How recycling has changed in all 50 states

The most comprehensive tracker of local recycling program changes, cancellations and solutions in the U.S. from November 2017 to November 2019. 

By Cole Rosengren • Updated June 5, 2019

California city finds local recycling solution for 30K unwanted carts at fraction of prior cost

It wasn't entirely clear why recycling facilities weren't interested in these carts, which are often reground and repurposed into new ones. Waste Dive tracked down manufacturer Bonar Plastics to learn more. 

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Jan. 15, 2020

Phoenix City Council preserves curbside recycling with rate increase

The city, viewed as a model for circular economy efforts, had run into financial challenges due to a turbulent recycling market and growing population. This will be its first residential rate increase since 2009.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Feb. 12, 2020

New D.C. zero waste bill would have major implications for composting and recycling

The bill would establish EPR programs for sharps and batteries, impose organics diversion requirements on many businesses, and establish a surcharge based on contamination levels in recyclables. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 11, 2019

Rising BLS injury, illness rate for collection workers troubles industry

Incidence rates were up for collection employees in 2018, to more than double the national average, but declined at both landfills and MRFs.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 8, 2019

Scaling up organics recycling and biogas projects, in the Midwest and beyond

The BioCycle REFOR19 conference in Madison, Wisconsin covered how both local governments and private enterprise can optimize their efforts with projects that fit regional needs.

By Max Witynski • Updated Nov. 7, 2019

National plastics draft bill gains momentum amid industry push to tackle pollution

Sweeping nationwide plastics legislation is creeping closer to reality with a new draft. But the plan is likely to meet with resistance from recycling industry groups and product manufacturers, who prefer more voluntary solutions.

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 6, 2019

Casella Q3: Northeast still focal point, Pennsylvania could be key to future

The Vermont company is pushing the envelope for landfill pricing – as it ramps up capacity at multiple sites – and is eyeing potential divestments from Waste Management's Advanced Disposal acquisition.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 4, 2019

Waste Management and DSNY prepare defense for trial over upstate landfill complaints

A New York judge has allowed a case brought by residents around the High Acres landfill to go forward. The dispute echoes growing tensions in the region amid decreasing capacity. 

By E.A. Crunden • Nov. 4, 2019

What cities can learn from Phoenix's circular economy experiments

Home to a unique incubator, the fast-growing Arizona city has embarked on multiple new ventures in recent years. WASTECON panelists shared economic, logistical and political advice.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 1, 2019

Key stories from the New York commercial waste reform saga

The multiyear push to implement a nonexclusive franchise system has been tumultuous and complex. Follow along with Waste Dive’s in-depth coverage.

Updated Oct. 7, 2024

Republic Services Q3: Expect $550M in M&A this year, 'strong' 2020 pace

Republic sees many expansion opportunities within its core capabilities, possibly even in Canada, and reported few economic concerns. Executives also addressed recycling, E&P and labor pressures.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 31, 2019

Waste Connections Q3: Acquisition offers worth $600M on the table

Recent M&A activity was quieter, but the company did close on a greenfield landfill project. Overall financial performance was strong, despite nagging headwinds from recycling and RIN credits.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 30, 2019

New York City Council advances commercial zone bill, opponents make final push

The successful vote came after 13 council members endorsed a letter requesting more time to consider a proposal that will dramatically reshape the city's open market system. A final vote is scheduled for Oct. 30.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 29, 2019

What will it take to use more recycled content in plastic recycling carts?

The increasingly ubiquitous products still contain lots of virgin plastic. While one new company is advancing a bio-based replacement, others say their models can only handle so much recycled resin.

By Leslie Nemo • Updated Oct. 29, 2019

GFL cancels IPO, vows to keep up M&A pace

Reports indicate the Canadian giant's debt load, and recent net losses amid a period of expansion, made some investors hesitant about the proposed share price. 

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 24, 2019

Waste Management Q3: Consumers driving landfill volumes, industrial activity less certain

The industry giant reported yet another profitable quarter for collection and disposal, warding off ongoing recession concerns and compensating for a bad stretch of recycling commodity prices.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 24, 2019

EPA sued by hazardous waste group over e-Manifest fee increases

The Environmental Technology Council, an industry trade association, is challenging the agency's "excessive" fee increase and seeking a refund. This follows ongoing complaints about the new tracking program's rollout.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 18, 2019

Voters decide to keep controversial St. Paul, Minnesota collection plan

The two-year-old organized collection system has sparked legal challenges and intense debate. Some of the nation's largest haulers, including Waste Management and Republic Services, have benefited from the shift.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 6, 2019

Massachusetts Teamsters end Republic strike, quit jobs

After 84 days, and multiple rounds of unsuccessful contract negotiations, two dozen workers voted to end their demonstration. Their strike attracted national attention, including from multiple presidential candidates.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 21, 2019

New York commercial waste zone bill finalized ahead of imminent vote

Aside from new language on labor retention, the version council members will be asked to vote on remains largely unchanged from a prior draft. A vote is expected Oct. 30.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 23, 2019

Burned by lithium battery surge, recyclers seek solutions

Lithium batteries are increasingly popular because of their powerful punch, but that also makes them a risk when mismanaged. Safety and recycling programs are on the rise to survive the trend.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 9, 2019

Who comes out on top if New York passes commercial waste zones?

How many local haulers will be left to win franchise contracts, and whether any new entrants join the fray, all comes down to how legislative negotiations play out.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 9, 2019

NWRA loses challenge to New York transfer station capacity law

The hard-fought "waste equity" law signed in 2018 will allow the city to restrict permitted capacity at sites in three different boroughs. Industry operators say it will unfairly harm their business and may appeal the decision.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 9, 2019

Industry's top trade groups sign first OSHA safety alliance

The NWRA and SWANA will collaborate with federal regulators to share information on a range of safety issues, with a focus on small- and medium-sized employers.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 2, 2019