EPA’s Carlton Waterhouse: Environmental justice means thinking beyond regulatory requirements

The EPA official previewed a new recycling infrastructure map, more data and updates on grants to help facilities "green" their operations. He also urged facility operators to invest in their communities.

By Megan Quinn • May 31, 2022

City Haul: Federal pandemic funds offer rare opportunity for waste and recycling investments

Climate and cleanliness goals, plus worker safety concerns, help sanitation projects compete for flexible American Rescue Plan funds, as localities also await next steps on the rollout of recycling grants through the infrastructure law.

By Maria Rachal • May 24, 2022

Willie Goode, founder of multiple DC-area waste companies, reflects on 30 years in business

After starting out on the back of a truck, the CEO of Maryland-based Goode Cos. has since grown a multi-company portfolio. He reflects on what it took to get there, a tough contract experience in Florida and what's next.

By Cole Rosengren • May 23, 2022

How top waste companies are competing around M&A, recycling, inflation and labor

Hear what executives from Casella Waste Systems, Coastal Waste & Recycling, LRS, Republic Services, USA Hauling & Recycling, Waste Connections and others had to say about key trends at WasteExpo.

By Cole Rosengren • May 18, 2022

Electric evolution increasingly seen as inevitable for waste and recycling fleets

Timeline predictions vary, but conversations at WasteExpo suggested a wider consensus is forming that refuse fleets are destined for electrification. With that, the focus shifts from doubts about trucks to infrastructure stresses.

By Maria Rachal • May 16, 2022

Gov. Polis signs Colorado's EPR for packaging bill

This is now the third state bill of its kind to pass. The law will create an advisory board with recycler representation and has seen support from certain packaging industry groups.

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 3, 2022

Best Buy just launched a $200 electronics recycling pick-up program

For consumers looking to avoid e-waste, retailers are filling a gap left by manufacturers. Best Buy sees this as a convenience service that can appeal to consumers regardless of policy drivers in their state.

By Kaarin Moore • May 12, 2022

Dispatches from WasteExpo Day 1: Latinx business leaders, mobile collection apps and PFAS in biosolids

The industry's largest event kicked off with sessions focused on the link between diversity and sustainability, young rising leaders, fleet technology rollouts, a notable new PFAS law in Maine and more.

By Cole Rosengren , Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • May 10, 2022

Republic Services plugs US Ecology-driven expansion, Archaea RNG deal

After finalizing the $2.2 billion US Ecology acquisition, Republic said it has another $400 million worth of solid waste and recycling deals "in the advanced stages of closing" and is eyeing tuck-ins in environmental solutions.

By Maria Rachal • May 6, 2022

GFL Environmental's momentum continues with 21 deals, further potential to recover fuel costs

Following the Sprint purchase, executives anticipate further M&A opportunities. They were also optimistic in an earnings call about further potential from recovering Canadian volumes, price increases and lower labor turnover.

By Cole Rosengren • May 5, 2022

Waste Connections touts $175M in Q1 acquisitions, 'robust pipeline' for 2022

The company discussed a strong start to the year due in part to solid waste pricing and revenues from its resource recovery sector, but inflation and labor challenges remain.

By Megan Quinn • May 4, 2022

Clean Harbors Q1 boosted by HydroChem PSC deal, growing environmental services demand

Executives touted plans for an upcoming Nebraska incinerator and are optimistic about gaining further ground in a market that has become more consolidated following Republic's purchase of US Ecology.

By Cole Rosengren • May 4, 2022

Q1 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Catch up on the latest round of financial results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors and Stericycle.

By The Waste Dive Team • Updated May 6, 2022

Minneapolis shares its years of organics collection expertise as other major cities consider new efforts

The Minnesota city has over 50% program participation after going citywide around 2015. Meanwhile, Boston, Chicago and Washington, D.C., are among the cities eyeing expansions to collection options.

By Maria Rachal • May 3, 2022

C&D recycling and rail transfer facility coming to capacity-strained Greater Boston market

The project is not owned by a major waste industry player, making it an outlier for the region. With construction beginning later this year, it will enter a market with increasingly high recycling expectations.

By Cole Rosengren • May 2, 2022

Casella forecasts $1B in annual revenue, growing M&A pipeline

The Northeastern company reported a positive quarter despite facility construction setbacks, inflation issues and lower landfill volumes. It also previewed upward of $500 million in potential acquisition opportunities.

By Megan Quinn • April 29, 2022

Stericycle reports challenging Q1, detailing recovery from labor and inflation headwinds

As it saw a decline in pandemic-related waste, Stericycle experienced its most acute period of driver illnesses yet. The company also previewed a new medical waste facility and closed out a $90 million corruption settlement.

By Megan Quinn • April 28, 2022

WM describes 'conservative' approach on M&A, sees strong Q1 price and volume trends

Executives at the industry's top company kicked off earnings season with updates on efforts to offset inflation, reduce head count through automation and focus more on ESG investments than on big acquisitions.

By Cole Rosengren • April 26, 2022

OSHA wants to make injury data public, but employers fear a PR nightmare

Employers also could face increased union activity, one employment law attorney said. The proposed regulations are similar to an Obama-era rule that the Trump administration ultimately rescinded.

By Carla Bell and Kate Tornone • April 25, 2022

Stericycle shareholders pass civil rights proposal; similar proposals pass at WM, fail at Republic

The Teamsters and investment firm Parnassus previously said independent audits could clarify progress on corporate ESG and DEI goals. The companies have said they already provide needed data on the issues.

By Megan Quinn • Updated June 2, 2022

Boston curbside composting pilot to begin service in August

Garbage to Garden and Save That Stuff will jointly provide collection service. Food waste will be sent to local composting and codigestion facilities.

By Maria Rachal • Updated May 27, 2022

As reusable takeout container systems expand, logistics questions abound

The pandemic threw startups for a loop, but many are still seeing strong demand. Now, companies and restaurants may have to balance brand identity with a factor that could be most helpful for reusables to succeed — uniformity.

By Leslie Nemo • April 20, 2022

Here comes the sun: OSHA launches new program for heat safety

The agency will inspect the jobsites of over 70 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor settings when the National Weather Service issues a heat warning or advisory for a local area.

By Zachary Phillips • April 14, 2022

Republic Services closes acquisition of large Massachusetts hauler and recycler JRM

JRM was one of the last large independent companies left in the Greater Boston market. The deal fits in with Republic's existing transfer infrastructure in the region and will give it a MRF north of the city.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated May 20, 2022

EPR legislation not included in final New York state budget despite governor's support

Gov. Kathy Hochul spearheaded the effort to implement producer responsibility for packaging, but it didn't survive budget negotiations. Attention now turns to other pending legislation that would enact various forms of packaging EPR.

By Megan Quinn • April 11, 2022