers and members of the public alike.

By Megan Quinn • March 22, 2022

City Haul: Inside top issues facing municipal waste leaders

How are waste agencies dealing with labor constraints? What do leaders tell residents who doubt the recycling system? Who are some of the new faces steering local U.S. operations? Catch up on past editions of City Haul.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 6, 2023

Republic Services manager files EEOC charge after company denied allegedly-promised promotion

The complaint alleges the company "went in a different direction" by selecting "a white male with far less experience," after the Georgia employee was previously "paraded around" as an example of diversity.

By Emilie Shumway • March 10, 2022

Waste Dive Live: What's next for waste and recycling in 2022?

Watch the videos from our Feb. 10 virtual event to hear perspectives from the Waste Dive team, The Recycling Partnership and Reloop.

By The Waste Dive Team • March 9, 2022