Interim EPA guidance on PFAS disposal, destruction still leaves many questions

A report assessed possible environmental impacts of managing waste with these "forever chemicals" through deep well injection, landfilling or thermal treatment. The Biden administration is expected to take more concrete steps.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 11, 2021

Vaccine rollout boosts medical waste volumes, as workers wait for their shot

States will determine where waste workers fall in line for the coronavirus vaccine, including those responsible for properly disposing of materials from the mass inoculation.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 7, 2021

Covanta's $60M ash processing contract in Honolulu signals next step in closing local landfill

The project involves construction of a processing facility that will divert an estimated 60% of incinerator ash from Oahu's only MSW landfill, which is slated to close by 2028.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 6, 2021

The unfulfilled promises of plastic film recycling

The pandemic spurred an uptick in plastic bag use, as already limited retail take back options became more scarce. Stakeholders from all sides think it's time for new ideas.

By Karine Vann • Updated Jan. 5, 2021

How local waste and recycling leaders are grappling with coronavirus-driven budget pressures

Lost revenues, rising operating expenses and limited federal aid have left local leaders looking for creative solutions. In some cases, the pandemic has also created opportunities to update their practices.

By Leslie Nemo • Dec. 22, 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

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

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

ESG Action of the Year: New Jersey's environmental justice law

The law offers an example of stakeholders uniting on key ESG considerations such as potential emissions and pollution benefits, racial justice and evolving corporate policies impacting such issues.

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

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

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

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

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

Baltimore grants Wheelabrator 10-year contract extension, with emissions requirements, to settle suit

Officials approved an agreement Wednesday extending Wheelabrator's contract for another 10 years, in exchange for lower emissions and a settlement of ongoing litigation. Opponents have already filed a legal complaint.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Nov. 5, 2020

Major shake up at Covanta as CEO exits, company launches strategic review of all operations

The company's stock has consistently underperformed, depsite the strategic value of its facilities. All options are said to be on the table, including selling assets or exiting lines of business, under new CEO Michael Ranger.

By E.A. Crunden , Cole Rosengren • Oct. 30, 2020

Top waste companies report further recovery in Q3, ongoing pandemic effects

The second full quarter to reflect the pandemic's effects showed ongoing recovery of overall volumes and stronger commodity pricing. See results from Waste Management, Republic, Waste Connections, GFL, Covanta and Casella.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 6, 2020

Burning 'forever chemicals' emerges as industry flash point

Sending PFAS to incinerators is drawing lawmaker scrutiny and public outcry, but some experts say it may be the only realistic solution.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Toxic PFAS waste that lasts 'forever' poses financial, logistical challenges for landfills

Some worry PFAS could have National Sword-level implications for landfills. Stakeholders are aiming to avoid blame for contamination, while seeking out solutions to address the mounting crisis.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Disposing 'forever' toxics: How the waste and recycling industry is tackling the PFAS chemicals crisis

Found everywhere from Arctic seawater to the blood of most humans, PFAS are inevitable in the waste stream. With the prospect of regulations and litigation mounting, the industry is figuring out how to handle one of its most difficult issues in years.

By E.A. Crunden • Oct. 19, 2020

Citing age and costs, Florida county shutting down incinerator in 2021

Bay County commissioners recently voted to wind down operations at the facility and will shift disposal to a county-owned landfill. This marks the latest closure of an older facility as new mass burn capacity is slow to materialize.

By E.A. Crunden • Sept. 9, 2020

SWEEP standard coming to fruition with industry support and pilot cities

After years of work, an accreditation system modeled after LEED is reaching a notable milestone. Those behind it hope to improve data standardization and drive sustainable materials management policies around the country.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Aug. 31, 2020

PFAS test at Covanta-operated incinerator scrapped following public outcry

The New Jersey DEP expressed disappointment, while the U.S. EPA said it will continue partnering with states and local governments as it seeks ways to destroy the toxic chemicals.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Aug. 26, 2020