Many attendees described WasteExpo 2019 in Las Vegas as the most upbeat they'd experienced in recent memory – ebullient, even. Companies are largely reporting record profits, M&A activity is booming and many believe they've figured out new recycling models. We met with the industry's biggest players – and others on the rise – to get them on the record about competitive strategies, immigration, the future of landfills and WTE, the climate crisis and more.

1. Top waste companies fed up with immigration stalemate, losing drivers

   Waste Management CEO Jim Fish's comments on federal inaction turned heads at WasteExpo. Republic Services, Waste Connections and WCA Waste also offered insight into the challenges they face. Read More

2. New Republic Services president: 'Death of landfills has been overexaggerated'

   Jon Vander Ark discusses retention strategies, why recycling may grow faster than solid waste, what's next for landfill operations, and the risks and opportunities of climate change. Read More

3. Straight talk with WCA Waste CEO Bill Caesar

   One of the industry's largest private operators discusses satisfaction with the company's current geography, pressures on landfill operations and why carbon pricing is likely inevitable. Read More

4. Waste Management COO: New Chicago MRF will be 'much more mechanized'

   Recently promoted to the C-suite, John Morris talks efforts to improve retention rates, the evolution of landfill operations and the company's recycling "plant of the future." Read More

5. Waste Connections may be third-largest, but don't accuse it of being a 'big company'

   President Worthing Jackman covers caution on recycling, adapting to landfill regulations and efforts to maintain employee engagement amid a period of exponential growth. Read More

6. Covanta poised for WTE 'awakening' in US — if it comes

   Covanta executives covered emerging domestic opportunities, community relations and why they believe landfills could become less competitive in certain regions. Read More

7. GFL Environmental aims to be 'one of the largest players in the continent'

   The Canadian company's CEO and CFO shared updates on integrating last year's major Waste Industries acquisition — and why their North American expansion is "just getting started." Read More

8. FCC Environmental plans to 'grow faster' in US, start acquiring

   While the Spanish giant has secured a notable presence in the U.S., CEO Inigo Sanz says there will be more expansion. Read More

9. Rubicon Global taking less combative tack, focusing on software business

   Via growing emphasis on subscriptions and international business, CEO Nate Morris claims the company is now aiming to coexist more so than disrupt. Read More