EPA calls for greater EJ focus in new plastics pollution prevention strategy

The agency wants public feedback on its new plastics strategy, which calls for waste and composting improvements while making operations safer for surrounding communities.

By Megan Quinn • April 25, 2023

Have we reached peak food waste? New data shows changing patterns

New data from ReFED and the U.S. EPA show that wasted food per person increased before the pandemic but may be beginning to decline.

By Jacob Wallace • April 24, 2023

Federal bills for recycling infrastructure grants, composting strategies make a comeback

The two bipartisan bills sailed through the Senate with industry support last year but didn’t make it to the finish line. One could lead to recycling project grants worth up to $750 million.

By Megan Quinn • Updated April 24, 2023

Should more PFAS types be deemed hazardous? EPA seeks feedback

The agency already plans to include PFOS and PFOA in a hazardous designation under Superfund law but could now go further. The waste industry has previously raised concerns about possible liability and cost burdens.

By Megan Quinn • April 14, 2023

Boston ‘reconsidering everything’ for its next residential collection contract

Boston’s Public Works Department aims to rethink setout times, containerization, competition and more before awarding a 2024 contract. Meanwhile, the city’s recycling and disposal contracts could be extended.

By Cole Rosengren • April 12, 2023

Anaergia earnings slip after Los Angeles organics collection delays prompt ‘strategic review’

Executives noted the company met revenue guidance, but higher costs caused adjusted earnings to fall below expectations, owing in part to the sluggish ramp-up of its Rialto, California, anaerobic digestion facility.

By Jacob Wallace • April 11, 2023

Maryland poised to institute clean trucks rule, explore closing waste authority

Environmental advocates view the measures as a step forward in decarbonizing Maryland’s waste industry, but the trucking industry has raised concerns about fleet availability. 

By Jacob Wallace • April 10, 2023

Closed Loop enters $25M agreement to boost HomeBiogas

The deal extends Closed Loop Partners’ rights to distribute HomeBiogas equipment in North America. The anaerobic digester company has plans to grow its business from rural households to commercial projects. 

By Jacob Wallace • Updated April 5, 2023

Connecticut environmental justice law could expand to transfer stations, chemical recycling facilities

The state’s legislature is advancing a bill that would expand the existing EJ law to include cumulative impact requirements in permitting decisions. This would follow similar laws in New York and New Jersey. 

By Megan Quinn • April 3, 2023

Connecticut legislative committee approves key waste bill with changes to EPR, disposal fee provisions

Changes to the bill include removing a MSW disposal fee and delaying an EPR for packaging provision until neighboring states adopt their own. A section expanding organics separation programs remains.

By Megan Quinn • March 29, 2023

Bioplastics industry hopes farm bill can address Biden’s plastic replacement goal

Product manufacturers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Composting Council and others discussed investment priorities at the Plant Based Products Council’s first conference on Tuesday.

By Jacob Wallace • March 29, 2023

Waste industry groups call for Congressional support against looming PFAS regulations

NWRA, EREF and members of several solid waste and composting groups said in a briefing that anticipated hazardous substance designations for PFAS under the Superfund law could make liability risks and costs skyrocket.

By Megan Quinn • March 28, 2023

New York City to roll out yard waste separation mandate in all five boroughs by 2024

The Department of Sanitation’s yard waste diversion proposal follows a high-volume organics collection pilot in Queens and the recent announcement of a universal organics collection program.

By Jacob Wallace • March 27, 2023

Republic Services acquires first anaerobic digester as California organics recycling market heats up

The facility, located about 70 miles north of Sacramento, allows the company to further vertically integrate its collection services. Republic has been scaling its infrastructure as the state mandates organics recycling.

By Jacob Wallace • March 27, 2023

Connecticut bill overhauling state waste management practices could see big changes

Pressure from stakeholders could mean the removal of MSW disposal fee and delay an EPR for packaging provision, but organics separation and recycled content sections could remain.

By Megan Quinn • March 24, 2023

Denali says $3.7M microgrid project makes organics site more resilient as California ramps up diversion

A solar array and microgrid project with battery storage recently debuted at an Imperial Western Products location. Denali says this will reduce emissions from creating animal feed and biodiesel at the facility.

By Cole Rosengren • March 24, 2023

Bioenergy Devco receives $30M investment as it ramps up US anaerobic digestion efforts

The infusion from a Maryland-based investor allows the firm to expand in a market it sees as ripe for investment.

By Jacob Wallace • March 23, 2023

New York reports ‘substantial’ need for more organics recycling capacity after mandate passed

Despite a noticeable uptick in available facilities, the Department of Environmental Conservation sees room for growth. At the same time, the agency reported positive trends in edible food recovery efforts.

By Jacob Wallace • March 22, 2023

GreenWaste CEO envisions ‘stronger presence’ for company in California following private equity investment

Over a year after selling to a Macquarie fund, CEO Tracy Adams reports a “great partnership.” He discusses the company’s targeted acquisition strategy, the state’s SB 1383 organics recycling law and more.

By Cole Rosengren • March 16, 2023

How environmental justice efforts could bolster New York City’s organics program expansion

Lonnie Portis, an environmental policy and advocacy coordinator with WE ACT for Environmental Justice, discusses what it will take for the city’s zero waste efforts to reach their full potential in all types of neighborhoods.

By Megan Quinn • March 14, 2023

WM acquires large Minnesota composting company as part of Midwest organics recycling growth

WM says its purchase of Specialized Environmental Technologies positions the company to meet rising demand in the Twin Cities area, where local policies are requiring diversion.

By Megan Quinn • March 13, 2023

WIN Waste partnering with Baltimore organics recycler on food waste collection pilot

WIN Waste Innovations, through its predecessor company Wheelabrator, has long operated the WTE facility in Baltimore. The new partnership comes as non-governmental entities fill a void in addressing the city’s waste issues.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated March 10, 2023

Colorado’s lead composter imposes stricter accepted materials rules to curb contamination

A1 Organics says contamination rates are growing as curbside composting programs expand. Even items labeled "compostable" no longer will be accepted.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 6, 2023

Afresh Technologies moves beyond fruits and vegetables in food waste reduction plans

The San Francisco-based startup has started offering its reduction technology to grocers for use in their meat, seafood, deli and foodservice sections.

By Sam Silverstein • March 3, 2023

Divert teams with Enbridge for $1B plan to scale anaerobic digesters and RNG volumes

The organics recycling company, which has private equity backing, aims to reach “every major geographic region” of the U.S. with this deal. Canada-based Enbridge will get a 10% stake as part of its investment.

By Cole Rosengren • March 1, 2023