Zero-emission fleets in the spotlight as EPA, California propose new rules

The waste industry is staring down a major shift in its fleet operations starting this year — and asking for leniency — as a pair of heavy-duty fleet rules proposed at the federal and state level gain traction. 

By Jacob Wallace • April 13, 2023

Anaergia earnings slip after Los Angeles organics collection delays prompt ‘strategic review’

Executives noted the company met revenue guidance, but higher costs caused adjusted earnings to fall below expectations, owing in part to the sluggish ramp-up of its Rialto, California, anaerobic digestion facility.

By Jacob Wallace • April 11, 2023

Maryland poised to institute clean trucks rule, explore closing waste authority

Environmental advocates view the measures as a step forward in decarbonizing Maryland’s waste industry, but the trucking industry has raised concerns about fleet availability. 

By Jacob Wallace • April 10, 2023

Sonoco biogas equipment upgrade to aid emissions targets, RNG capabilities

The company hopes to cut 8,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year by converting methane to renewable natural gas in South Carolina through a partnership with GreenGasUSA.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 6, 2023

WM could earn more from RNG than from recycling by next year as part of dramatic scale-up

The company sees significant upside, including from new regulations and incentives, in building out a portfolio of RNG facilities with the potential to boost earnings as much as $600 million by 2026.

By Jacob Wallace • April 5, 2023

Closed Loop enters $25M agreement to boost HomeBiogas

The deal extends Closed Loop Partners’ rights to distribute HomeBiogas equipment in North America. The anaerobic digester company has plans to grow its business from rural households to commercial projects. 

By Jacob Wallace • Updated April 5, 2023

Denali says $3.7M microgrid project makes organics site more resilient as California ramps up diversion

A solar array and microgrid project with battery storage recently debuted at an Imperial Western Products location. Denali says this will reduce emissions from creating animal feed and biodiesel at the facility.

By Cole Rosengren • March 24, 2023

Bioenergy Devco receives $30M investment as it ramps up US anaerobic digestion efforts

The infusion from a Maryland-based investor allows the firm to expand in a market it sees as ripe for investment.

By Jacob Wallace • March 23, 2023

CNG, electric or hybrid? WM execs talk evolving fleet strategy

Chief Operating Officer John Morris and Senior Director of Fleet David Tessin discuss lessons from WM’s fuel transition, upping RNG investments, the potential impact of eRINs and more.

By Maria Rachal • March 21, 2023

6 types of PFAS included in EPA’s long-awaited drinking water regulations

The EPA’s proposal covers a broader range than previously expected. The rule could become important in how waste facilities monitor or handle PFAS-containing material as well as present possible disposal opportunities.

By Megan Quinn • March 14, 2023

WIN Waste partnering with Baltimore organics recycler on food waste collection pilot

WIN Waste Innovations, through its predecessor company Wheelabrator, has long operated the WTE facility in Baltimore. The new partnership comes as non-governmental entities fill a void in addressing the city’s waste issues.

By Jacob Wallace • Updated March 10, 2023

Deep well disposal for PFAS attracts heightened interest as new regulations loom

Prior U.S. EPA guidance identified deep wells as a possible alternative to landfilling or incineration for these “forever chemicals,” and multiple facilities are touting their technologies as a solution.

By April Reese • March 6, 2023

EPA announces $250M for curbing climate pollution, advancing environmental justice

Each of the 67 most-populated U.S. metropolitan areas is eligible for $1 million in planning grants, which the agency will follow with $4.6 billion to help cities and states implement their plans later this year.

By Michael Brady • March 2, 2023

Clean Harbors identifies incinerator, PFAS and new service sector opportunities for 2023

Clean Harbors anticipates new business opportunities in 2023 and beyond, possibly with companies following the reshoring trend. The company’s first major leadership change in 40 years is also in the works.

By Megan Quinn • March 2, 2023

Divert teams with Enbridge for $1B plan to scale anaerobic digesters and RNG volumes

The organics recycling company, which has private equity backing, aims to reach “every major geographic region” of the U.S. with this deal. Canada-based Enbridge will get a 10% stake as part of its investment.

By Cole Rosengren • March 1, 2023

Stericycle touts revenue improvements, previews 2023 capital investments

CEO Cindy Miller said the company continues to grow revenues and bounce back from inflationary pressures, settlement costs and divestiture impacts in 2022. It’s looking ahead to a Nevada facility opening and other investments.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 24, 2023

Environmental justice is a growing operational factor. How are federal and state agencies defining it?

The definition of an environmental justice or disadvantaged area varies among states and between states and the U.S. EPA, with each term having a different range of implications.

By Myisha Majumder • Feb. 22, 2023

Q4 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems, Clean Harbors, Stericycle and Rubicon as they close out 2022 reports and give guidance for 2023.

Updated March 9, 2023

Waste Connections ends 2022 favorably despite headwinds; spent $2.3B on acquisitions

Waste Connections executives expect a strong start to 2023 due to anticipated acquisitions activity, as well as minor improvements in recycled commodity and energy credit values.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 16, 2023

Republic says it’s ready for any economy; M&A remains a priority after spending $2.7B in 2022

Executives said they anticipate growing revenue potential from the company’s environmental solutions division. The company also previewed upcoming plastic recycling center investments and acquisition plans.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 16, 2023

How the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard program changes could be a boon for landfill and AD operators

The program’s biggest change to date would set long-term renewable natural gas targets, add credits for powering electric vehicles and much more. WM, Republic Services, Anaergia, Covanta and others weigh in on what it means.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 16, 2023

BP CEO describes Archaea acquisition as a ‘game changer’ for boosting biogas volumes

In their first earnings call since completing the purchase of a leading landfill gas project developer, BP executives outlined plans to ramp up capital spending and pursue new offtake options for the Archaea platform.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 8, 2023

Vicinity Energy takes over first WTE facility with $120M Michigan contract

Covanta opted out of the site after 30-plus years, creating an opening for Vicinity, a Veolia spinoff focused on district heating systems. Kent County plans to invest more than $40 million in upgrades to preserve the site.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 8, 2023

Minnesota renewable energy bill that could boost landfill gas, anaerobic digestion heads to governor’s desk

If the bill gets enacted, power from incinerators operating in environmental justice areas would not count toward the state’s renewable energy goals, but that from landfill gas and anaerobic digestion would.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 7, 2023

DOE report touts chemical recycling R&D opportunities while noting plastic’s environmental justice issues

The report, part of a long-term Energy Department effort to boost the viability of plastics recycling and cut energy use, touts opportunities in researching bio-based plastics as well as chemical recycling technologies. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2023