California legislature advances battery EPR and takeback bills, aiming to avert facility fires

The bills, supported by solid waste districts and haulers like Republic Services, intend to make battery recycling more convenient for consumers while improving safety along collection routes and in recycling or transfer facilities.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Sept. 1, 2022

Plugging $1B for alternative fuel vehicles, EPA head test-drives electric garbage truck

Inflation Reduction Act funding will be available “to replace dirty heavy-duty trucks with zero-emission models,” a recent video with EPA Administrator Michael Regan highlighted.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 30, 2022

LRS CEO outlines how M&A and sustainability are creating a Midwest powerhouse

One year into Macquarie’s ownership of LRS, CEO Alan Handley shared what’s next for the company’s expansion, talked plans to hit a $600 million revenue run rate, previewed a new Chicago MRF and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 30, 2022

San Francisco’s former DPW director, who took bribes from Recology, sentenced to 7 years

Nuru engaged in a multiyear corruption scheme with multiple city contractors, including Recology. One former Recology employee who pleaded guilty is due for sentencing and another was recently indicted.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 26, 2022

With sponsored CDL training, city waste leaders hope ‘if you build it, they will come’

Facing significant vacancies in public works roles, Indianapolis and Lubbock, Texas, are some of the latest cities to pay for CDLs, GED completion or other training for job requirements.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 26, 2022

Waste Connections acquiring 3 franchise haulers around San Jose, California

The newly confirmed transactions involving haulers that service San Jose, Milpitas and Livermore, California, all come with long-term municipal contracts that fit the company’s acquisition strategy.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 25, 2022

New York commercial waste haulers hold their breath after submitting bids for 10-year contracts

Bids are in to operate in the Department of Sanitation’s upcoming commercial waste zone system. Haulers of all sizes are waiting to learn their fates while operating under lingering pandemic and inflationary pressures.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 24, 2022

Glass Packaging Institute launching MRF equipment leasing program, eyeing Midwest and Southeast

The group aims to help MRFs reduce contamination and generate more revenue from a cleaner glass stream while advancing toward its goal of achieving a 50% glass recycling rate by 2030.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 24, 2022

As state PFAS in packaging laws loom, restaurants mull serviceware alternatives

During a recent webinar, attorneys at the firm Lathrop GPM outlined how restaurant franchisors can adapt with multiple state bans on the way. The waste and recycling industry has long advocated for this type of upstream action.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 23, 2022

Replenysh is working to connect recycling deserts’ untapped supply of commodities with brands’ demand

The California-based startup wants to expand in communities with limited recycling access to collect materials that brands need for their circularity goals.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 23, 2022

Ya Fav Trashman fights illegal dumping with cleanups and social media

Terrill Haigler, a former Philadelphia sanitation worker, has become a rising star in the waste world. He discusses his new children’s book about the profession, “I’m Cool Too,” and how street cleanliness is an environmental justice issue.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 23, 2022

Red River Waste sold to private equity firm for $12.6M

The sale’s finalization marks the end of a long-running bankruptcy case and bid process for the Texas-based company that experienced service issues in multiple cities over recent months.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 22, 2022

Domestic destinations for recycled paper and plastic are growing. Is National Sword the reason?

A wave of investments occurred in the U.S. over the last five years, but experts debate how much is due to China's scrap import restrictions versus other economic, environmental and geopolitical factors.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 22, 2022

U.S. may fall into recession by early 2023: Conference Board

Factors including stock market volatility and a slump in housing construction and manufacturing orders could cause a downturn by early next year.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 18, 2022

Where the Teamsters are looking to grow their ranks in waste and recycling

General President Sean O’Brien’s “militant” approach is reportedly influencing discussions with employers and members alike as the waste industry’s biggest union looks to expand its reach.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 18, 2022

Biden signs Inflation Reduction Act with waste implications and $369B for climate efforts

Groups representing companies that produce RNG from waste touted the law as a major step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The president called it “one of the most significant laws in our history.”

By Megan Quinn • Updated Aug. 17, 2022

Rubicon stock begins trading, company reports nearly $197M in proceeds from SPAC deal

The Kentucky-based technology company has started trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RBT, with plans for further expansion following the new influx of capital.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 16, 2022

Biogas industry applauds House passage of Inflation Reduction Act with ‘historic’ implications

Anaergia and the American Biogas Council said new tax credits and other provisions will be a boon for anaerobic digestion and landfill gas projects. The bill also has implications for Superfund projects and corporate tax policy.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 15, 2022

How WIN Waste Innovations’ unique set of WTE, landfill and rail assets positions it for industry expansion

In an exclusive interview at its headquarters a little over a year after the company's formation, CEO Robert Boucher discussed a possible IPO, upcoming ESG initiatives and the outlook for legacy Wheelabrator facilities.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 11, 2022

Public waste companies have spent nearly $3.9B on M&A so far this year

WM plans to get back in the mix with a greater level of spending, while Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental and Casella Waste Systems remain quite active. 

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 10, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act heads to House with biogas and fleet provisions intact

Tax credits to build biogas projects and expand alternative fuel vehicles remain part of a major climate bill that could see a final vote this week. New language taxing stock buybacks would affect large waste companies, but minimally.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 10, 2022

New York City rolling out ‘largest curbside composting program in the nation’ with Queens expansion

After years of budget cuts and political shifts, the Department of Sanitation says this latest organics recycling iteration will be its most cost-effective and efficient approach yet. Drop-off bins are also being added in other boroughs.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 9, 2022

Biden signs CHIPS bill, spurring hopes that supply chains for waste equipment will improve

Waste and recycling groups have previously said they hope the $52.7 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing and related research can ease longstanding delays for trucks and other equipment.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 9, 2022

Recession or not, waste and recycling companies say outlooks remain strong

Regardless of the direction of the economy, industry execs on earnings calls pointed to waste volume trends, wage rates, price increase acceptance, and experience with past downturns to express confidence.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • Aug. 8, 2022

Stericycle bounces back in Q2 after slow start to the year

CEO Cindy Miller says a stronger labor pool, pricing levers and new infrastructure efficiency projects such as an automated sharps processing system will help improve business for the rest of 2022.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 5, 2022