Wheeler: EPA will set national recycling goals in 2020

The administrator told Waste Dive to expect multiple voluntary goals, but no new regulation, as part of increased agency engagement in the sector.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 15, 2019

How recycling has changed in all 50 states

The most comprehensive tracker of local recycling program changes, cancellations and solutions in the U.S. from November 2017 to November 2019. 

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 5, 2019

EPA: National recycling rate 35% in 2017, composting at record high

New figures show overall MSW volumes increased, with total recycling volume declining slightly. The agency also resumed its focus on greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 14, 2019

California city finds local recycling solution for 30K unwanted carts at fraction of prior cost

It wasn't entirely clear why recycling facilities weren't interested in these carts, which are often reground and repurposed into new ones. Waste Dive tracked down manufacturer Bonar Plastics to learn more. 

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Jan. 15, 2020

Keep on recycling, America. But companies must do their part too

The new Association of Mission-Based Recyclers – including Eco-Cycle, the Ecology Center, Eureka Recycling and Recycle Ann Arbor – calls on packaging companies to start working collaboratively.

By Association of Mission-Based Recyclers • Nov. 13, 2019

Phoenix City Council preserves curbside recycling with rate increase

The city, viewed as a model for circular economy efforts, had run into financial challenges due to a turbulent recycling market and growing population. This will be its first residential rate increase since 2009.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Feb. 12, 2020

Adam Minter on why secondhand markets are the true circular economies

Waste Dive spoke with the "Junkyard Planet" author about what the waste industry can learn from the reuse sector, textile recycling trends and misconceptions about e-waste he discovered writing the new book "Secondhand."

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 12, 2019

New D.C. zero waste bill would have major implications for composting and recycling

The bill would establish EPR programs for sharps and batteries, impose organics diversion requirements on many businesses, and establish a surcharge based on contamination levels in recyclables. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 11, 2019

New Hampshire legislators call for major changes to meet modern 'realities' of waste and recycling

A legislative committee set out to examine the state of New Hampshire's recycling, but ended up writing a broad report about underlying infrastructure and policy challenges.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 11, 2019

Rising BLS injury, illness rate for collection workers troubles industry

Incidence rates were up for collection employees in 2018, to more than double the national average, but declined at both landfills and MRFs.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 8, 2019

DTG acquires first landfill amid rapid Northwest expansion

The landfill marks a new frontier for DTG, the largest recycler of C&D in the region. The company told Waste Dive it is eyeing further expansion.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 8, 2019

EPA touts importance of federal engagement ahead of America Recycles Day

Waste Dive recently spoke with EPA officials about creating a national messaging strategy, supporting market development and reengaging on recycling.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 6, 2019

National plastics draft bill gains momentum amid industry push to tackle pollution

Sweeping nationwide plastics legislation is creeping closer to reality with a new draft. But the plan is likely to meet with resistance from recycling industry groups and product manufacturers, who prefer more voluntary solutions.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 6, 2019

Casella Q3: Northeast still focal point, Pennsylvania could be key to future

The Vermont company is pushing the envelope for landfill pricing – as it ramps up capacity at multiple sites – and is eyeing potential divestments from Waste Management's Advanced Disposal acquisition.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 4, 2019

What cities can learn from Phoenix's circular economy experiments

Home to a unique incubator, the fast-growing Arizona city has embarked on multiple new ventures in recent years. WASTECON panelists shared economic, logistical and political advice.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 1, 2019

Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga

The multiyear push to implement a nonexclusive franchise system has been tumultuous and complex. Follow along with Waste Dive’s in-depth coverage.

Updated Nov. 20, 2024

Republic Services Q3: Expect $550M in M&A this year, 'strong' 2020 pace

Republic sees many expansion opportunities within its core capabilities, possibly even in Canada, and reported few economic concerns. Executives also addressed recycling, E&P and labor pressures.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 31, 2019

Where to grow: Asian and Latin American countries may increase recyclable import capacity

Following multiple years of commodity turmoil, panelists at last week's Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference in Chicago weighed the viability of expanding business in markets that are generating more buzz.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 30, 2019

Beverage giants pledge $100M to capture more PET bottles with major recycling groups

Amid growing attention around single-use plastic waste, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper are funding a new voluntary effort. The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners will manage the initiative. 

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 30, 2019

Waste Connections Q3: Acquisition offers worth $600M on the table

Recent M&A activity was quieter, but the company did close on a greenfield landfill project. Overall financial performance was strong, despite nagging headwinds from recycling and RIN credits.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 30, 2019

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

Faced with market turmoil, public sector leaders seek new approaches for waste and recycling

At this year's WASTECON, officials from around the country laid out their vision for working through market challenges, collaborating with others and addressing climate change.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 29, 2019

Republic's Vander Ark: Recycling challenges structural, not cyclical

The company's new president touched on Trump, trade flows, shareholder profits, disposal trends, municipal relations, climate policy and much more during his WASTECON keynote.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 28, 2019

What will it take to use more recycled content in plastic recycling carts?

The increasingly ubiquitous products still contain lots of virgin plastic. While one new company is advancing a bio-based replacement, others say their models can only handle so much recycled resin.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Oct. 29, 2019

Increasingly popular single-use bans pose hurdle for plastics industry

Growing awareness about the potential environmental effects of plastics is powering state and local bans, to the consternation of companies who argue the trend is short-sighted. 

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 25, 2019