Contested California packaging bills stalled, other recycling bills survive

SB 54, a bill requiring single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032, has stalled for the third year in a row. Meanwhile, bills on labeling, recycled content, exporting and container deposits are still in play.

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 9, 2021

CLEAN Future Act leads possible string of bills linking recycling issues to climate efforts

One of several bills expected to tackle waste issues this year drew mixed reactions from industry leaders. Highlights include zero waste grants, a proposed national bottle bill, and a call to pause permitting for plastics manufacturing facilities.

By Megan Quinn • March 8, 2021

Recology agrees to San Francisco rate settlement worth more than $107M, as competitors circle

The city attorney's office reached the deal while pursuing a broader public corruption investigation. Now, Waste Management, Republic Services and others see a window to revisit the company's local monopoly.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated March 5, 2021

Virginia governor signs advanced recycling bill into law

It is the tenth state to classify advanced recycling, sometimes called chemical recycling, as a manufacturing process instead of a waste management technique. This follows approval of a ban on foam foodservice containers.

By Megan Quinn • Updated March 31, 2021

2021 could be year for packaging EPR, nearly a dozen state bills in play

Lawmakers throughout the U.S. are increasingly interested in shifting more of recycling's financial implications to packaging manufacturers, with many taking a coordinated approach.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Feb. 12, 2021

Waste Management debuts recycled plastic uniforms, downplays landfills at annual ESG event

The national uniform rollout, and plans to invest $100 million in recycling infrastructure, were touted at a climate-focused sustainability forum. The industry's largest landfill company also described disposal as "a last resort."

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 10, 2021

Austin, Texas, pitches customer cost savings as curbside composting reaches over 200K homes

The final phase of Austin Resource Recovery's expansion comes as some other cities pull back on similar programs during the pandemic. Meanwhile, new data shows residential food waste remains a pressing issue.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 4, 2021

EVs, turbines, solar panels pose circular economy dilemma: NIST workshop

Representatives from throughout the supply chain reflected on how batteries and electronics can find their place as greener solutions in the circular economy at a recent National Institute of Standards and Technology workshop.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 3, 2021

WASTECON: Coronavirus underscores shared challenges and adaptations for city leaders

Officials from New York, Toronto, Miami-Dade County, Philadelphia and Baltimore highlighted ongoing budget and staffing challenges nearly a year into the pandemic. Now, they're seizing the moment for long-term changes.

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2021

California recycling commission report urges major changes, with many policy implications

To get California back on track toward its environmental goals, a commission of industry experts recently recommended 19 actions around infrastructure, contamination, producer responsibility and more.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 29, 2021

WASTECON: EPA's 50% recycling goal possible, but only with a lot more funding and focus

Panelists from Waste Management, The Recycling Partnership, CalRecycle and New York's Department of Sanitation previewed what it may take to hit the new 2030 target.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 28, 2021

Environmental efforts key for Biden, but industry expects limited recycling policy movement in 2021

While existing initiatives such as a national recycling goal are likely to make headway, and Democratic majorities in Congress could affect legislation, trade groups don't anticipate major changes due to a crowded agenda.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 20, 2021

9 questions about the future of waste and recycling in 2021

As we gear up for another eventful year, Waste Dive will be focusing on trends around ESG, M&A, recycling policy, market development, PFAS, local budgets, collection technology, safety, diversity and much more.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Jan. 13, 2021

How COVID-19 is changing packaging

The pandemic-accelerated shift to e-commerce has driven changes in automation, packaging size, consumer perception of packaging and waste, and design for more return-friendly packaging.

By Jen A. Miller • Jan. 6, 2021

Rise in takeout waste presents new opportunity for reusable containers

With office and indoor dining activity greatly diminished during the pandemic, takeout boxes and other containers are increasingly common in the residential stream. California company Dispatch Goods aims to change that.

By Karine Vann • Jan. 6, 2021

Recology names new CEO Coniglio, following retirement of longtime leader

Sal Coniglio's elevation to the top job comes six months after he became chief operating officer. This move caps off former CEO Mike Sangiacomo's 37-year stint at the major California-based private company.

By Cole Rosengren • Jan. 5, 2021

How local waste and recycling leaders are grappling with coronavirus-driven budget pressures

Lost revenues, rising operating expenses and limited federal aid have left local leaders looking for creative solutions. In some cases, the pandemic has also created opportunities to update their practices.

By Leslie Nemo • Dec. 22, 2020

5 takeaways on emerging trends from the National Zero Waste Conference

Recycled content, plastics policy, climate connections and racial justice are among top priorities heading into 2021. The event also marked the latest sign of a revived National Recycling Coalition. 

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 16, 2020

Environmental groups urge Biden to take action on plastics, prioritize market development

The Presidential Plastics Action Plan calls for eight types of action by the president-elect, including support for the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 9, 2020

The Waste Dive Awards for 2020

During a year of crisis and challenge, these are some of the people, groups and initiatives that met the moment.

By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

Organization of the Year: Sanitation Foundation

As New York sanitation workers were caught in the initial epicenter of the pandemic, hundreds were infected and multiple died. A city nonprofit played a key role in supporting them and adapting to a very eventful year.

By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

As dozens of curbside textile recycling programs pause, others launch anew

Simple Recycling, the country's largest curbside service provider, has suspended around 25% of its estimated 200 municipal contracts due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, a new Rhode Island company sees hope for the model.

By Karine Vann • Dec. 7, 2020

Mayors strikingly pessimistic about post-COVID cities: survey

The annual Menino Survey of Mayors found most city leaders are concerned about the future of small businesses, minority communities and municipal budgets, saying federal aid has so far been insufficient. 

By Chris Teale • Dec. 4, 2020

Quest CEO talks first acquisition, weathering pandemic and growing demand for sustainability

The "asset-light" company's national platform of commercial accounts took a hit this year, like many others. Leader Ray Hatch, formerly of Oakleaf, sees signs of a recovery and more potential deals ahead.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 30, 2020

Former Recology executive charged with laundering bribes worth more than $1M in San Francisco

The two charges against Paul Giusti stem from alleged attempts to influence former city Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, who was arrested earlier this year, in exchange for his approval of rate increases and other actions.

By Cole Rosengren , Gloria Gonzalez • Nov. 24, 2020