Top stories from 2020's WasteExpo

Catch up on coverage of sessions about federal elections, evolving approaches to technology, PFAS regulations, recycling technology, policy and more.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Sept. 30, 2020

As technology spreads across the industry, independent haulers see adaptability as unique edge

From collection vehicles to the back office, industry systems are evolving rapidly. National players may have more resources, but during a WasteExpo panel smaller companies said they can pivot more quickly.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 16, 2020

New York sanitation commissioner warns against 'devastating' budget cuts ahead of resignation

After six-plus years on the job, Kathryn Garcia is considering a run for mayor. In an exit interview, she discourages further layoffs, forecasts more commercial waste zone delays and says "zero waste" by 2030 is likely unattainable.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 14, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

Waste Pro's new COO pledges more executive time in the field, talks 'controlled growth' strategy

Keith Banasiak discusses his parallel career path alongside new CEO Sean Jennings, as well as the company's pandemic response, ESG perspective, future M&A plans and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2020

Acting Administrator Jim Mullen to leave FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will get a new acting administrator in former Director of Government Affairs Wiley Deck.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 17, 2020

Waste Connections Q2: Economic recovery may have plateaued, notable E&P declines

While an ongoing downturn in the energy market skewed results, and other volumes remain down, the company's latest earnings report showed a resilient business. Annual guidance has been reinstated, and M&A plans continue.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

Republic Services settles into pandemic conditions, expects to be 'more profitable' going forward

Q2 revenues and volumes were down, but this was offset by other savings and trends are improving. The company reiterated plans for upward of $650 million in M&A this year, largely driven by the pending Santek deal.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 7, 2020

NLRB overturns Browning-Ferris decision, says company is not a joint employer

The board continues to reshape joint-employer law after a 2015 decision involving a Republic Services subsidiary and Leadpoint that temporarily heralded a major shift.

By Ryan Golden • Aug. 6, 2020

GFL Environmental reports record Q2 despite coronavirus effects, resumes M&A program

While volumes have been affected by the pandemic, especially in Canada, the company's rapid growth trajectory appears largely unaffected. Two new tuck-in deals were announced, with more in the pipeline, according to executives.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 6, 2020

Major waste and recycling companies report on a uniquely challenging Q2

The first full quarter to reflect the pandemic's effects showed volume and revenue declines among some solid waste companies, but it also saw multiple signs of resilience.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated Aug. 10, 2020

Waste Management reports $400M revenue decline in Q2, additional divestitures to GFL

Company executives said results "exceeded our expectations," during an earnings call, with economic activity picking back up around the country even as COVID-19 cases rise.

By Cole Rosengren • July 30, 2020

The CFO's responsibility on diversity, unconscious bias and positive outcomes

During a CFO Live virtual event, panelists discussed diversity & inclusion efforts and where CFOs are particularly poised to make a difference.

By Jane Thier • July 29, 2020

Revised CDC isolation timeline may prompt workplace policy changes

The agency's guidance is a reminder to employers that return-to-work policies should not be static, an attorney told HR Dive.

By Ryan Golden • July 29, 2020

On top of coronavirus, industry faced with surprising year of safety trends

The pandemic may have influenced a temporary reduction in vehicular incidents, but distracted driving, speeding, facility fires and heat exposure remain persistent issues for workers.

By Cole Rosengren • July 28, 2020

Halfway through an upended year, 8 big questions remain for waste and recycling

Back in January, Waste Dive laid out guiding themes for coverage around safety, M&A, sustainability, policy, organics and PFAS. Now, the pandemic has changed many of them and racial justice is also receiving heightened attention.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Updated July 28, 2020

Renewed interest in automated side loaders driven by pandemic concerns, persistent safety issues

ASLs have become increasingly popular with some predicting they could see more interest due to pandemic safety concerns. But tighter capital budgets may be a short-term challenge.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated July 23, 2020

Risk and race concerns fuel ongoing debate around hazard pay during pandemic

Sanitation workers have held numerous strikes and demanded concessions including hazard pay, frequently linking their fight to movements like Black Lives Matter. But the issue remains a contentious one for the waste industry.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • July 9, 2020

Teamsters, safety orgs cite driver fatigue concerns in petitions to delay HOS final rule

Advocates praise the promised flexibility, but petitioners argue FMCSA does not take into account historical data and public safety. 

By S.L. Fuller • July 2, 2020

Recycling stakeholders say years of turbulence helped prepare industry for pandemic

During this year's virtual SWANApalooza, speakers from the U.S. EPA, Waste Management and The Recycling Partnership said the sector has learned valuable lessons from ongoing market challenges.

By E.A. Crunden • June 30, 2020

Public and private sector leaders project long-term changes due to coronavirus

During last week's SWANApalooza, Waste Connections, DSNY and other service providers discussed expectations for operational and fiscal changes to last into at least 2021.

By Cole Rosengren • June 29, 2020

WCA Waste sets 2030 sustainability goals, including 35% GHG reduction target

The Texas-based company aims to mitigate landfill emissions, purchase more CNG vehicles, recycle at higher volumes, improve safety rates and more, according to CEO Bill Caesar.

By Cole Rosengren • June 18, 2020

Court won't force OSHA to issue emergency workplace COVID-19 standards

While the agency is authorized to issue emergency standards if it determines workers are in grave danger, it is entitled to "considerable deference."

By Lisa Burden • June 16, 2020

Charlotte, North Carolina installs 'sneeze guards' in collection trucks to reduce virus spread

Charlotte Solid Waste Services is one of multiple fleet operators to install plastic dividers to address worker safety risks in truck cabs, but some say concerns such as glare could be a factor in limiting widespread adoption.

By Lori Lovely • June 10, 2020

Trump signs bill expanding PPP rules and spending period

In an effort to expand relief for small businesses, the law extends the timeframe to use funds and decreases the proportion of funds that must be used for payroll to 60%.

By Dan Ennis • Updated June 8, 2020