Collection worker fatalities fell in 2019, rank as 6th deadliest job: BLS

It's the first time since 2012 refuse and recycling collectors haven't landed in the top five most fatal occupations, as tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fatal transportation incidents fell dramatically after a 2018 spike.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 17, 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

What Pete Buttigieg would bring to the Transportation Department

A $1 trillion infrastructure plan Buttigieg unveiled in January as part of his presidential campaign hints at what could be the agency's future priorities.

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 16, 2020

2020 shapes up as major year for M&A, consolidation in waste and recycling industry

Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Wheelabrator and many others all had a particularly active stretch of deal-making across numerous states.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 15, 2020

New England M&A heats up as Wheelabrator, Boston Carting Services expand

The private equity-backed players are just two examples of companies making moves in a region many view as primed for consolidation. As other companies expand their footprints, there may be more to come.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 15, 2020

Inspector General faults Chicago for multifamily recycling stagnancy, lawmakers call for answers

The Department of Streets and Sanitation was found to be falling short in multiple areas when it comes to enforcing recycling for numerous buildings in the city. Local aldermen are calling for a hearing on the issue in January.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 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

Republic Services highlights plastic market limitations, clarifies EPR stances, in report

A recent report, stemming from a shareholder resolution this year, shows the financial complexities around managing mixed plastics. It's also the latest sign of an industry shift on the rising producer responsibility discussion.

By Cole Rosengren • 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

People of the Year: Waste and recycling workers

The entire industry has stepped up during a significantly challenging year, but none of it would be possible without the frontline workers who put themselves at risk to keep it all running.

By Waste Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

How Harsco reimagined its Clean Earth division mid-pandemic as a national hazardous waste player

President David Stanton discusses building a new business following the acquisition of assets from Stericycle, pandemic effects, recycling opportunities, and the big potential around managing PFAS waste.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 8, 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

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

The DOT under Biden: Does it really matter who's in charge at the FMCSA?

Two former agency officials discuss what might occur in the coming months at the highest level of the industry's main bureau.

By S.L. Fuller • Nov. 20, 2020

Urgency around climate change, plastics ramps up circular economy interest in US

Georgia Sherwin of Closed Loop Partners highlights how the concept is becoming more tangible for businesses, with a look at implications for reuse models, policies and diversity in the sector.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 19, 2020

How the waste and recycling industry can weather rapid changes in the insurance marketplace

Nathan Brainard, vice president of the environmental division at Insurance Office of America, outlines why so many insurers have exited the marketplace in recent years and how industry service providers can turn things around.

By Nathan Brainard • Nov. 19, 2020

EPA sets 2030 national recycling goal, stakeholders call for more federal action

Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a 50% recycling rate target for 2030, while the latest annual data showed a decline to 32.1% and multiple financial pressures continue for the sector.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 18, 2020

Ongoing evolution in ESG and climate plans among waste and recycling companies

Companies have been setting more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets and announcing related investments in recent years.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated Sept. 22, 2021

Calculating the costs of climate change in the waste, energy sectors

Waste Dive, Utility Dive and Smart Cities Dive teamed up for a series presenting the way their sectors are evaluating the impacts and costs of mitigating climate change.

By Nami Sumida • Nov. 18, 2020

Tracking ESG climate targets from US waste and recycling companies

Republic Services is the latest company to report on its emissions reduction goals, but it opted not to update a specific report as it awaits the outcome of a Securities and Exchange Commission climate disclosure rule.

By Nami Sumida, Cole Rosengren, Leslie Nemo • Updated July 27, 2023

US waste and recycling sector faces mounting risks and opportunities from climate change

As the industry increasingly recognizes its contribution to climate change and sees business opportunities in potentially mitigating those effects, the sector could be at a notable inflection point in the years ahead.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 18, 2020

Oregon beverage container redemption volumes surge despite pandemic

The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative credits its resilience to prior contactless system investments, with volumes up even amid some collection suspensions. This could be a positive sign for limited aluminum supplies.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 16, 2020

Georgia on track for new recycling funds following ballot measure and state law

A new law, spurred by a constitutional amendment, ensures revenue generated from tire sales and disposal tip fees would go toward waste and recycling programs as intended rather than largely getting shifted to the general fund.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated May 12, 2021