New York seeks feedback on regulations to limit landfill expansion, update organics diversion law

Proposed changes are meant to clarify existing solid waste laws and make progress toward the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goal. The Department of Environmental Conservation will accept comments through Aug. 24.

By Megan Quinn • July 22, 2022

Fueled by new Clairvest investment, Boston Carting has many plans for the 'hottest market in the country'

CEO Patsy Sperduto, along with investors from Ironwood Capital and Laurel Mountain Partners, talk about future development and acquisition plans for the fast-growing company following a recapitalization.

By Cole Rosengren • July 21, 2022

Vanguard Renewables sold to BlackRock fund to fuel anaerobic digester expansion

The Massachusetts-based company, known for farm-based projects, aspires to have 100 anaerobic digesters by 2026. This new investment comes as renewable natural gas projects are increasingly popular.

By Cole Rosengren • July 20, 2022

Republic Services reports on progress toward 2030 climate goals, restates emissions accounting

The company says it’s on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost recovery of certain “key materials,” with more electric vehicles on the way. It has also begun using an industry-created emissions standard.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 22, 2022

Gainesville, Florida, seeks to be Southeast leader with major EV deployment, zero-waste policies

The college town is aiming to be a regional leader when it comes to reuse, edible food recovery and other areas. An upcoming contract with GFL Environmental also calls for dozens of electric collection vehicles.

By Maria Rachal • July 19, 2022

As organics depackager equipment market grows, so do concerns over microplastics contamination

Companies like Vanguard Renewables are investing millions to facilitate commercial organics recycling as researchers and state regulators work to keep PFAS and microplastics out of the equation.

By Elizabeth Gribkoff • July 18, 2022

HomeBiogas CEO sees 'a lot of room' for on-site organics recycling to compete in waste market

Oshik Efrati — co-founder of an Israeli company that has deployed digester units in more than 100 countries — outlines plans to target U.S. homeowners, multifamily complexes and commercial establishments.

By Cole Rosengren • July 15, 2022

EPA seeks feedback on environmental justice action plan, equitable use of infrastructure funds

At a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, participants urged the agency to approve recycling projects, funded with infrastructure grant money, that avoid creating further environmental harm to disadvantaged communities. 

By Megan Quinn • July 14, 2022

Allied Industrial Partners expects Waste Eliminator to be 'first of several' industry investments

The latest private equity firm to enter this space discusses its $150 million investment plans for the Atlanta-area company, plus its own aspirations for other waste and recycling transactions.

By Cole Rosengren • July 13, 2022

San Francisco Bay Area, inspiration for California’s organics law, offers recycling lessons and limitations

Organics recycling has been the norm in San Francisco, Oakland and other jurisdictions for years. Part 5 of our series explores how some are trying to elevate their diversion efforts with residual waste sorting and other strategies.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 12, 2022

Waste Eliminator becomes sizable metro Atlanta presence with new acquisitions

Two newly announced transactions in the region add recycling, transfer and disposal capacity for multiple streams. This is part of plans by Allied Industrial Partners to invest $150 million into the business.

By Cole Rosengren • July 7, 2022

How 3 Southern California programs are ramping up organics recycling

Preparing for SB 1383’s recycling requirements is a bigger lift for areas that didn’t already collect food scraps. Program officials in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino County share their stories in Part 4 of our series.

By Cole Rosengren • July 7, 2022

Detroit Dirt draws from community, corporate partnerships for waste diversion

Pashon Murray, founder of Detroit Dirt, talks about growing her urban composting initiative and encouraging companies to make waste diversion and environmental justice a larger part of their ESG strategy. 

By Megan Quinn • July 6, 2022

Future of troubled Renovare unclear after West Virginia facility closure, surprise merger reversal

The company — formerly known as BioHiTech Global — has seen its stock price plummet following financial, operational and legal issues. Former partner Entsorga sees a path forward for its shuttered showcase plant.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated July 1, 2022

Pay growth continued for top waste and recycling leaders in 2021 as CEO-median employee pay ratio widened

See the latest compensation data for executives at WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Harsco and Casella Waste Systems in our annual report.

By Cole Rosengren • June 29, 2022

California's local governments grapple with financial and logistical demands of organics recycling law

Regulations weren’t finalized for years, and the pandemic delayed many plans. New state grants worth $180 million will help, but more will be needed to meet this unfunded mandate. Read Part 3 of our series.

By Cole Rosengren • June 23, 2022

EPA aims to disburse $375M in waste and recycling funds from infrastructure bill by spring 2023

Stakeholders have called for the EPA to move quickly on implementing funding from grants and initiatives that the agency says represent its “largest investment in recycling in 30 years.”

By Megan Quinn • Updated 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

Expecting food waste 'tsunami,' California recyclers focus on infrastructure and end markets

As the state rolls out universal organics collection, major companies such as Agromin, Anaergia, GreenWaste Recovery, Recology, Republic Services and WM are expanding to meet demand. Learn more in Part 2 of our series.

By Cole Rosengren • June 9, 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

Ambitious policy makes California a crucible for investments in organics collection and recycling

SB 1383, a sweeping law that calls for a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025 to reduce methane emissions, has spurred a flurry of activity. Is the state's current infrastructure ready to meet the moment? 

By Cole Rosengren • June 3, 2022

States take new PFAS policy steps as waste industry awaits federal guidelines

Upcoming laws and regulatory actions target "proactive" reductions of PFAS in packaging, clothing and biosolids.

By Megan Quinn • June 1, 2022

EPA’s Carlton Waterhouse: Environmental justice means thinking beyond regulatory requirements

The EPA official previewed a new recycling infrastructure map, more data and updates on grants to help facilities "green" their operations. He also urged facility operators to invest in their communities.

By Megan Quinn • May 31, 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

WasteExpo highlights big ideas for solving food waste, recycling, data and infrastructure problems

Speakers from Recology, ERI, Generate Upcycle, Orlando and the state of California shared advice on how to advance waste, recycling and organics operations.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Updated May 23, 2022