How agencies in 6 states plan to spend millions from EPA climate pollution grants

State and local governments began applying for the $4.3 billion program earlier this year. Awardees in Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Virginia and Washington plan to fund efforts to address their waste systems.

Waste-to-RNG projects closed out first half of 2024 largely on target

Executives from WM, BP and Republic Services reported project progress during recent earnings calls. Many had a positive tone despite uncertainty from interconnection delays and recent Supreme Court rulings.

What the Supreme Court’s Chevron reversal could mean for PFAS and labor regulations

Ripple effects of the Chevron doctrine reversal may not affect operations for waste and recycling companies yet but could affect future federal rulemaking and legal challenges. NWRA’s CEO and legal experts weigh in.

Top waste companies spent $835M on Q2 M&A, forecast more to come this year

WM, Waste Connections and GFL Environmental reported notable transactions during the period, while others were less active. Casella’s Q3 totals are expected to be higher due to deals that closed this summer.

Target still struggles to lower virgin plastic use by 2025 deadline

While the retailer made some progress toward its goal to reduce virgin plastic use in its own-brand packaging 20% by 2025, it’s still using more — not less — than the 2020 baseline.

Q2 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2024

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors and Enviri.

Updated Aug. 6, 2024

Enviri’s Clean Earth reports record earnings, potential to expand via M&A

Executives said all three of the company' business segments “exceeded expectations” for the quarter. Efficiency measures helped even out headwinds from foreign exchange rates and rail contract issues.

Casella touts key mid-Atlantic acquisitions, facility improvements for strong Q2

Casella offered more details on its acquisitions of Whitetail Disposal and LMR, as well as updates to the rail-served McKean Landfill, all of which support its growing footprint in the broader Pennsylvania area.

GFL has no plans to go private, plans auction of environmental services business

CEO Patrick Dovigi said the company received interest from several buyers for its liquid waste and soil remediation business. A potential sale could reduce leverage while funding stock buybacks and more solid waste M&A.

Starbucks piloting compostable cold cups in select California and Minnesota locations

The cups are manufactured from double-walled paperboard with a bioplastic liner, and the lids are made from molded fiber. The two states were selected for the initial rollout based on local mandates.

Updated Aug. 13, 2024

Casella acquires Whitetail Disposal and LMR Disposal, expanding mid-Atlantic footprint

The deals, first reported by Waste Dive, expand Casella’s presence in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. Casella expects they will generate an estimated $100 million in annualized revenue.

Updated Aug. 1, 2024

ReMA urges federal court to review EPA’s PFAS hazardous substance designation

ReMA’s petition challenging the CERCLA hazardous substance designation for certain PFAS follows a similar petition from NWRA. Recycling and waste industry groups worry about unintended consequences from the rule.

3 tips to boost recycled material supply from NERC’s new ‘living resource’

The new guide uses case studies to illustrate how MRFs, nonprofits, government entities and private companies have found solutions to boost recycled materials supplies across the U.S. 

Clean Harbors gains stronger-than-expected returns from HEPACO, ups guidance

The company is undertaking several initiatives to address low base oil prices for its Safety-Kleen business. It continues to see growth in environmental services, however, and is open to more M&A on that front.

Mars doubts it can achieve 2025 sustainable packaging targets

Almost half of Mars’ packaging portfolio is being redesigned or eliminated to align with current or future recycling infrastructure. But infrastructure advancement is taking longer than expected, per its latest sustainability report.

Vanguard Renewables looks to expand hauling, logistics with key hire

Vanguard is planning to build out its organics solutions business and offer more services to customers. The company is open to M&A as it grows this division, its first president said. 

Waste companies announce more PFAS projects in July

A federal appeals court dismissed Chemours’ lawsuit against the EPA related to a PFAS advisory, while Waste Connections, Montrose Environmental and Crystal Clean all announced notable PFAS mitigation projects.

Updated July 31, 2024

Walmart partnering with Denali to depackage, recycle organics at 1,400-plus locations

The rollout comes after the two companies made their partnership public last year. Denali estimates it can recover 200,000 pounds of food waste per location annually.

WM highlights M&A ramp-up, investments in recycling and RNG

WM highlighted continued operational efficiencies and receding commodity headwinds as factors powering what executives described as a strong Q2 performance. 

Waste Connections touts big M&A growth, ramps up rail tons to Arrowhead Landfill

CEO Ron Mittelstaedt said the company is on track for an annual record in private company acquisition spending. He also touted ongoing improvements in employee retention, recycling earnings and energy waste services.

Republic ups guidance amid stronger commodity prices, despite lower volumes

The company said a weak construction market and the shedding of some contracts will likely lower volumes through 2024. However, underlying financial metrics remain strong thanks to strong pricing growth.

Tomra’s AI-enabled sorter now targeting UBCs at MRFs

Tomra’s updated sorter, designed to spot used beverage cans and reduce reliance on manual sorters, comes as more aluminum can manufacturers are calling for higher recovery rates for the material. 

EPA to update landfill air emissions rules in 2025

The federal agency first hinted at the update in its regulatory agenda. Environmental and industry groups are now collaborating with the EPA on draft language for a notice of proposed rulemaking.

Volvo to receive $208M to accelerate heavy-duty electric truck production at Mack plants

The funds will modify plants in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, where Mack and Volvo will produce new equipment or powertrain components.

Waste Pro recieves first credit rating from Fitch as it charts long-term growth plans

Fitch noted Waste Pro’s strong presence in the Southeast and its residential and commercial contract stability. Waste Pro sought the new rating as it aims to refinance debt.