5 key pandemic trends from the solid waste industry's Q1 earnings reports

Results are in for seven publicly traded North American companies, and it's clear the industry is resilient. But many questions remain about adapting to volume shifts and whether early optimism for economic recovery will bear out.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • May 13, 2020

Puerto Rico's yearslong debate over WTE continues as the island's landfill issues mount

After a proposed incinerator project stalled in 2018, the territory's long-term plan remains uncertain as noncompliant landfills are reaching capacity. Meanwhile, recycling programs and waste reduction efforts are still evolving.

By Genevieve Glatsky • May 1, 2020

Covanta negotiating with Florida county over first US incinerator expansion in years

Pasco County commissioners approved initial plans to expand the facility, despite concerns over the potential $525 million cost. County officials deemed the move essential, but some said recycling efforts need improvement.

By E.A. Crunden • April 29, 2020

One year covering COVID-19's impact on the waste and recycling sector

The coronavirus pandemic brought sweeping changes to the U.S., including significant effects for an industry that continued its work throughout the crisis. Catch up on all of Waste Dive's reporting from the initial year.

By Waste Dive Team • Updated March 15, 2021

Pandemics were not part of most contingency plans, but waste and recycling industry proving resilient

Precautions previously in place for industry disruptions did not account for a coronavirus-induced economic disruption. Companies and public sector consultants discuss what's next more than a month in.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • April 17, 2020

Reducing food waste emerges as key climate solution

Project Drawdown's 2020 report, released before the pandemic, elevated food waste as an increasingly relevant solution while highlighting the role industry can play in tackling the issue through reducing waste sent to landfills.

By E.A. Crunden • April 16, 2020

Uncharted waters: Waste and recycling companies adapting to the coronavirus economy

Commercial volumes are down dramatically in many markets, employee hours are being cut and contract terms are tested. How service providers respond could have lasting reputational and financial implications.

By Cole Rosengren • March 31, 2020

Stericycle: Medical waste volumes from COVID-19 not as high as Ebola so far

Medical waste companies are seeking a uniform approach as the industry braces for coronavirus waste impact. NWRA, Stericycle and others are warning against "overclassifying" coronavirus waste as medical waste as part of that effort.

By E.A. Crunden • March 19, 2020

Medical waste companies preparing for potentially elevated volumes as coronavirus concerns accelerate

China has seen staggering amounts of medical waste. It is unclear if U.S. impacts might be similar, but companies such as Veolia North America and Stericycle are closely monitoring new developments. 

By E.A. Crunden • March 17, 2020

Waste companies react to coronavirus and alter travel plans amid uncertain operational effects

Some of the industry's largest companies shared an evolving range of approaches to travel expectations, meeting structures, and operational decisions. Plans for SWANApalooza and ISRI 2020 have been suspended.

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

New Jersey governor signs contentious organics diversion bill

New Jersey will become the ninth site with some form of food waste diversion policy, but a multiyear debate over whether landfills with gas capture systems should count as a form of organics recycling is likely to continue.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated April 15, 2020

Baltimore council members back goal of 'zero waste' by 2040 amid incinerator litigation

Activists pushing for the closure of Wheelabrator Baltimore are calling for a dramatic turn toward waste reduction and diversion. A majority of council members introduced a resolution Monday in support of that plan.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated March 10, 2020

House lawmakers debate regulatory role of federal government in plastics and recycling

In a Wednesday hearing, lawmakers formed stances along partisan lines over several pieces of federal recycling legislation. Republicans took a hard line against plastics bans and seemed to scrutinize shifting oversight to the federal government.

By E.A. Crunden • March 5, 2020

PFAS concerns abound for landfill operators, even as industry sees potential for opportunity

Public outcry and regulations remain an ongoing worry, an issue highlighted at this year's Global Waste Management Symposium. Some also see solving the crisis as potentially lucrative. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 27, 2020

2019 earnings coverage for US waste and recycling companies

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly analysis of results from Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, Advanced Disposal Services, Casella Waste Systems and Covanta during 2019.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 26, 2020

2019 earnings coverage: Covanta

Catch up on Waste Dive's quarterly coverage of results from the industry's largest waste-to-energy company as it continued plans for international expansion.

By Waste Dive Team • Feb. 25, 2020

Covanta processed record waste last year, claims 'active' talks around new US capacity

Commodity market turbulence remains challenging, but Covanta touted strong pricing growth and a string of upcoming international projects. The company also emphasized its role as a landfill alternative as climate concerns mount.

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 24, 2020

Republic Services acquires Massachusetts C&D processor with rail transfer access

Devens Recycling, permitted for up to 1,500 tons per day of C&D and MSW, is among the largest of its kind in a capacity-constrained region. The deal is expected to open up valuable internalization opportunities.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Feb. 14, 2020

Baltimore to appeal federal ruling that struck down incinerator emissions law

Wheelabrator and other opponents, who argued the policy was intended to force closure of their incinerators, had celebrated the late March decision. Now, Mayor Jack Young has directed the city to appeal and defend its law.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated April 23, 2020

House passes sweeping new PFAS bill with waste implications

The legislation could establish disposal regulations for "forever chemicals." While some in the industry are apprehensive, others see opportunity. President Trump has already signaled strong opposition.

By E.A. Crunden • Updated Jan. 10, 2020

7 pressing questions for the waste and recycling industry in 2020

The year is shaping up to be a major one for the industry's future. We'll be digging into safety, corporate consolidation, climate commitments, recycling policy, organics, PFAS, politics and more.

By Cole Rosengren , E.A. Crunden • Jan. 6, 2020

Covanta will set 'science-based' emissions reduction target by 2022 as part of climate focus

Covanta's new sustainability report argues incineration can play a key role in diverting waste from landfills, a major source of methane, and previews a growing focus on climate concerns.

By E.A. Crunden • Dec. 23, 2019

New Jersey Assembly passes organics diversion mandate without landfill exemption

Following Gov. Phil Murphy's conditional veto of a contentious bill earlier this year, legislators are moving ahead with a bill intended to spur organics recycling. Landfill operators with gas-to-energy systems remain displeased.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 19, 2019

Stericycle abandons plans for North Las Vegas site following pushback over health and environmental risks

The medical waste company previously faced a historically high fine over emissions violations in Utah. Nevada residents and officials had expressed concern that a similar situation might play out at the new site. 

By E.A. Crunden • Dec. 19, 2019

Veolia North America's new CEO outlines big plans for waste growth

Brian Clarke is charged with spending recent divestment proceeds on expanding the French company's waste network. Priorities include hazardous waste, plastics recycling, PFAS treatment and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 5, 2019