New York City Council advances commercial zone bill, opponents make final push

The successful vote came after 13 council members endorsed a letter requesting more time to consider a proposal that will dramatically reshape the city's open market system. A final vote is scheduled for Oct. 30.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 29, 2019

New York commercial waste zone bill finalized ahead of imminent vote

Aside from new language on labor retention, the version council members will be asked to vote on remains largely unchanged from a prior draft. A vote is expected Oct. 30.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 23, 2019

Who comes out on top if New York passes commercial waste zones?

How many local haulers will be left to win franchise contracts, and whether any new entrants join the fray, all comes down to how legislative negotiations play out.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 9, 2019

Massachusetts raises 2050 waste reduction target, may expand organics ban

The Department of Environmental Protection's new solid waste master plan draft indicates support for new packaging policies, additional waste bans and future infrastructure as disposal capacity shrinks.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 1, 2019

Philadelphia solicits bids for new compost facility with statewide implications

The city aims to expand organics processing infrastructure via a public-private partnership that could reduce annual food waste by nearly 150 tons as part of its 2035 "zero waste" goals.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 26, 2019

In fight against food waste, EPA and corporate leaders focus on business case

Administrator Wheeler, ReFED and others held a Sunday roundtable to discuss waste reduction progress. They agreed measurement is a crucial first step to move beyond just philanthropic actions.

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 24, 2019

How Oregon DEQ is challenging common food waste perceptions

The agency shared surprising results about why food rescue may not always be the most environmentally beneficial option and how composting assuages consumer guilt.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Sept. 23, 2019

Kroger expands line of Apeel produce to tackle food waste

After a pilot in Cincinnati, the grocer will stock the long-lasting avocados in 1,100 stores with plans to add asparagus and limes to some locations later this fall.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2019

New Jersey releases draft plan to reduce food waste 50% by 2030

The Department of Environmental Protection's long-awaited plan calls for establishing a Food Waste Reduction Council and estimates barely 10% of wasted food is recovered in the state.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 17, 2019

PFAS: New efforts to put the genie back in the bottle

The EPA may be moving slowly, but action is ramping up across multiple levels of government and the waste industry. Rich Thompson breaks down the latest updates, including from EREF's recent summit.

By Rich Thompson • Sept. 12, 2019

Study: Shoppers overestimate perishable grocery habits, causing food waste

Researchers from The Ohio State University took a uniquely close look into what's getting tossed from U.S. refrigerators – and why. 

By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 9, 2019

ReFED announces $400K for first Nonprofit Food Recovery Accelerator cohort

Backed by the Walmart Foundation, the initial group of 10 organizations from around the country will receive dedicated business training and funding to help reduce organic waste.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 5, 2019

Bernie Sanders's $16.3T climate plan promises major waste and recycling shifts

The Democratic presidential candidate's platform includes a national recycling program, divestment from incinerators, funding for food recovery and composting investments, and a right to repair policy.

By Rina Li • Aug. 30, 2019

Renewable natural gas: A climate solution with untapped potential

RNG's benefits include new revenue streams, climate change mitigation and enhanced energy security through a diversified resource supply, writes Ameresco's Michael Bakas.

By Michael Bakas • Aug. 28, 2019

What does it take to go compostable? Seattle grocer PCC is finding out

The trend-setting company plans to make all of its deli packaging compostable within three years – but it's found that getting there isn't easy.

By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 28, 2019

New Jersey governor vetoes controversial food waste bill

The organics diversion mandate, which would have still allowed material to go to incinerators and most landfills, returns to the state legislature.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 28, 2019

Federal bill aims to extend renewable energy tax credits for biogas and WTE

The bill would incentivize development of qualifying biogas, WTE and biomass projects. While attention to organic waste has spurred recent biogas investment, new incinerator projects have been less frequent.

By Rina Li • Aug. 22, 2019

Research shows carbon sequestration potential of compost in California

A 19-year study from UC Davis explores how compost improved carbon storage in agricultural settings. The findings come amid growing concern about managing greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Aug. 22, 2019

Kroger cut food waste 9% in 2018

The company's latest report on its Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative also shows notable progress toward reducing plastics, conserving energy and diverting supermarket waste.  

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 13, 2019

Bioenergy DevCo planning multiple anaerobic digesters with new investment backing

A $106 million commitment from Newlight Partners is expected to help the international company build organics processing infrastructure throughout the U.S. The first project is slated for Maryland.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 9, 2019

Scrap Collector: Rep. Ilhan Omar's Zero Waste Act billed as 'key part' of Green New Deal

Plus: Florida activists dump 3,000 pounds of plastic litter in front of historic state capitol, and India's first "garbage cafe" offering food for trash.

By Rina Li • Aug. 2, 2019

Compology's contamination technology gains market share

CEO Jason Gates shared updates on how the company's AI capabilities are helping service providers rethink education strategies and improve quality for all types of waste and recycling streams.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 2, 2019

Republic climate goals approved by Science Based Targets initiative

The international recognition is a first for any U.S. waste and recycling company’s sustainability plan. Republic has committed to reducing key greenhouse gas emissions 35% by 2030.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 24, 2019

Bipartisan Senate bill aims to create biogas tax credits, bolster organics infrastructure

The expiration of a 30% investment tax credit — responsible for growing the wind and solar sectors — has reduced financing options for anaerobic digesters in recent years.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Sept. 27, 2019

Pasadena, California's 'zero waste' progress stymied by rising per capita disposal

According to a new report, the amount of landfill waste increased by 50% over a six-year period — a consequence of both economic growth and recycling challenges.

By Rina Li • July 24, 2019