Policy: Page 3

House Democrats back EPR, other recycling mandates in new climate plan

The lengthy document from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis endorses legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and hints at how Democrats could tackle policy on a wide range of emissions sources.

By E.A. Crunden • July 07, 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 02, 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

Waste industry focuses on PFAS strategies, research as long-term concerns mount

This year's SWANApalooza featured numerous sessions on PFAS management and treatment, underscoring the heightened attention around "forever chemicals" at landfills and other facilities.

By E.A. Crunden • June 26, 2020

Top consumer brands seen falling behind on recycling goals, failing to avert plastic pollution

None of the 50 companies evaluated by shareholder advocacy group As You Sow earned higher than a B- on recycling, reusability or compostability goals. Multiple companies pushed back on the report.

By E.A. Crunden • June 24, 2020

Michigan legislature considers bill to shape recycling market development spending

Allocated two years ago, an annual $15 million recycling and reuse development budget is currently spent under guidance from waste laws that some think are outdated due to their landfill emphasis.

By Leslie Nemo • June 24, 2020

Waste Management-Advanced divestitures projected to be substantially above original cap

Analysts and others report the federal antitrust review continues as closure targets rapidly approach. GFL Environmental is widely considered the likely buyer for a package centered around Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

By Cole Rosengren • June 23, 2020

Senate hearing revives federal recycling discussion with little consensus

Lawmakers appeared keen to restart conversations around U.S. recycling issues. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) touted his own plastics-focused bill, while other lawmakers expressed reservations about such regulation.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: June 17, 2020 at 4:46 p.m.

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

Deep Dive

Can textile recycling be the next 'zero waste' frontier?

Clothes comprise a notable chunk of the waste stream, and can have valuable second lives, but market dynamics are complex. Recent pandemic disruptions haven't helped.

By Karine Vann • June 16, 2020

EPA ending policy of relaxed enforcement standards Aug. 31

Multiple state attorneys general previously sued to stop the controversial move. The waste industry has sought regulatory relief from states during the pandemic.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: July 1, 2020 at 9:19 a.m.

Deep Dive

Connecticut policy to limit landfilling faces pivotal moment as major WTE project stalls

An aging RDF facility that handles one-third of Connecticut's waste could begin exporting to out-of-state landfills unless an agreement can be reached between the local authority, developer and state officials in less than three months.

By Cole Rosengren • June 11, 2020

Pandemic pause on plastic bag regulations a concern for recyclers

Plastic bags are known for contaminating the recycling stream and causing problems at MRFs. With at least four states and many more municipalities affected by temporary policy changes, some recyclers are wary of impacts.

By E.A. Crunden • June 09, 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 at 9:06 a.m.

Recycling coalition asks Congress to pass EPR bill over plastics-backed RECOVER amid relief talks

Environmental nonprofits have pushed back on recent industry efforts to get priority legislation included in potential pandemic relief bills. Now, they're pointing to the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act as part of the solution.

By E.A. Crunden • June 01, 2020

California's beverage container redemption volume drops estimated 30% during pandemic

Activity has declined across the state following Gov. Newsom's 60-day suspension of recycling center requirements, which expires in June. The state estimates this equates to a $61 million reduction in deposits being redeemed.

By Katie Pyzyk • UPDATED: May 29, 2020 at 2:57 p.m.

OSHA issues new COVID-19 guidance on recordkeeping and inspections

The agency's latest workplace enforcement guidance for employers details how to determine if a coronavirus case is work related.

By Kim Slowey • May 29, 2020

Federal court hands Waste Management win in latest round of Reno, Nevada franchise fight

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court's decision that the industry giant's exclusive franchise contract does not violate antitrust law. The smaller recycling companies waging this legal battle have sought to undercut that agreement.

By Cole Rosengren • May 28, 2020

NWRA-backed Senate legislation introduced to make waste and recycling services eligible for PPP funding

The trade group previously called a related bipartisan House bill "a win" for the industry that could address "bad debt" concerns, and this week reiterated calls for Congress to pass the legislation. 

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: June 18, 2020 at 11:06 a.m.

Landfills emerge as promising battery storage sites to back up renewable energy

Like solar panels, batteries may present a new revenue stream for closed landfills. Projects are complete, or underway, in multiple states.

By Matthew Bandyk • May 26, 2020

Minnesota county pushes EPA for help over PFAS-laden leachate entering Lake Superior

St. Louis County commissioners recently asked the federal agency to address ongoing discharge concerns. The local facility operator says it treats leachate in a process removing 95% of regulated contaminants.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: May 29, 2020 at 4:08 p.m.

Rubicon's first ESG report emphasizes software pivot, $208M potential savings for cities

The technology company plays up its municipal offerings and highlights case studies from commercial customers, while talking about a "waste wake-up call." More detailed climate metrics are expected in a future edition.

By Cole Rosengren • May 22, 2020

New York follows through with sanitation cuts, preserves some organics funding

Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration cut funding for curbside organics collection, recycling outreach and other areas in a new budget agreement. Funding for drop-off sites and community composting was preserved.

By E.A. Crunden • UPDATED: July 1, 2020 at 3:37 p.m.

Pandemic exacerbates UBC recycling issues, following aluminum market decline

Pricing had been depressed since last year due to a variety of global factors. Now, suspensions of some container redemption and curbside recycling programs are further complicating supply issues.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 20, 2020

Road ahead for recycled PET markets complicated by coronavirus-induced supply disruptions

Market analysts expect the cost of recycled PET will eventually start to gain parity with virgin, but recent low oil prices and issues with container redemption programs are complicating that outlook.

By Leslie Nemo • May 20, 2020